Hikkaduwa

Travel Guide

A river with boats, palm trees, and houses along the banks.
A beach with palm trees and a sunset.
A beach with clear turquoise water, palm trees, and a boat named HIKKOUWA.
A beach with palm trees, people sunbathing, and beach umbrellas.
A sea turtle swimming underwater.

Head to Hikkaduwa for relaxing beaches, snorkeling adventures, and nearby towns filled with family-friendly and outdoor activities.

Hikkaduwa is an ideal destination for beach and outdoor travelers. You can relax on Hikkaduwa Beach or Narigama Beach, both known for their scenic shorelines. For those interested in marine life, the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef offers opportunities for snorkeling and exploring underwater ecosystems. Nearby, you can also visit Gurusinghe Moonstone Mine for a unique activity, or try your hand at surfing at Midigama Left Surf Break. If you're looking to unwind, Spa Ceylon Boutique & Urban Spa is a nearby option for body treatments.

While you're in Hikkaduwa, explore some of its nearby areas known for their distinct offerings. Nalagasdeniya is recognized for adventure and outdoor experiences, making it a great spot for those seeking exploration. Kittangoda focuses on beach experiences, providing another option for sun seekers. Thiranagama is known for its family-friendly beach activities, making it ideal for those traveling with children. Each of these nearby areas adds to the overall experience of visiting Hikkaduwa.

The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is influenced more by rainfall than temperature, as the weather remains warm and fairly constant throughout the year. Rainfall tends to be heavier from May to December, which may impact outdoor activities. If you prefer less rain and a busier atmosphere, consider visiting outside these months. This timing allows you to enjoy the area's beaches and outdoor offerings while avoiding the heaviest rains.

Riff Hikkaduwa

Riff Hikkaduwa

5 out of 5
870 Colombo - Galle Main Road Hikkaduwa Southern
$269 nightly
The price is $321 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$321 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Hikkaduwa. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"Fantastic room with great views of tge fabulous beach. Staff are extremely nice and food and cocktails are incredible!"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2026

Riff Hikkaduwa
Cozy Sea View Inn

Cozy Sea View Inn

3.5 out of 5
Amarasena Mawatha Hikkaduwa SP
$27 nightly
The price is $32 total per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
$32 total
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Hikkaduwa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hikkaduwa Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
"A nice hidden spot near the railway station with fleeting views of the beach, friendly staff and access to the gym next door. It’s a reasonable walk to Turtle Bay, but the main restaurants/bars are approximately 15 min walk away. BUT, a Tuktuk is like £1 (GBP) so very reasonable. A great stay ..."

Reviewed on Apr 7, 2026

Cozy Sea View Inn
Turtles Rest and Curry Bowl

Turtles Rest and Curry Bowl

3 out of 5
368,Galle Road Hikkaduwa
$10 nightly
The price is $12 total per night from Nov 14 to Nov 15
$12 total
Nov 14 - Nov 15
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Hikkaduwa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hikkaduwa Coral Reef and Jananandharamaya ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Off road parking and great beach access to see turtles 🐢"

Reviewed on May 4, 2026

Turtles Rest and Curry Bowl
See all 412 properties in Hikkaduwa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy Sea View Inn

Cozy Sea View Inn

3.5 out of 5
Amarasena Mawatha Hikkaduwa SP
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Hikkaduwa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hikkaduwa Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
"A nice hidden spot near the railway station with fleeting views of the beach, friendly staff and access to the gym next door. It’s a reasonable walk to Turtle Bay, but the main restaurants/bars are approximately 15 min walk away. BUT, a Tuktuk is like £1 (GBP) so very reasonable. A great stay ..."

