Joanna James
Hikka as Hikkaduwa is better known is a Bohemian paradise where one gets to savour island living. Surf to your heart's content; explore the deep blue and party till the wee hours of the morning. The tropics are alive on this sunny south coast resort. Check-out the awesome things to do in Hikkaduwa!
One of the greatest lures Hikkaduwa has to offer, swimming with the sea turtles that are seen in the beaches surrounding the town is quite an experience. You must make sure though, to not crowd, touch or harm the fragile marine animals who's numbers have drastically reduced over the years. You could visit one of the turtle hatcheries located along the south coast to better understand the animals lifecycle. There you will see how the collected eggs are carefully incubated, hatched and released to sea. You will see the great effort made by conservationists to make sure the animals numbers increase so we can continue to enjoy these marvels from the sea. For the best of southern hospitality choose a Sri Lanka luxury resort located close to Hikkaduwa, many like Aditya Resort are perfect for enjoying island vibes and local cuisine.
Sri Lanka is home to a number of national parks where exotic animals roam and tropical foliage thrive. There are quite few parks located in the deep-south and close to your resort in Hikkaduwa. Plan a safari to one of these and you won't be disappointed. Yala National Park is easy to reach from Hikka and is the most popular and second largest on the island. The place is home to one of Asia's largest leopard populations together with wild elephants, sloth bears other mammals, a host of amphibians, reptiles and staggering array of birds. The environs are ruggedly handsome and promise to awe the nature lover in you. Udawalawe National Park too is located close to the south resorts of Sri Lanka and is home to a large population of wild elephants. Ask your Hikkaduwa resort about booking a safari tour to either park.
On a sombre note, the Tsunami Museum is located about 10 minutes from the centre of Hikkaduwa Town. There you can see the devastation the 2004 tidal wave caused to the little island. Entrance is free although, the place relies on your kind donations to continue operations. The vivid photos can at times be overwhelming and may not all be suitable for young children to view.
The glass-bottomed boat rides exploring the verdant coral reefs surrounding the coast of Hikka are very popular. Perfect for checking out the colourful world below the waves without getting wet, the boats equipped with a glass window at its base show you the verdant coral reefs and marine life living there.
Hikkaduwa is home to at least 3 top surf points. There both professional and intermediate surfers will find the conditions ideal for skimming along the wide waves of the Indian Ocean. Check out the surf safaris provided by some of the leisure clubs located in town or ask you hotel for details and name of a reputed tour operator.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
