Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa, a coastal town on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, has transformed from a quiet fishing village into a lively destination recognized for its beaches, surf breaks, and marine life. Situated approximately 98 kilometers south of Colombo and 17 kilometers northwest of Galle, it offers a blend of natural beauty and a relaxed, social atmosphere. The town extends along a 6-kilometer coastal belt and reaches 3 kilometers inland, encompassing eleven distinct villages. Hikkaduwa draws a diverse crowd, from surfers and backpackers to families seeking a beach holiday.

The town's main strip, Galle Road, is a busy thoroughfare lined with guesthouses, surf schools, and seafood restaurants. While it can be active, the area offers many opportunities for repose on its sandy beaches, exploring coral reefs, and enjoying the local culinary scene. Hikkaduwa is particularly celebrated for its coral reef sanctuary, home to a variety of multi-colored corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles, making it a favored spot for snorkeling and diving.

From Ancient Hamlet to Hippy Hangout

Hikkaduwa's history stretches back thousands of years, with legends suggesting prehistoric peoples inhabited the beautiful bay. It was a coastal hamlet within the Ruhunu, or Southern Kingdom, from at least the fifth century BC. The region has long been associated with learning and famous temples, even producing the renowned Buddhist scholar Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala in more recent times.

The 16th century marked the arrival of Europeans, with the Portuguese establishing fortifications along the coast they called 'Ceilão.' The Dutch later expelled the Portuguese in 1658, building the well-preserved Galle Fort just 17 kilometers to the south. The British took control in 1796, transforming the island's economy through plantation agriculture, including coconuts, rubber, and tea. The coastal road running through Hikkaduwa, Senanayake Mawatha, was a significant infrastructure project during the British colonial administration.

In the 19th century, Hikkaduwa became a favored picnic spot for visitors from Galle. Its economy, traditionally based on fishing and coconut cultivation, began to shift towards tourism with the discovery of its golden sandy beaches. The 1960s saw a new wave of visitors, as many hippies came to live in Hikkaduwa, earning it the nickname 'Hippiduwa'. This era solidified its reputation as a free-spirited destination.

A more somber chapter in Hikkaduwa's history is the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which caused the largest rail disaster in history when a massive wave struck a train in Peraliya. Despite this tragedy, the community has shown remarkable resilience, rebuilding and continuing to flourish as a popular tourist destination.

Hikkaduwa offers a range of attractions, from underwater exploration to cultural sites. The Hikkaduwa National Park, Sri Lanka's first marine sanctuary, contains approximately seventy varieties of multi-colored corals and is home to diverse marine life, including sea turtles and fish. Visitors can explore the coral reef through snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours, with early mornings offering the best visibility. Turtle Beach, particularly near the Hikka Tranz hotel, is a known spot for observing green and hawksbill turtles feeding on seagrass just meters from the shore, especially in the mornings.

For those interested in conservation, the Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Center works to protect endangered sea turtles by rescuing eggs, incubating them, and rehabilitating injured adults. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts and, if fortunate, witness baby turtles being released into the ocean. Cultural sites include the Tsunami Honganji Viharaya, also known as the Big Buddha statue, constructed to commemorate the victims of the 2004 tsunami. The Seenigama Muhudu Maha Devalaya, a small temple on a rock outcrop offshore, is accessible by boat and is a functioning religious site. For a taste of local life, the Hikkaduwa Sunday Market offers fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts, providing an authentic cultural experience.

The ideal time to visit Hikkaduwa is during its dry season, which runs from December to March. During these months, temperatures are comfortable, rainfall is low, and the sea conditions are optimal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving with excellent water clarity. Average daytime temperatures hover around 28-29°C (82-84°F). This period also coincides with the peak tourist season, meaning more active nightlife and events. A secondary good season is from July to September, which offers slightly cooler temperatures and still favorable surfing conditions, though with an increased chance of rain.

The local currency in Hikkaduwa is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are available in town, but carrying some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors. Public transportation is good, with buses and trains connecting Hikkaduwa to Colombo and other areas for just a few dollars. Within the town, tuk-tuks are a common and convenient way to get around. Hikkaduwa is generally considered safe for tourists, including solo female travelers, but standard precautions apply. It's wise to secure valuables, avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or when interacting with 'beach boys' who may attempt scams. When swimming or snorkeling, be mindful of currents outside the reef and wear reef shoes to protect against coral cuts. Always drink bottled or filtered water and use strong sunscreen.