Top Things To Do In Hikkaduwa!
Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka is a small coastal town located approximately 100km south of Colombo. The best time of year to visit Hikkaduwa Beach is between November and March for the hot summer rays and good surf. Even though this is the peak season for tourists, the prices for accommodation and food are very reasonable.
I recommend spending at least two days in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka to get a real feel for the area!
In this guide, I have included the 7 Top Things To Do In Hikkaduwa to make sure you get the most out of your visit!
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HOW TO GET TO HIKKADUWA
There are a few options when searching for how to get to Hikkaduwa and they are by private taxi, bus or train.
Taxi from Colombo to Hikkaduwa:
I personally took a private taxi with some friends from Colombo Airport to Hikkaduwa which cost around 8,000 Rupees ($45) total and we split the cost between four of us. The drive from Colombo to Hikkaduwa takes around two hours.
There are much cheaper options available to get from Colombo to Hikkaduwa such as the train or the bus which I have listed below, though this journey takes a lot longer.
Bus from Colombo to Hikkaduwa:
Take bus 187 from Colombo Airport to Colombo Fort Central Bus Station for around 100 Rupees. You will have to transfer buses here and take any bus that is clearly labeled Galle, Tangalle, Matara, Hikkaduwa which costs around 300 Rupees.
Buses run every fifteen minutes. Just ask the driver to notify you when the bus is about to arrive in Hikkaduwa.
Total journey time: 3-4 hours
Train from Colombo to Hikkaduwa:
Take bus 187 From Colombo Airport to Colombo Fort Railway Station for around 100 Rupees. You can purchase a 2nd or 3rd class ticket to Hikkaduwa when you arrive at the railway station for around 150 Rupees. Don’t expect to get a seat on this train as they are generally always packed.
Total journey time: 4-5 hours.
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Beach bar – Hikkaduwa things to do
TOP 7 THINGS TO DO IN HIKKADUWA
Hikkaduwa Beach
Explore the white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of one of the best Sri Lanka Beaches, Hikkaduwa Beach. Go for a swim or even find a palm tree to climb! There are numerous swim spots along the stretch of coastline, many of which have huge turtles swimming around close to shore which is why it is one of the best places to visit in Hikkaduwa.
Snorkeling at Hikkaduwa Coral Reef
Rent a mask and snorkel and take a short boat ride over to the Hikkaduwa coral reef to get a closer look at the underwater world. There are many tour operators set up on Hikkaduwa beach that can help you organise a Hikkaduwa snorkeling trip. If snorkeling is not enough, you can also book a scuba diving trip to explore the shipwrecks right off the coast.
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Hikkaduwa Beach – Things to do in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa snorkeling trip
Rent A Surfboard – Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka Surfing
Surf’s Up! Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka is becoming quite a famous surf spot for its clean waves and consistent swell. If you don’t have your own surfboard you can easily find one to rent from a local surf shack on the beach or from a shop in town. This was one of my favorite things to do in Hikkaduwa.
Nomatic Travel Bag: Best travel bag in the world! The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag is a game changer and perfect for all adventures. With an incredible organization system that enables you to pack more in less space, this carry-on size bag will change the way you travel!
Railway Adventure
Adventure down the railway tracks of Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka. Just one block back from the main street is the local railway line where you can dare to get as close as you like to the trains that come hooning past. When the track is clear, it is a great spot to take photos standing on the railway.
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Railway adventures – What to do in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa Juice Bar
Quench your thirst at one of the roadside Juice Bars in Hikkaduwa. It is by far the freshest juice I have tasted. The local fruit market is working around the clock, so you know the fruit is going to be as fresh as it gets. Definitely add this to your list of things to do in Hikkaduwa.
Gangarama Temple
Visit the Gangarama Maha Vihara Temple. This interesting Buddhist temple has lots of popular educational paintings that are the work of one man over nearly a decade. The monks will be very happy to show you around.
