Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa, as a beach holiday resort, began by chance in the 1970s when young travellers visiting Sri Lanka for rest and relaxation after journeying through India discovered the surf and beach coves of this fishing village. They stayed in local homes and gradually guest houses were opened to accommodate this unplanned influx of visitors who didn’t want to stay in formal tourist developments.

Its origins have given Hikkaduwa a laidback character where independent travellers can relax while many hotels of quality have opened up to cater for the more affluent holidaymaker who wants an enjoyable night life after a day sun bathing on the beach. Hikkaduwa is a busy, thriving community of local and visiting beach lovers, within easy reach by train or bus of Colombo (97km to the north) and Galle, 19km to the south.