TOP 7 THINGS TO DO IN HIKKADUWA, SRI LANKA – A COMPLETE GUIDE

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. Although this is the peak season for tourists, the prices for accommodation and food are very reasonable.

I would recommend spending two days in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka to get a real feel for the area!

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HOW TO GET TO HIKKADUWA

I was traveling with three friends and we took a private taxi 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, 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

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

See All ∼ Homestays & Hotels in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka

Railway adventures – What to do in Hikkaduwa

5. Juice Bar

Quench your thirst at one of the roadside Juice Bars. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com

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.

Check prices on Booking.com

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!

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN HIKKADUWA, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

 

HIKKADUWA MAP

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AIRBNB SRI LANKA

Another option for accommodation in Sri Lanka is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals in Sri Lanka.

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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

Unawatuna Travel Guide: 8 Things To Do In Unawatuna

Ella Travel Guide: Best Things To Do In Ella

Udawalawe Travel Guide: Udawalawe Safari Tour

 

MY CAMERA GEAR

• DSLR Mirrorless Camera: Sony A7ii 

• Drone Camera: DJI Mavic Pro 2

• GoPro: GoPro Hero 7 Black

• Everyday Lens: Sony F2.8 24/70mm

• Camera Bag: Lowepro Protactic 31L

• Selfie Stick: Sandmarc Metal Edition 1.2m 

• Tripod: Joby Flexible GorillaPod

• GoPro Dome: Underwater GoPro Dome

• Power Bank: Anker Powerbank

• External Hardrive: WD Elements 4TB

 

WHAT TO PACK FOR SRI LANKA?

• Waterproof Phone Case: Universal Waterproof Case

• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle

• Rain Jacket: North Face Rain Jacket

• Water Shoes: Slip-on Water Shoes

• Day Bag: Nomatic 20L Day Bag

• Power Adapter: Universal Power Adapter

• Packing Cubes: 4 Set Packing Cubes

• Microfibre Towel: Quick Dry Travel Towel

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance

• Money Belt: Hidden Money Belt

 

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions on what to do in Hikkaduwa, please leave me a comment below!

 

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