
Hikkaduwa
sri-lanka
About Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is one of Sri Lanka's most popular surf destinations, with wide sandy beaches running the length of the town and plenty of buzzing nightlife spots. More interested in nature? You'll have the coral reefs of Hikkaduwa National Park and coastal jungle teeming with wildlife right on your doorstep. Visitors craving a glimpse of authentic Sri Lanka can hire a scooter and head just a few kilometres inland, where the roads wind through rural villages untouched by the modernity of the coast.
Look out for Hikkaduwa hostels that have a restaurant and bar on-site – in some you and your dorm mates could even sip cocktails on an outdoor terrace. You can stay in a brightly painted cottage with tropical gardens, or opt for a Hikkaduwa hostel where you can chill on loungers around an outdoor pool. Many hostels in Hikkaduwa have communal kitchens and several have free breakfast too, which is ideal if you're on a budget.
Galle Road is the main street through Hikkaduwa and it's along this bustling thoroughfare that you'll find most restaurants and shops. There are also a handful of relaxed beach bars on Narigama Beach to the south. Hikkaduwa Lake is a 40-minute walk from the town centre, and is popular for its wildlife and kayaking opportunities. For river safaris through the mangroves of the Madu Ganga River drive 35 minutes north to Balapitiya – the village itself is a hidden gem of sandy beaches without bars or crowds.
Water sports are Hikkaduwa's main attraction, with snorkelling around the coral reef on the north end of Hikkaduwa Beach and several diving centres running PADI courses. Surfing is particularly popular with beginners on the gentle reef breaks of Wewala and Narigama Beaches. Off the sand you can visit the Tsunami Education Centre and Museum with its sombre collection of photos from the 2004 tragedy that hit Sri Lanka's coast. Or you could take a short boat trip to the island that hosts the Buddhist temple of Seenigama Muhudu Vihara – where you might even be tempted by some of the slightly unconventional remedies for sale.
Fly to Bandaranaike International Airport to reach Hikkaduwa. From the airport you can take a shuttle (1 hour) into Colombo and from there either catch the train (2-3 hours), or bus (3 hours) to Hikkaduwa. Both the bus and train stations are in the town centre, close to the marina. To get around town walking is best, and to reach Narigama Beach or Hikkaduwa Lake take a three-wheeler taxi.
City Info
7 Hostels in Hikkaduwa
Located in Hikkaduwa
Around 20 km from Galle International Cricket Stadium, TheLakeHostel welcomes your stay with us.
Located in Hikkaduwa
Tipsy Ceylon in Hikkaduwa welcomes your stay with us!
Located in Hikkaduwa
Around 400 metres from Narigama beach, Hummus Hostel & Restaurant welcomes your stay with us.
Located in Hikkaduwa
Set in Hikkaduwa, Kind & Love Guesthouse and Hostel provides a shared kitchen area and free Wifi.

Located in Hikkaduwa
Globetrotter and digital nomads from all over the world: welcome to Mandala hotel & hostel. Are you going to visit Hikkaduwa? Come and celebrate with us the great opening to start the new season. Mandala is a eco friendly and social hotel and hostel. Steffi´s...
Located in Hikkaduwa
Travellers Hostel in Hikkaduwa is close to the bus stand and the railway station.
Located in Hikkaduwa
Located in Hikkaduwa, Hippy Surf Camp & Yoga Shala offers surf packages that include accommodation and yoga sessions.
Hikkaduwa is a fantastic destination for backpackers offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're planning a short trip or making it part of a longer backpacking journey, this city should definitely be included in your travel itinerary. When looking for accommodation in Hikkaduwa, hostels provide the best value and opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Whether you're looking for a social party hostel, a quiet retreat, a centrally located base for exploring the city, or something in between, Hikkaduwa has options for every type of traveler. Many hostels in Hikkaduwa offer additional amenities like free breakfast, communal kitchens, outdoor spaces, and organized activities.
When visiting Hikkaduwa, don't miss the opportunity to:
- Explore the local cuisine and nightlife
- Visit historical landmarks and cultural sites
- Connect with other travelers at hostel events
- Discover hidden gems off the tourist path in Hikkaduwa