Sri Lanka / The South Coast / HikkaduwaHikkaduwa
Surf, Turtles and Coral on the South-West Coast
A long beach strip 20 km north of Galle with a coral sanctuary, turtles feeding in the shallows, beginner surf and the island's busiest backpacker nightlife. The Tsunami Photo Museum and the 2004 memorial at Peraliya are nearby; Madu Ganga river safaris start at Balapitiya. On the coastal railway, two hours from Colombo.
Highlights
- Turtles in the shallows
- Glass-bottom boat over the coral sanctuary
- Beginner surf at Narigama
- Madu Ganga mangrove boat safari
- Tsunami Photo Museum
- Beach bars at night
Things to do
- Snorkel the coral sanctuary and turtle beachMorning · 2h
- Surf lessonMorning · 2h 30m
- Madu Ganga river safariAfternoon · 2h 30m
- Tsunami Photo MuseumAfternoon · 1h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: December – April
Worth knowing
South-West Monsoon: Rough Seas
From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rain, wind and big waves to the west and south coasts: red flags and strong currents on most beaches, whale-watching boats stop, and many beach restaurants close. It rarely rains all day, and rooms are cheaper, but for swimming go to the east coast (Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Arugam Bay), which is in season.
- Christmas and New Year peak — The south coast's busiest and dearest fortnight: beach hotels set minimum stays and gala dinners on 24 and 31 December, the Ella train and Yala jeeps sell out, and Indian holiday-makers add to the European winter crowds. Book rooms and reserved train seats by October.