Serendib, Taprobane, Ceylon, the tropical island paradise of Sri Lanka may have gone by many names over time but it has always remained a place of extreme beauty. Located off the southern tip of India, the small island only spans an area of around 65,000 square kilometres yet boasts a highly varied landscape. From the mist shrouded forests of Horton Plains to the dry, shrub jungles of Yala, there is a lot of terrain to be explored. For tourists just looking for a way to relax and unwind the best places to visit are the island’s amazing beaches.
As an island Sri Lanka has extensive coastlines but not all beaches are created equal. Travellers who want to enjoy the best beaches the country has to offer can head over to the beach town of Hikkaduwa. Situated in the Southern Province, just under eighteen kilometres from the historic city of Galle, Hikkaduwa is the island’s beach capital. Affectionately referred to as ‘Hikka’ by locals and tourists alike, this coastal town is renowned not just for its beaches but its active night scene and the good selection of bars and seafood restaurants.
Visitors to this town have their choice of activities. From snorkelling and scuba diving to beach volleyball or jogging by the ocean, there are a number of fun things to do here. Tourists visiting Hikkaduwa should definitely not miss the opportunity to visit the famed Coral Gardens. Featuring an amazing variety of coral and colourful fish, it is sure to be one of the highlights of a trip here. It is also a great surfing spot with excellent waves throughout the year. However, the best time to surf in Hikka is between November and March, which is the dry season (the sea can get quite rough during the monsoon season).
Tourists looking for a good Hikkaduwa hotel can try the Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa. The hotel is situated right by the ocean and is one of the best beach hotels in Sri Lanka. Featuring tastefully decorated rooms and an ambiance that reflects the vibrancy and energy of Hikkaduwa it is a terrific place to stay.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.