Hikkaduwa Guide
Hikkaduwa is Sri Lanka’s original hippy hangout and was a popular spot among the psychedelic crowd of the 70s. Located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, the town is home to some of the country’s most spectacular coastline, with an Insta-worthy beach that draws surfers from far and wide.
The area was devastated by the 2004 tsunami, which wiped out the town’s infrastructure entirely. Since then, the town has gotten back on its feet and is, once again, a thriving and popular destination in Sri Lanka. Today, this chilled-out beach town is best known for surf, snorkelling, scuba and parties, making it a popular choice among young travellers.
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Watersports, beaches, nightlife | 91 miles | * * * | * | * *** | ** * | * * * * | ** ** | ** |
What’s Hikkaduwa known for?
Aside from its gorgeous beach, Hikkaduwa is best known for its epic surf, vibrant coral reefs and buzzing nightlife scene. The area is also very popular among snorkelers and scuba divers, who come to experience the thriving marine ecosystems off the coast. This pleasure-town by the sea is home to fantastic restaurants, lively bars and glorious scenery, making this one of the most popular holiday destinations in Sri Lanka.
Who should go to Hikkaduwa?
Hikkaduwa draws a young, energetic crowd who come to surf, chill, and party on the sand. If you’re travelling as a family, don’t write the area off yet – the golden beach is the ideal place for a relaxed vacation with the kids.
When is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?
For the weather
The average temperature in Hikkaduwa varies very little throughout the year, hovering between 26 and 28 C (79 – 82 F) whatever the season. The driest months to visit, however, are January, February, March, July, August, and September. Time your trip to coincide with these months to enjoy the sunshine and blue skies – perfect for the beach!
To beat the crowds
Hikkaduwa’s busiest months are July and August when the town is flooded with tourists on summer vacation. If you want to experience pleasant weather but thinner crowds, visit Hikkaduwa in February, March or September.
For the coolest events
Hikka Fest
When? July/August
Where? Hikkaduwa Beach
Hikka Fest (AKA Hikkaduwa Beach Festival) is held over 5 days every year in July/August. The festival is insanely popular among travellers and locals alike and draws thousands of people from all over Sri Lanka. International DJs, musicians and performers fly in from all over the world to perform on the golden sands, bringing the beach to life with a vibrant atmosphere you won’t want to miss!
Hikka Fest is also the home of dozens of other diverse activities ranging from sandcastle building competitions to movie night. This is a great place to bring the kids, party or simply explore – check it out if you’re in town!
Things to see and do in Hikkaduwa
Explore the reefs and wrecks with a scuba diving excursion
Hikkaduwa is home to Sri Lanka’s only coral sanctuary, so it’s the no.1 spot for scuba divers and snorkellers. There are also several shipwrecks dotted around the coast; thriving marine habitats where you can spot all sorts of sea life!
Whether you’re an experienced diver or an absolute beginner, there are several dive schools in the area to choose from. An excursion to the Pigeon Island National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as travellers will have the opportunity to swim among beautiful and fascinating marine creatures. Keep an eye out for turtles, snappers, parrot fish and reef sharks as you drift through schools of tropical fish, for an undersea adventure you’ll never forget!
Check out the local nightlife scene
Hikkaduwa is the place to party in Sri Lanka and draws a vibrant, enthusiastic and energetic group of revellers. The main strip is peppered with bars and clubs and the town is becoming ever-more popular with the young backpacker crowd. Kick your weekend off with the Friday Night Party at Vibration Music Bar, before letting your weekend play out in a whirl of drinks and dancing!
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Shop for gifts and souvenirs
If you plan to pick up some unique gifts and souvenirs to take home from your trip, Hikkaduwa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to do so. The shops and stalls here sell everything from clothing to local handicrafts, so you’re sure to find something special. From budget shops to department stores the town has it all and is a great place to buy surf gear, beachwear and trinkets.
Visit the Community Tsunami Museum
Hikkaduwa was devastated by the 2004 tsunami, which almost completely destroyed the area. The town has since recovered and, walking around today, you may never guess that Hikkaduwa was the site of one of the world’s most devastating natural disasters.
If you want to connect with the history of the Hikkaduwa and learn more about how the tsunami affected the local community, the Community Tsunami Museum is a must-visit. Speak with the staff to hear their personal accounts of that dreadful day and learn more about what it was like to live through the ordeal. The event was well documented with photographs of the aftermath, which are on display throughout the museum.
Be warned – this is an emotional experience that may leave you a little teary, and the images on display are often graphic. The museum is best avoided if you have young children in tow but is an educational (yet harrowing) experience otherwise. Visit to pay your respects, donate to the local community and hear the inspirational story of how the town got back on its feet.
Grab your board and catch some surf
The beach town of Hikkaduwa is just as popular among surfers as it is among the party crowd and is a great place to catch some waves! There are several breaks in the area, with swell varying from place to place. Whether you’re an experienced surfer hoping to test your skills or a newbie looking to learn the basics, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to do so. Grab your board or take some classes to experience the best surf Sri Lanka has to offer.
Take a tour of Hikkaduwa Lake
Hikkaduwa Lake can be found just a few kilometres outside of town and is reachable with a 10-minute taxi ride. For a pleasant excursion away from the crowds of the main strip, it’s the ideal place, especially if you want a change of scene from the beach!
This natural beauty spot is green, serene and an excellent place to see some of the local wildlife. The lake is home to many beautiful bird species, as well as a wide variety of lizards. Boat tours can sometimes be arranged on the lake; ask the locals to find out if, and where, you can organize your trip.
Where to eat in Hikkaduwa
Nordic House Cafe & Burgerhouse
If you’re craving Western cuisine and need to get your fix, head to Nordic House Cafe & Burgerhouse in Hikkaduwa. Their luscious burgers are widely considered to be the best in Sri Lanka and are expertly made using the freshest of ingredients. Their central location and delicious menu make them a popular choice in Hikkaduwa, especially among families!
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Isira Coffee Shop and Restaurant
Hikkaduwa is a haven for Western food-lovers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get good local cuisine in town. Isira is the best restaurant around for traditional Sri Lankan fare, where they serve delicious authentic dishes at reasonable prices. Stop in for the best rice and curry in town!
No.1 Roti Restaurant
The No.1 Roti Restaurant offers a unique spin on a Sri Lankan classic, fusing the traditional roti with delicious Western flavours. The resultant creations are mouthwateringly good – try a crisp roti stuffed with bacon and cheese, seafood avocado or chocolate banana. Swing by at lunchtime or pop in for a snack, but make sure you give them a try while you’re in town!
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Where should you stay in Hikkaduwa?
To be by the beach
Many people come to Hikkaduwa to surf, swim and stroll along the gorgeous golden sand of the beach. If this sounds like you, consider looking for a villa near the sea! This will not only give you unbeatable access to the ocean but also puts you right in the middle of shops, bars and restaurants. If you’re travelling as a family, this is the best place to be!
For peace and quiet
The hustle and bustle of Hikkaduwa may be appealing to some travellers, but others may find the crowds too chaotic. If you’re after somewhere serene to retreat to after a busy day exploring the area, look for accommodation a little outside of town. This will provide you with a soothing bolthole where you can unwind, relax and enjoy your holiday.