The first area to be developed for tourism, this is still one of the most popular of Sri Lanka's beaches. Hikkaduwa, a two hours drive south of Colombo, has long been known as Sri Lanka's most popular beach resort, famed for its surf and coral reef as well as its wide range of accommodation, food, fun and shopping.

The reef, which runs parallel to the shore and is only a few metres below the water, can be explored with snorkel and flippers, or in a glass-bottomed boat. There are several wrecks in the area which offer interesting dives. Scuba equipment and the services of licensed instructions are on hire from PADI centers. Hikkaduwa is also the premier surfing beach on the South West Coast, with good surf, for board or body-surfing. There is a general community of international surfers in and around Hikkaduwa.

This is perhaps the only coastal town region where that special holiday feeling dominates town, with shops selling resort wear, renting out bicycles, offering courses in scuba diving and selling all kinds of local souvenirs, batik fabric and jewellery. Today it's a favourite with the younger visitor and the vibrant nightlife also attracts young Sri Lankans looking for out-of-town fun and entertainment on the weekends.

Hikkaduwa has three or four areas where surf breaking near the reefs can produce waves up to two metres high during the northeast monsoon. Wewala is perhaps the most popular spot with international board riders, while at the adjacent village of Narigama, those who want to do a little more than swim or sunbathe on the wide sandy beach can rent a surf board or boogie board for body surfing. Narigama, incidentally, has the liveliest scene after the sun sinks in a spectacular ball of fire into the Indian Ocean, with bars, and spots where you can watch a video, play pool or dance in the sand to live music.

Hikkaduwa Beach Related references