Fritzjames Stephen
Hikkaduwa has long had a reputation as being among the best places to spend a holiday. A long stretch of sandy beach, excellent surfing and diving spots, a laid back ambience and scenic rural areas in the hinterland has no doubt contributed to this view.
The first thing that catches the eye in Hikkaduwa is the broad swath of palm fringed sandy beach around which the small town has grown. The best time to spend a few days here is probably from November to March when the sea is calm and it is safe for the whole family. Occupying the best spot on the beach, Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, one of prominent Hikkaduwa hotels is among the best places here to serve as a base to enjoy the town as well as nearby destinations.
Surfing season here is during the south west monsoon from May to September when simply everyone with a surf board flock here to catch the four main surf breaks. The waves here are around 2 to three feet with the odd 4 to 5 foot wave.
Hikkaduwa's famous dive sites can be approached right from the centre of town. They are all on the fringing reef that is just off the town's coast. Black Coral Point, Coral Garden Cave, Hikkaduwa Gala (rock) and Godagala dive spots are just 5 minutes from Hikkaduwa beach by power boat. Interesting subterranean landscapes with gloriously coloured corals and reef fish are found at shallower depths while moray eels, barracuda, snapper, gray shark and turtles are found at depths between 10 to 30 meters. A host of other dive sites and wrecks can also be accessed from Hikkaduwa. Several excellent diving schools with PADI certified instructors are located in Hikkaduwa town.
Hikkaduwa is not all about the beach. Typical southern rural areas amidst green rice paddies are just a few minute's walk from the main road. Five km from the town is a picturesque freshwater lake, an ideal destination to observe coastal birds, water monitors and traditional methods of freshwater prawn farming. Canoe rides are possible at sun set while suitable places for water skiing and wake boarding are at the eastern end of the lake. Places for day trips include Galle which is just 14 km away, Unawatuna beach is a little beyond Galle town, the 1,060 ha Kottowa Rainforest and Arboretum and the Dodanduwa lagoon with its Buddhist island retreats, mangroves and fruit bats are only 2 km away. Kottowa Rainforest and Arboretum can be explored on foot and Dodanduwa lagoon by traditional canoe.
With hotels big and small lining the road on either side, Hikkaduwa offers a series of interesting places to eat everything from local cuisine to seafood and western snacks and meals. Additionally the town has a collection of independent restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars that offer uncomplicated local and western food and drink.
