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Hikkaduwa is located in the South Western coast of the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. It’s one of the most popular getaways and vacations spots for both the locals and tourists. The abundance of great restaurants, the pristine seashore, glistening sea and the friendly atmosphere all contribute to Hikkaduwa’s popularity. The luxurious but affordable hotels in Hikkaduwa are ideal to stay at if you are on a family vacation. But if you are wondering what else there is to do, here is a list of 10 ways you can spend your family holiday.
Located just 30 minutes away from Hikkaduwa, the Galle Fort is the Old Dutch fort which has been maintained since the colonial era. As you walk through the massive stone archway, you will enter a space like no other. Even though this is a tourist location, the architecture has been maintained to reflect the rich history of this nation. From walking along the ramparts, trying street food, visiting the lighthouse and shopping there is definitely a lot that you can do.
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Jungle beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. As the name suggests, the beach is surrounded by jungle and to reach the beach you can either walk or take a tuk-tuk through this jungle. This secluded beach, although it can get quite crowded with tourists, is a long stretch and therefore guarantees that you would be able to find a deserted section. The calm waves make this beach perfect for a swim in the ocean.
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Hikkaduwa Beach is a lovely stretch of golden sand and clear, calm water. There is a coral reef 6 meters out to sea, making the first stretch of the sea quite shallow and perfect if you would like to wade through. But the main attraction is feeding the turtles that visit the shore. These turtles are regular visitors so make sure you visit the beach in the morning if you want a chance to pet them.
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Hikkaduwa is also famous for the array of water sports it has to offer. So if you and your family are looking for some adventure to spice up your vacation, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, jet skiing, sailing and much more will definitely do the trick. The best season for these activities is between November and March.
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Snorkeling in Hikkaduwa will definitely be a treat. You will get to witness a vast spread of corals ranging in different colors and sizes. This fringing coral reef with a depth of about 5 meters is one of the few thriving reefs in Sri Lanka and is definitely a sight that should be witnessed. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to swim alongside shoals of fish and maybe even turtles. It’s a whole new world down there.
This boat ride is best defined as a river safari rather than a regular boat ride. This river flows alongside the village of Balapitiya and through a mangrove forest. You will get to witness a magnificent landscape from a unique point of view. Sit back and enjoy this journey surrounded by the sounds of aquatic birds and the flowing river.
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The Kosgoda turtle hatchery is a much loved place for both locals and tourists. During nesting season turtles arrive on the beach, and to ensure safety from poachers, the hatchery takes them in and looks after them. Once the baby turtles have hatched they are released into the sea. This experience of watching the process of hatching will be quite memorable and may even be the highlight of your trip.
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The Tsunami which hit the island on the 26th of December 2004 had a grave impact on the course of this nation. There have been memorials and museums constructed around the country and Hikkaduwa houses one such museum. This museums not only raises awareness about Tsunamis but also about what happened in Sri Lanka.
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This boat ride gives tourists the comfort and safety of sitting on the boat while being able to explore the underwater world. The glass bottom of the boat enables you to see the wonders that lie beneath the ocean. The tour guide presents you with interesting facts and anecdotes that will enrich your experience.
One of the main things Sri Lanka is known for except for tourism is tea. Sri Lanka’s biggest export is well loved across the world for its rich taste. Therefore do not miss the opportunity to take a walk in the tea zone of this city. You can taste the various types of unique tea up for offers such as coconut tea, mixed fruit tea, soursop tea and much more.
