Location: South Coast Sri Lanka on the Sri Lanka
Nearest Airport:
Colombo at 130
Kilometres
Nearest Train:
Hikkaduwa at 6
Kilometres
Nearest Beach:
beach at 3.0
Kilometres
Car: not necessary
Hikkaduwa lies at the heart of the palm-fringed West coast, conveniently placed for the historic town of Galle. This small beach resort sprang to prominence as a favourite haunt on the Sixties backpacker trail. It is now showing signs of regaining its youthful, informal feel, with one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, a good scattering of decent beachside bars (particularly lively at weekends), restaurants, sporadically-appearing night clubs and great-value fish restaurants. The Kosgoda turtle hatchery and Sinharaja rain forest are among nearby attractions.
About 20km from Hikkaduwa is Galle, the most important town in the south. Its Dutch fort area, with its mighty ramparts, encloses some wonderful examples of colonial architecture. The diving season along the south coast is November to April and Hikkaduwa has the best diving schools and one of the best surfing beaches. International surfing championships in November are a special attraction.