Joanna James
Hikka or Hikkaduwa as the vibrant coastal town is called is today a party central, coral paradise and home to one of the country's most beautiful beaches. Read on for the best attractions.
Hikkaduwa is certainly the second best surf destination in the country. The water is crystal clear while waves range from heights of 4 to 11 feet. Due to the warm temperatures one does not need to be kitted up in thermal gear, all you need is a board and your good to go. The dry season between November to March is when surfing is best in Hikkaduwa blessed with 4 top spots that one can simply hire a car and drive down to. Since gear is left to a minimum all you need is a vehicle to strap your board onto before heading along the gorgeous southern coast to Hikkaduwa. In Colombo there is Casons Rent a Car for choosing the best vehicle.
Hikkaduwa has been a popular coral sanctuary from the 1960's or probably way before that. Of all Hikkaduwa attractions riding a glass bottomed boat was the biggest allure; it is still favoured as the ideal mode for discovering the beauty beneath the waves - without getting wet. The coral stretch starts from near the 'coral hotels' on the northern edge of the resort and extends out to a rocky outcrop that stretches some hundred metres offshore. It is possible to swim up to these rocks and set off on a snorkelling tour to the nearest coral bed.
Sri Lanka offers excellent scuba diving locations; many of these are located around Hikkaduwa. Catering to the amateur as well as the experienced scuba diver these sites offer varied experiences. Discover a whole new world beneath the waves of the Indian Ocean brimming with all manner of marine life in various sizes. Gorgeous coral groves and even some wrecks will enhance and add to your adventure diving around Hikkaduwa.
Just 2kms from the northern edge of beautiful Hikkaduwa Beach is a turtle research facility. Visiting the place will be quite an eye opener as you relish the conservation efforts made there. Eggs are gathered and hatched in safe environs after which the baby turtles are nurtured and kept until ready to be released to sea. You will be treated to sights of turtles in various stages of growth and size at this hatchery.
The holistic healing approaches Ayurveda offers have been fine-tuned over a period of 5000 years. Hikkaduwa similar to most south coast resorts is home to skilled Vedas practising the art of Ayurveda healing according to ancient methods and remedies; inherited over centuries. Based on herbal massages and a balanced diet of nutritive organic ingredients, this method of treatment offers total rejuvenation of mind body and soul. Hit one of the many spas located in Hikkaduwa and enjoy a spot of pampering that promises to refresh the tired soul.
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