Location: Hikkaduwa
Top Things to do in Hikkaduwa
The 10 Best Things to Do in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka located in the Southern Province, about 17 km (11 mi) north-west of Galle and 98 km (61 mi) south of Colombo.
Restaurants in Hikkaduwa
1. Community Tsunami Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
Community Tsunami Museum is aimed educating communities on Tsunami and preserve the memories of 2004 Tsunami. This museum is the continuation of the efforts of Third Wave Volunteers lead by Dr. Alison Thompson (author of The Third Wave - A volunteer Story and the director of Film Third Wave). This museum will take you a touching journey through science and history of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
2. Tsunami Photo Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By Maioha - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
This was our third visit to the Tsunami Photo Museum and, again, a reminder of the terrible tsunami that struck that part of the Sri Lankan coast. Each time we go there, we gather more insight into the tragedy that occurred there, especially the estimated 2,000 who died in the train nearby on that fateful Boxing Day morning.
3. NorLanka Travels - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 60 reviews
We arrange day trips from Hikkaduwa to Galle Fort, surf-trips to Welligama, air-port pick up and airport drop. We also arrange all kind of round-tours upon request. Please visit our webpage or Facebook for more details.
Reviewed By GandCAdventures - Bangkok, Thailand
We pre-arranged a one-way airport transfer from Colombo Airport to a small hotel in Hikkaduwa with Norlanka, who were recommended by the hotel.
The driver was not at the meeting area when we got to through Arrivals at the airport (on time). After calling staff at the Norlanka office, we were able to locate the disheveled driver who was holding our name sign by his side. Not wearing a Norlanka uniform, unkempt appearance, and inappropriate footwear for driving a long distance.
Our immediate gut-reaction upon sight of him is that this journey was not going to go well.
He fetched a decent Toyota car (no Norlanka logo's) and as we quickly established that there was little English language ability, we just confirmed the destination and let him get on with the journey.
We realise that driving standards vary from country to country, so the cutting lanes & horn use etc in the city limits was no issue. However, once we hit the Expressway towards the South Coast, the driver was in his own world, and never in his own lane! We're unsure if it was fatigue (...or something smoked...), but as we drifted from left lane to right lane with cars blasting us as they passed, we got to the point of offering him coffee or a rest, with just a laugh in response. As the situation stretched on, I tried to indicate that I was willing to drive if he didn't want to (couldn't) - again, a laugh in response.
Needless to say, we pressed on and we made it. We were quite pleased that when we reported the experience to a Norlanka representative at the hotel, that she was very apologetic and disturbed by our recounting of the journey. We thankfully accepted a discount on the fare, which was not our intention, but given the experience, received as being appropriate.
We acknowledge that Norlanka have numerous 'Excellent' reviews on TA, and are pleased that many others have had more positive tour and transfer experiences with the group. However, we felt that we should provide an honest review of our experience, just as we would have if it had been "5-Balls". We can understand that "it is a busy time of year" and that "regular drivers were not available", but your business reputation and the safety of your clients is reliant on your driving staff & vehicles, so if you cannot confirm their ability, its perhaps best to let your clientele know this and let them decide if they still wish to use your firm. If we had been with small children or driving at night, the journey would have been freaking scary.
At least it's good to know that our "gut-reactions" are very reliable.
4. Tsunami Honganji Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By Kep70 - Brigg, United Kingdom
After visiting the stone memorial across the road we stopped here to look at this beautiful statue and visit the small museum next door. Generously donated by the Chinese this statue represents the height of the 2nd wave that caused so much destruction in many peoples lives. To think what actually happened here on that fateful day certainly brings a lump to your throat and a tear to your eye.
5. Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Ifigeneia C - Thessaloniki, Greece
The people there were realy nice. They shaw as the place around and they gave us so many infomations about the turtles. We could touch the turtles and even hold them in our hands. Above all the money that you pay for the ticket goes for a good perpose, to preserve an animal speace
6. Hikkaduwa Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By STEWY88 - Doncaster, United Kingdom
There are 2 stretches .... One smallish patch of sand where the boats go to the corals and the other vast stretch around the corner where the surfers go
They are both spectacular ... One is very safe ( children ) with the added attraction of 2 resident ( large ) turtles wallowing around in the shallows quite happy to be handled .
The longer Surfing beach had hidden dangers ... Huge waves and undercurrents sometimes ... I was soon out of my depth and swept further and further out despite trying to swim closer in . Eventually I gave in and let myself be carried along knowing there was a shallow reef further down .
Thankfully it worked but I paid the price and was cut to shreds on the corals ( legs / feet / arms)
Be very very wary if you swim in this area .
Lots of welcoming beach bars/ restaurants and free sun beds ... Some of them are doing a good trade .. Others are run down .
There is a huge waste/ litter problem and the beach is crawling with feral dogs but it's spectacular nonetheless and well worth spending time walking and exploring .
Parts of it come alive in the evening with log fires barbecues and loud music .
Exciting !!!!! and a must when in the area
7. Narigama Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By traveller_prk - Bengaluru, India
This beach is is a little away from the town center towards Galle. A long stretch of beach where you can just walk by the shore or swim and sunbath. The waves were a little strong here and there were several people Surfing the waters too because of the waves.
8. Seenigama Muhudu Viharaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Ashley A - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A quaint Buddhist Temple driving from Galle towards Colombo - Seenigama is around 20 Kms. from Galle. A small Temple is also in the sea accessible only by boat.
Limited time so was unable to visit the Temple in the sea. I walked around the landside area only. Another time ......
9. Saffron Robes Gallery and Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By ADAMMS222 - Hong Kong, China
Saffron Robes offers a welcome relief from the usual arts and crafts to be bought along the coastal tourist route. 4 floors of carved wood sculptures, big and small, beautiful and unique paintings on canvas, vintage masks, amazing wood-burn art, artisanal candles and handmade paper and fabric products all make great and affordable gifts for others or to ship home for yourself. We purchased a large piece of original art that the gallery unframed and shipped internationally for us - all at a VERY reasonable price. Highly recommended.
10. Coral Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By KiaOrafromABS
Did a day trip from Galle to Hikkaduwa and was sorely disappointed by the "coral garden." Coral was dead (as per other reviews) and fish underwhelming. There wasn't that much variety or visibility and the coral was an ugly sight.
We paid R1500 per person to get rowed out on a outrigger and to use mask, snorkel and life jacket. The novelty of the boat ride was the single highlight.
Back on the beach we checked out the turtles but felt bad for them; a local guy said the turtles are fed seaweed to keep them around for tourists. People were touching them. I can't imagine this unnatural behaviour is good for the turtles and defies the concept of having a "natural experience."
We didn't much like the atmosphere, inflated prices and noise of Hikkaduwa it's self either.
Maybe it's all a bit better on days with more visibility and earlier in the morning when the fish are supposedly more active but in our experience I'd recommend not bothering with this place.
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