The back story
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The back story
Hikkaduwa, the back story
Sri Lanka’s original beach town: a reef, surf breaks and a strip of restaurants and bars on the west coast.
Town guide · the reef and surf town
Hikkaduwa: Our Favourites
The liveliest beach town on the west coast: a coral reef national park, surf breaks and turtles, half an hour from Galle Fort.
What's onThis week in Sri Lanka
What to see
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Sea turtles
Kosgoda turtle beach
A stretch of coast where several species of sea turtle nest, with a number of hatcheries along the road.
Beaches
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Surf and reef
Hikkaduwa
A lively beach town with a coral reef, surf breaks and plenty of restaurants and bars.
Where to stay
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Hikkaduwa beach
Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon
A lively beachfront hotel in Hikkaduwa, close to the reef and the surf.
Getting there
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Colombo to Galle in about 1.5 hours
Expressways
Toll expressways link the airport, Colombo, Galle and the south, and part of the way towards Kandy.
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Hill line partly closed in 2026
Trains & Sri Lanka Railways
The national railway: the coastal line to Galle and Matara, and the hill-country line, whose most scenic stretch runs from Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) to Ella and Badulla.
Share your Hikkaduwa tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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