Laid-back Hikkaduwa holidays
Hikkaduwa feels like such a remote getaway but it fact it’s only 98km from the capital, making it easy to go there straight from the airport. A charming town lying in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, it’s considered one of the best and most popular beach destinations in the country. Particularly appealing to couples, backpackers and single travellers, Hikkaduwa holidays offer surfing, swimming and shopping by day and a mellow nightlife in the evenings.
Hikkaduwa offers the perfect beach holiday
Hikkaduwa has three distinct areas. The main town is the centre of activity, with bus and train stations as well as larger hotels. Wewala has more intimate guesthouses as well as smaller restaurants and bars. Further south, Narigama is quieter but is still home to charming affordable guesthouses lining a glorious wide stretch of beach. Hikkaduwa’s nearest approximation of a nightclub can also be found in this area. The three districts offer a diverse variety of accommodation, shops and places to eat, so there’s sure to be something to suit everyone.
Holidays in Hikkaduwa can’t be anything but relaxed as the town has such a laid-back, fun atmosphere. At the heart of everything is the beach where you can swim, board surf or body surf or go snorkelling around in the sea-coral, looking out for the tropical fish and turtles that live there. Even at night the beach is the focus: populated by travellers strolling from one café to another, it’s impossible not to enjoy the warm evenings and gorgeous sunsets.
Hikkaduwa holidays wouldn’t be complete without haggling for a bargain at one of its many intriguing shops. Beautiful natural shells, traditional masks and puppets even colourful batiks and paintings are available as souvenirs. At night, the town is vibrant with restaurants serving delicious seafood, tiny cafés and beachside bars.
To see some of Sri Lanka’s incredible culture, you only need to go 2km north along the main coastal road from Hikkaduwa to find the small village of Thelwetta. The village houses a traditional Buddhist temple full of beautiful stone statues, frescoes and wood carvings. The temple is still used and if you see local people entering on Poya day you’ll enjoy the wonderful spectacle of everyone dressed in white.
Great value Hikkaduwa holidays
Can you ever over-relax? It seems unlikely, but if lounging on the glorious sandy beach should ever become just too much, Hikkaduwa holidays have plenty more to offer. With water sports, a vibrant town for shopping and eating and opportunities to get out and explore the beauty of the surrounding region there’s so much to do when on holiday in Hikkaduwa. Book your holiday to Sri Lanka with lastminute.com.