Local Street Food
If you are a foodie then you must indulge in the local roadside roti in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka. There are many different roti’s to choose from, though a personal favorite of mine is the spicy vegetable and egg.
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Roadside juice bar in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka
Exploring Hikkaduwa Beach – What to do in Hikkaduwa
WHERE TO STAY IN HIKKADUWA
Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my favorite places to stay, from Hikkaduwa hostels to the best hotels in Hikkaduwa. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Aditya Boutique Hotel
A luxurious 5-star hotel offering spacious air-conditioned rooms, private plunge pools, free wifi, a beauty spa and an in-house restaurant. Aditya Boutique Hotel is suitable for families, couples and even solo travelers.
Mid Range: Nico Beach Hotel
This 3-star accommodation is situated right down on Hikkaduwa’s beachfront. Simply furnished, air-conditioned rooms come with a wardrobe, a minibar, mosquito net, seating area and a private bathroom. Perfect for couples and friends traveling on a budget.
Budget: Yonal Homestay
Centrally located in Hikkaduwa, Yonal Homestay has a shared lounge, shared kitchen and free wifi. The rooms are equipped with a TV, kitchenette, fridge, private bathroom and air-conditioning. This place is perfect for solo travellers on a budget if you want to get bang for your buck!
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN HIKKADUWA, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
HIKKADUWA MAP
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AIRBNB HIKKADUWA
Another option for accommodation in Hikkaduwa is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals!
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MORE SRI LANKA TRAVEL GUIDES
Sri Lank Travel Guide: 2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary
Hikkaduwa Travel Guide: 7 Things To Do In Hikkaduwa
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Udawalawe Travel Guide: Udawalawe Safari Tour
LONELY PLANET – SRI LANKA
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Sri Lanka Travel Guide!
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WHAT TO PACK FOR HIKKADUWA
Everyday Backpack: One of the best backpacks on the market! The Nomatic 20L Backpack is perfect for on the go adventures. Featuring multiple storage spaces for valuables, drink bottles, chargers, notebooks and more. This sleek backpack was designed for you.
Universal Power Adapter: Don’t leave home without one! I highly recommend getting this Universal Power Adapter so that you are able to charge all of your electronics when you’re on the road. Compatible in Asia, UK, Europe, Africa, USA, SA and Australia.
Hidden Money Belt: I never go on a trip without one! The best thing is they are always out of sight, hidden beneath your clothing. With RFID blocking, they are perfectly designed to keep your credit cards, cash and other valuables safe when you’re out adventuring!
Waterproof Phone Case: A waterproof phone case is a must-have item! This universal case will keep your phone safe from water damage, sand and scratches during your adventures. Suitable for all smartphone models.
Portable Charger: One of the best portable chargers on the market! The Anker Power Bank keeps your phone and accessories charged on those longer adventures. Featuring 2 USB charging ports, rechargeable battery, works with iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Oppo and Android.
Microfibre Travel Towel: To pack a towel or not to pack a towel? A standard bathroom towel can take up a lot of space in your travel bag. Get your hands on a quick-dry Microfibre Travel Towel which is perfect for the beach, backpacking, camping and general traveling.
Rain Jacket: A light-weight rain jacket is an absolute must when traveling! North Face waterproof rain jackets come in both men and women sizes, featuring a breathable mesh lining and adjustable hood that can be tucked away inside the collar.
Kindle: The best alternative for books! Kindle e-readers are perfect for long haul flights, reading on the beach or a quiet evening away from the bars. Kindle’s are waterproof with rechargeable batteries and adjustable light settings to suit indoor/outdoor conditions.
Packing Cubes: My favorite item in my backpack! Perfect for organizing your shirts, pants, jackets, socks, underwear and more. This 5 Set Packing Cubes makes packing easier and more efficient, adding extra space in your bag for your next trip.
