Hikkaduwa is a beach town located in the south-west coast of Sri Lanka approximately 130 KM south of colombo. The name Hikkaduwa is thought to have been derived from the two words Sip Kaduwa, with Sip being the shorter version of Shilpaya which refers to knowledge in Sinhalese and Kaduwa which means sword. It is believed therefore that the name Hikkaduwa means sword of knowledge. Alternatively it means coral or seashell jungle.
Back in the days, Hikkaduwa was only known as a sleepy fishing village. However, in the early 1960's Hikkaduwa started its change from a small fishing village into one of Sri Lanka's most loved tourist destinations and by present it has become famous for beach resorts, giant sea turtles, scuba diving, moonstone mining, and being ground zero for the devastating 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and Hikkaduwa's serene white sand beaches, colorful coral reefs and an excellent surf waves are attracting people from all over the world.
Hikkaduwa also offers an excellent choice of accommodation, nightlife, and restaurants to satisfy any traveller’s needs. So what's stopping you from experiencing it all first hand?
Get in touch with Rapid Holidays to make sure you have a fun filled experience exploring all the attractions and activities in Hikkaduwa.
Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Sanctuary is Sri Lanka’s first Marine National Park. It is home to around 60 species of hard coral and over 170 species of reef fish. At the Sanctuary you may Snorkel around vibrant colored corals, swim with turtles, luminescent fish and reef sharks, or discover the reefs' beauty while sailing on glass-bottomed boats.
The Harbour is an ideal place for tourists who are interested in soaking up some local life and seeking how the area's fishermen make a living on a daily basis. Make an effort and get down to the harbour around 7 am to see local fishing boats arriving and selling their catch.
Built with the assistance of Japan's Honganji Temple of Kyoto, The Honganji Vihara commemorates more than 2,000 victims who perished in the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. The picturesque Monastery is built with a pond surrounded by lush greenery and views of the ocean. The highlight of the site is a small island located right in the middle of the pond which houses a brilliant (54 ft) statue of Buddha facing the ocean.
Naga Vihara translates to Cobra Temple and this place remains off most tourists' radar, making it a tranquil place where you can observe the monks at their rituals and learn something about local traditions. Don't forget to watch out for the colorful murals and vividly painted statues inside the temple.
Located on a small island in the middle of the sea which is only accessible by boat, the Dewalaya is dedicated to the Devol Deviyo (Local god Devol). It is believed that this God protects the fishermen and their boats. This is an ideal excursion for culture thirsty travellers.
Take an emotional journey through the history of the 2004 tsunami at the Community Tsunami Museum. This museum tells the story through photographs and newspaper features and educates communities about the dangers of tsunamis, while commemorating the 2004 tragedy that claimed so many lives.
A treat for any animal lover, the Sea Turtle Hatchery in Hikkaduwa rescues and rare sea turtles. You can meet the little critters born and raised at this conservation center. Marked by a number of colorful turtle murals on the outside wall the hatchery is hard to miss even for someone visiting the area for the first time.