Reviewed on Apr 7, 2026

Cozy Sea View Inn
Bliss Blessings Villa & Spa

Bliss Blessings Villa & Spa

5 out of 5
Galle Road , Patuwatha , Hikkaduwa Hikkaduwa SP
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hikkaduwa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Narigama Beach and Ratgama Lake are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Was a fantastic stay. Brilliant set up for families / friends. Has all the needful amenities. Dimuthu, our caretaker was very welcoming, made a wonderful breakfast and was always available. Very valuable service."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Bliss Blessings Villa & Spa
Serendipity Lake - Hikkaduwa

Serendipity Lake - Hikkaduwa

4 out of 5
Morakola Temple Rd Hikkaduwa SP
Book a stay at this business-friendly villa in Hikkaduwa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Ratgama Lake and Narigama ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay, not least because of Chathuranga, the property manager, a"

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Serendipity Lake - Hikkaduwa
See all properties in Hikkaduwa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Hikkaduwa attractions

Narigama Beach

9.0/10 (4 reviews)
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Narigama Beach during your trip to Hikkaduwa?
See properties

Things to do

GALLE/MIRISSA/TANGALLE/HIRIKETIYA DROP to ELLA & YALA SAFARI

GALLE/MIRISSA/TANGALLE/HIRIKETIYA DROP to ELLA & YALA SAFARI

$21
per adult
GALLE/MIRISSA/TANGALLE/HIRIKETIYA DROP to ELLA & YALA SAFARI
Hikkaduwa Unforgettable Snorkeling Experience

Hikkaduwa Unforgettable Snorkeling Experience

$25
per adult
Hikkaduwa Unforgettable Snorkeling Experience
From Ella: Yala Safari with Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle Drop-off

From Ella: Yala Safari with Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle Drop-off

$19
per adult
From Ella: Yala Safari with Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle Drop-off
Group of Friends enjoying

Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter)

$32
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter)
Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident

Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident

$15
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident
Glass Bottom Boat Tour and Snorkeling Hikkaduwa

Glass Bottom Boat Tour and Snorkeling Hikkaduwa

$19
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Glass Bottom Boat Tour and Snorkeling Hikkaduwa
See all activities in Hikkaduwa

Frequently asked questions

Is Hikkaduwa worth visiting?
Hikkaduwa is worth visiting for its Hikkaduwa Beach and the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef, offering opportunities for ocean exploration. Travelers can also enjoy delicious Asian cuisine and fresh seafood dishes, providing a taste of local flavors.
When is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?
Hikkaduwa offers consistently warm weather, making it enjoyable year-round from January through December. For travelers who prefer fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of May through August are a great time to visit.
What is Hikkaduwa known for?
Hikkaduwa is known for its Hikkaduwa Beach and the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef. Travelers can also enjoy nearby Narigama Beach and discover a strong Asian food culture, with diverse culinary experiences available. This destination offers opportunities for coastal relaxation and exploring marine life.
What is a good itinerary length for Hikkaduwa?
A good itinerary length for Hikkaduwa is two to three days to enjoy Hikkaduwa Beach, Narigama Beach, and the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can add a Beginner Surfing Lesson or take a private tour to nearby Bentota and Galle, offering a deeper exploration of the area. See Hikkaduwa Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Hikkaduwa?
Hikkaduwa offers beautiful beaches, vibrant marine life, cultural sites, and exciting water sports:

  • Visit Hikkaduwa Beach for sunbathing and relaxation.
  • Explore the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef, a natural wonder.
  • See Jananandharamaya, a local landmark.
  • Try a beginner surfing lesson to catch some waves.
  • Discover the region with a private tour to Bentota, Hikkaduwa, and Galle.

How do I plan a trip to Hikkaduwa?
To plan your trip to Hikkaduwa, book flights and hotels in advance. Consider activities like a private tour to Bentota and Galle, or a beginner surfing lesson. For outdoor time at Hikkaduwa Beach, Hikkaduwa Coral Reef, or Narigama Beach, plan for early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the natural beauty.
What cuisines can you find in Hikkaduwa?
In Hikkaduwa you can find Sri Lankan cuisine, with popular dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti. Travelers can also enjoy Indian food, fresh seafood, and European options such as Mediterranean and Italian dishes. The area also offers a selection of coffee shops and beach bars.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Hikkaduwa by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Hikkaduwa with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Hikkaduwa trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Hikkaduwa?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Hikkaduwa can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Hikkaduwa trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Hikkaduwa trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Hikkaduwa trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Hikkaduwa trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Hikkaduwa?
If it's your first trip to Hikkaduwa, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Hikkaduwa hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Hikkaduwa hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Hikkaduwa

An aerial view of a beach with clear turquoise waters, several boats, and a row of beachside huts and umbrellas.

Rathgama

Explore a world of travel with Expedia