Hikkaduwa

Last updated on 18 May 2023Show location

Hikkaduwa is a small coastal town in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 17 km northwest of Galle and 98 km south of Colombo. The city is renowned for its beautiful coral sanctuary, which is considered one of the best locations for snorkeling and diving on the island. In addition, Hikkaduwa has become an international destination for board surfing enthusiasts.

Visitors to Hikkaduwa can explore the mesmerizing underwater world of the exotic coral reefs, home to various marine life. A popular way to view the coral reefs is by taking a half-hour boat ride under a glass bottom. The Hikkaduwa coral sanctuary is home to several types of corals, including the Elkhorn coral, Staghorn coral, and Brain coral.

With the construction of the Southern Expressway, travel time to the southern coast of Sri Lanka has significantly decreased, making destinations like Galle and Unawatuna more accessible. As a result, Hikkaduwa has been somewhat neglected by local tourists in favor of other nearby destinations. Despite this, Hikkaduwa still attracts many European and Russian tourists who enjoy its coves, broad beaches, and degraded coral gardens.