Activated Charcoal Tablets: Want to avoid food poisoning? Most of us have been a victim of travelers diarrhea from eating street food. Organic Activated Charcoal Tablets are fast-acting and will rid your system of the bad bacteria that causes stomach upset.
MY CAMERA GEAR
Everyday Camera: The most affordable mirrorless camera on the market! I personally use the Sony A7ii Mirrorless Camera on all of my adventures. It’s compact, lightweight and super easy to use for all levels of photography. A 28-70mm Sony lens is also included.
Drone Camera: Take your photography to new heights! The DJI Mavic Pro 2 Drone is at the top of the game when it comes to high-quality images and video, easy to control functions and traveler-friendly capabilities. I guarantee you won’t regret purchasing one.
GoPro Hero 8: One of the most popular cameras on the planet! I love using the GoPro Hero 8 for all of my underwater shots and fast-paced adventures. The GoPro Hero 8 captures the best moments with its wide range of functions that are very simple to use!
Camera Bag: My favorite camera bag I have ever owned! The Lowepro Protactic 450 AW II Camera Bag features a waterproof rain cover, drink bottle holder, padded compartments for cameras, drones, lenses, accessories and it also has a laptop pocket.
Selfie Stick: Everyone loves a good selfie, right!? The Sandmarc Metal Edition Selfie Stick is sleek, stylish and can extend to 1.2m. I find it much easier to take photos and videos with the GoPro when it is mounted to the Sandmarc Selfie Stick!
Camera Tripod: The Joby GorillaPod is suitable for all cameras. This tripod is easy to use and perfect for setting up a time-lapse video or even using it as a selfie stick. The legs are flexible so you can wrap it around a tree or a pole to get creative with your shot.
GoPro Dome: Have you ever wanted to capture those under/over water shots with the GoPro? This epic underwater GoPro dome housing is the best camera accessory to have to create the perfect 50/50 shot. I use mine every time I am in the ocean!
Memory Card: The best thing about SanDisk Extreme Pro is that it delivers maximum speed for images and videos. Having 64GB of storage means that you can store hundreds of files on this SD card for 2-3 days and not have to worry about running out of space.
External Hard Drive: As a photographer, my images and video files take up a lot of space on my MacBook so I use the WD Elements External Hard Drive to store everything. With 4TB worth of storage space, this is more than enough for 1 year worth of content.
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MY SHOP
Before you go from this things to do in Hikkaduwa post, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
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FINAL THOUGHTS OF THINGS TO DO IN HIKKADUWA
I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about what to do in Hikkaduwa, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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Hey, I’m Jonny – surfer, skater, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia!
With a burning passion for travel and the outdoors, I launched this Adventure Travel Blog in 2017, and I’ve been exploring the world ever since!
My little corner of the interwebs is a space where I love to share all of my epic adventures, cultural experiences, and captivating photos from around the globe with the ultimate goal to inspire and motivate other like-minded travelers to explore this wonderful earth too!
What an amazing and a fascinating place to visit. I really didn’t know much about Sri Lanka but after reading this post I will surely visit one day. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post.
You’re welcome! Sri Lanka is beautiful and a must-see destination!
Hi,
Pretty place to visit sri lanka, Good One , Thanks for sharing
Glad you loved it!
Hi, great little article! I’m currently in a hikkaduwa… can you tell me where the palm tree photo is? Would love to find it on my last day tomorrow!
Author
Hey Kelly, just head down to the main beach in Hikkaduwa and walk south along the sand! There are half a dozen spots with bent palm trees along the coast south of Hikkaduwa! Enjoy 🙂
Thanks for all the info ! I went there 7 years ago and can’t wait to head back !
Author
You’re welcome! It’s an incredible place, isn’t it!
Thank you for sharing all this!
Just a question, what time do the buses start going to Hikkaduwa from Colombo bus station? x
Author
Thanks for reading! Umm I am not 100% sure but I would say as early as 7:00 am.
I wish I read you blog sooner. Thanks for the helpful info!
Author
Most welcome!