Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a small seaside town on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, about 100km south of Colombo. It is said to be formed from the two terms Sip Kaduwa, with Sip being a shortened version of Shilpaya, which in Sinhalese means knowledge, and Kaduwa meaning sword. As a result, the name Hikkaduwa is thought to signify “sword of knowledge.” It can also indicate coral or seashell jungle. During their visit to Hikkaduwa, travellers will find a wide variety of leisure facilities. The Galle Road runs right through Hikkaduwa because it is so close to Colombo. Beach resorts, huge sea turtles, scuba diving, and surfing are all popular activities. The tempting waves of Hikkaduwa Beach attract many people to jump in and participate in enjoyable water sports activities. Many additional locations in Hikkaduwa will show you how the town recovered from the devastating effects of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. The greatest time to visit Hikkaduwa Beach is between November and March when the sun is shining and the waves are breaking. Even though it is tourist season, the prices for lodging and food are fairly affordable.
Snorkeling
With the sandy beach and gorgeous marine creatures, snorkeling in Hikkaduwa is one of the most appealing and enjoyable ways to spend your vacation in Sri Lanka. The Hikkaduwa islets were declared sanctuaries in 1940 and were restricted to their land bounds. It was designated as a nature reserve in 1998, and then as a national park in 2002. It is home to around 60 coral species, 170 reef fish species, a variety of sea turtle species, and other marine species. Regardless of whether the participants are beginners or experts, it provides them with the best snorkeling experience possible. Hikkaduwa offers cool and moderate breezes as well as the picturesque beauty of underwater life due to its proximity to the shoreline. The ideal time to visit Hikkaduwa is from December to April because the monsoon season begins in May and lasts until November in the southwest. Snorkeling in the coastal areas on monsoon days is quite risky. Furthermore, the best time to visit the beaches is around the midday hours if individuals wish to snorkel with the turtles. After the monsoon has passed, one can view the beautiful pure water. During this time, the sanctuary’s corals grew increasingly visible.
Diving
Hikkaduwa is known as one of the top diving spots on the Southwest coast, thanks to its magnificent coral reefs and variety of tropical fish. Divers can easily access a number of historic shipwrecks in the area. If you’ve never dived before, Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, has highly skilled diving centers where you may learn to dive and enjoy the underwater experience. Learning to dive at Hikkaduwa International Diving School may be a rewarding experience for everyone, owing to the ease of learning and reasonable rates. Hikkaduwa has a number of important diving sites, each with its own set of sensations, currents, and difficulty levels. You may also be able to witness a variety of aquatic species at various locations.
BLACK CORAL POINT – Attractive corals of many vibrant colors stand magnificently throughout the coral reef, making it one of the most beautiful diving destinations. Clown fish are just one example of a variety of fish. There are angel fish, snappers, and black corals to be found. Travel time is 5 minutes. The depth ranges from 20 to 35 meters.
CORAL GARDEN CAVE – Boulders on the seabed form natural stone caverns beneath the water’s surface. Corals abound, much like flowers in a garden, and the marine life includes a diverse range of species, including turtles. Travel time is 5 minutes, and the depth is 10-15 meters.
GODAGALA – The technique for diving to this location is known as “deep Drift Dive.” The area is teeming with marine life. Big tropical species like moray eels, snapper, and barracuda are frequently observed traversing the area on their own. Travel time is 20 minutes, and the depth is between 8 and 30 meters.
HIKKAPDWA GALA – Deep rift diving is a popular diving technique in this location, which is covered by the fabled Hikkaduwa Coral Reef, which is famous for its sophisticated and colorful coral beds. Fish from the sea and tropical waters, such as Barracuda, snappers, blotched, lobsters, and rays swim through the crystal clear water, emitting the corals. The journey takes 15 minutes and the depth is between 2 and 21 meters.
KAPAWARAGALA – This rock is named after the fabled god Kadawara, who has the ability to influence the good and evil in anyone’s life based on their merits or actions. The god “Kadawara” is claimed to have sailed to Sri Lanka in a stoned boat and landed near this rock. These are part of the fabled Hikkaduwa reef barrier, which is teeming with corals and aquatic life. Travel time is 20 minutes, and the depth is 6-15 meters.
KIRALA GALA – Another stunning dive site. On the shallow reef, there are several undersea wanders of wonderfully colored corals of various varieties standing beneath the crystal clear water. Tropical marine species such as groupers, jack fish, and snappers gracefully graze the soft corals. If you’re lucky, you could have a chance to see “Mantha-rays,” “Whale Sharks,” and “Dolphins.” Travel time is 10 minutes, and the depth is 18-35 meters.
MAPAGALA – A location where several of the shipwrecks can be seen. Tropical fish and corals abound in the area. Divers that enjoy and enjoy sea life should keep an eye on this site. This is also a place where you can observe some amazing marine creatures like “Dolphins, huge Groupers”- travel time 45 minutes, depth 20-28 meters.
RALAGALA – A fantastic dive spot. This is where the waves come to a halt. A diver’s senses may extend just beneath the water’s surface. Those that dive will have an unforgettable experience. Corals and marine life are more common in this area than in other areas, as is customary. Travel time is one hour, and the depth ranges from 15 to 20 meters. Wrecks and fragments of an unknown ship can be found on the seabed.
WRECK ETHOPHY – In 1977, the cargo ship “Ethophy” sank. Around the site, two nieces of wreckage and the vessel’s main engine are submerged. This is one of the ships that sank recently as a result of more than two centuries of maritime trade and seafaring, which left behind a legacy of corals and aquatic life. Travel time is one hour, and the depth is 16-15 meters.
SUNIL’S ROCK – Sunil’s rock, which is close to the huge Hikkaduwa coral reef, is a natural wonder, with caverns aligned in the seabed and caves for divers. Divers may see “Lion Fish,” “Coral Fish,” “Grouper,” and soft corals, as nature has provided in this location. It is worthwhile to dive at a particular location. Travel time is 15 minutes, and the depth is 10-22 meters.
Surfing
Hikkaduwa is the prime spot for surfing in the south west of Sri Lanka. Strong gusts have created Hikkaduwa a well-known longboard surfing location. The waves here aren’t huge, but they’re challenging enough to keep you surfing for many minutes if your legs can handle it. A modest, sand-bottomed wave is available for beginners. There are A-frame parts and even harbourside waves for more advanced surfers. Basically, you’ll always be able to find anything that matches your skill level. Because they’re all within walking distance of one another, moving from one to the next is never an issue. The peak season lasts from November through May. It provides good S-SW swells to Hikkaduwa surf spots, as well as easterly offshore winds. It gives the beaches and jetty breaks a glassy, gorgeous appearance. It also implies that the weather is at its best in Sri Lanka. Especially in December, January, and February, beautiful sky and sunshine are the norm. Budget travelers might be better off visiting in March or November, when accommodation and surf school rates are lower. Hikkaduwa has a number of surfing places.
Narigama Beach – If you’re seeking to catch your first wave, Narigama, often known as Sunbeach, should be your first stop. It’s a laid-back coastal getaway with plenty of local amenities like good rentals and excellent schools. Expect people — and a total kookfest when the weather turns bad – but nothing on the scale of Weligama.
Owakanda – The point at Owakanda, while being south of Hikkaduwa, is a great area to get away from the crowds. The population is disappearing in this area, and there are only a few lonely guest cottages overlooking the ocean. This could be Lanka’s next big thing, with a beginner-friendly beach and reef break. On a beautiful swell day, check it out when the Jetty and Benny’s are filled with people. There isn’t much regional pride. There aren’t many individuals in the vicinity.
North Jetty – The ever-popular North Jetty can be found in Hikka’s harbour area. With a great long left that punches directly through the shallow reef, it holds up against overheads. You won’t be surfing alone here because there’s always a crowd. On windy days, the wave will become mushy, making for a fun little ride across the open beach. It’s most likely an intermediate option.
Benny’s – Benny’s is a favorite among Hikkaduwa’s more skilled surfers. If you’re using a left-hand peeler, the coral bottom should be pretty deep. Waves up to 1.5 meters high can be handled using the typical point break. Here, consistency is crucial. Consider this area if you are an experienced surfer searching for a memorable surfing experience in Hikkaduwa.
Main Reef – The Main Reef at Hikkaduwa is an exposed yet entertaining area with A-frames moving both right and left, despite being pummeled by the weather. It’s normally reserved for specialists, but we don’t understand why intermediates seeking to advance to the reefs wouldn’t show up. The rocks are deep beneath the surface, and the feelings are usually positive.
Hikkaduwa is the prime spot for surfing in the south west of Sri Lanka.
Sea Turtle Hatchery
Meet the baby turtles at Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa, a conservation centre where they are born and raised. In the hatchery and rescue centre, five species of turtles are now being cared for. Olive Ridley Turtles, Leatherback Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, and Green Turtles are examples of these species. The sea turtle hatchery and rescue centre’s facilities are state-of-the-art, with water tanks for caring for newborn turtles as well as adult turtle species rescued from the sea due to injuries. Many get caught in fishing nets. Sea turtles typically hatch in the summer, and the babies take around 3-7 days to reach the surface after hatching. The newborn turtles are then kept in aquariums for around 10 days before being released. Locals in Hikkaduwa are encouraged to bring eggs or turtles to these farms in exchange for a monetary reward. This aids in the conservation of turtle populations and persuades people to refrain from selling and eating turtle eggs.
Hikkaduwa Lake
The Lake, located south of Hikkaduwa’s main town, is a popular tourist destination since it offers a more rustic setting than Hikkaduwa’s regular beach surrounds. The lake is one of the major natural lakes on the island’s southern coast, stretching for more than 17km. The natural lake is noted for its diverse biodiversity since it is home to a variety of intriguing flora and animal species. It is home to a variety of monitor lizard species, as well as colourful birds, fish, and crocodiles. The Lake, a natural biodiversity hotspot, is a haven for visitors seeking relaxation and renewal. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, and lagoon safaris are among the lake’s attractions. These activities are supervised by trained specialists. When you arrive at this natural lake, one of the newer things you can participate in is fish treatment. This therapy is believed to revitalize and regenerate the skin on your feet, despite its unusual nature. There are also a couple of shacks on the lake that serve homey, real seafood. Hikkaduwa Lake is a haven for those seeking calm and learning about marine biodiversity.
Tsunami Honganji Viharaya
On the 26th of December 2006, a 30 m tall (54 ft) Buddha statue was revealed in Paraliya as a tribute to the approximately 35,000 Sri Lankans slain by the Tsunami on the 26th of December 2004. The statue was based on the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, which was destroyed on the 26th of December 2006, a 30 m tall (54 ft) Buddha statue was revealed in Paraliya as a tribute to the approximately 35,000 Sri Lankans slain by the Tsunami on the 26th of December 2004. The statue was based on the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, which were destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001, and was built with the help of Japan’s Honganji Temple in Kyoto. This statue of a standing Buddha facing the ocean with his hands in the abhaya mudra is located on the beachfront north of Hikkaduwa (Buddha pose conveying fearlessness and protection). The statue is on a platform encircled by a pond and guarded by four lions. Aside from the big Buddha statue, the shrine is dedicated to the families and persons who were harmed by the tsunami in 2004. Many visitors to the temple perform rituals in memory of family members or friends who died in the unfortunate occurrence. Visitors are asked to dress modestly before entering the grounds because this is a place of worship. Shoes must be left at the entry and shoulders and knees must be covered.ere destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001, and was built with the help of Japan’s Honganji Temple in Kyoto. This statue of a standing Buddha facing the ocean with his hands in the abhaya mudra is located on the beachfront north of Hikkaduwa (Buddha pose conveying fearlessness and protection). The statue is on a platform encircled by a pond and guarded by four lions. Aside from the big Buddha statue, the shrine is dedicated to the families and persons who were harmed by the tsunami in 2004. Many visitors to the temple perform rituals in memory of family members or friends who died in the unfortunate occurrence. Visitors are asked to dress modestly before entering the grounds because this is a place of worship. Shoes must be left at the entry and shoulders and knees must be covered.
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