Hikkaduwa is a miniature town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, which is famous among tourists for its beaches, inexpensive hotels and optimal weather conditions. There are few attractions in the city itself, but in its vicinity you can always find something to see. Hikkaduwa surprises visitors with a welcoming atmosphere and interesting customs of the local population.
Holiday season in Hikkaduwa
The city is located in the subtropical zone, which is characterized by a humid and warm climate all year round. The average air temperature is kept at around +29 to +32 degrees. In winter, the air warms up to +29 degrees, and the water in the sea up to +28 degrees. The winter months are characterized by minimal rainfall. In January - 70 millimeters of mercury, in February –90. The lack of rain attracts tourists to Hikkaduwa during the winter.
Since March, the weather has remained virtually unchanged. The amount of precipitation increases to 140 millimeters of mercury. Heavy rains come in May, bringing additional moisture. In June, the rains continue with the same intensity, and in July their number drops sharply. Autumn in the city is warm and humid little different from other seasons.
Weather forecast for the resorts of Sri Lanka by month
Top 10 places of interest in Hikkaduwa
Beaches
Most tourists come to Hikkaduwa to enjoy ocean swimming and scenic views. The city is located on the coast, where there are many beaches of different levels of comfort. The city beach is considered the most popular. It stretches for 15 kilometers. Coral reefs form a natural lagoon, preventing high waves from reaching the shore. This is one of the advantages of the beach. In addition, large turtles with their offspring often crawl to the shore of the city beach. The beach infrastructure is well developed: sun loungers, changing cabins, sports equipment rental.
Another beach, Narigama, has a gently sloping entrance to the water and rather high waves. Surf lovers love to relax here. There is a cozy restaurant on the beach serving local cuisine. Every evening, locals gather on the beach to watch the amazing sunrise.
National park
This attraction is located in the northern part of the city and is a coral reserve. Before the devastating tsunami in 2004, the park was famous for its beautiful coral reefs. Unfortunately, most of their bulls were destroyed by the elements, and now the park staff are gradually restoring the natural habitat of corals.
The most exciting entertainment in the park is snorkeling, thanks to which you can see the colorful underwater world of the ocean. At the request of tourists, experienced instructors conduct training master classes that help to quickly navigate in the water. After passing such a master class, the tourist is issued a certificate. Another way to spend your leisure time in the park with benefit is riding catamarans and boats.
Shinigama Vihara Temple
This shrine is the pride of Hikkaduwa and is located on a separate island, 120 meters away from the city. You can get to the temple only by water transport, which runs quite often. The temple complex occupies not only the island, but also the mainland. Sinigama Vihara was built according to all the canons of Hindu architecture. It is difficult to establish the age of the building, since information about the foundation of the temple has not been preserved in any historical chronicle. Residents of Hikkaduwa are confident that the attractions are more than 1200 years old.
The temple was erected in honor of the Buddhist deity Devola, who is considered the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. An interesting fact is that those who have become victims of fraud come to Shinigama Viharu. According to popular legend, one can ask for retribution from the deity Devol and the guilty person will be punished by higher powers.
Tsunami Museum
The 2004 tsunami is the most tragic event in the history of Sri Lanka, killing more than 60,000 people. After the natural disaster, a group of enthusiasts decided to establish a museum in a house whose owners also died during a terrible flood. Today the museum is funded by volunteer money and donations from tourists.
There are three halls inside the museum, each of which is dedicated to the tragedy of 2004. The halls contain collections of photographs, documents, eyewitness reviews and other items that allow one to fully imagine the scale of the tsunami. At the exit from the museum, you can leave your feedback in a special book. Tourists from different countries share their impressions of the excursion.
Turtle farm
5 kilometers from Hikkaduwa there is a private giant sea turtle breeding nursery. The owner of the farm managed to create conditions for mammals close to natural, due to which they actively reproduce. The farm tour includes:
- acquaintance with the peculiarities of breeding and keeping turtles;
- a walk through the enclosures and acquaintance with different types of turtles;
- a detailed story of the guide about how the turtles lay their eggs.
For an additional fee, you can take part in the release of young offspring into the ocean. To do this, you must fill out an application in advance on the farm's website and send it to the management. After the excursion, tourists are invited to visit a small cafe serving national cuisine, as well as a souvenir shop.
Museum of masks
Not far from Hikkaduwa is the most famous museum of traditional Sri Lankan masks in Sri Lanka. The museum building is small, but it houses a fairly extensive collection of various handmade masks. The value of the exhibits lies in the fact that each mask is the result of the work of a master who makes it using a special ancient technology. There are no duplicate masks in the museum.
All masks are made from durable Kaduru wood and are divided according to theme. The first collection consists of historical masks that were used during cultural shows. The second collection is dedicated to ritual masks designed for various ritual ceremonies. The third collection includes carnival masks. In addition to viewing the exposition, the museum can make any custom-made mask for you by prior arrangement with the master.
Methiyagoda Mine
If you drive 10 kilometers away from Hikkaduwa, you can visit an interesting attraction. The land in this area is rich in natural resources, including precious and semi-precious stones. The mine has existed since 1954 and during this period most of the state's natural resources were mined in its depths.
Currently, work in some mines is frozen. 5 operating mines are open for visitors, where you can watch the process of mining. There is a small museum in a separate building, which stores stones of unusual shapes and colors. On your way out of the mine, be sure to stop by the store, which has a wide range of jewelry, gem-inlaid figurines, and bijouterie. For an additional fee, you can make exclusive jewelry, which will be made in a single copy.
Memorial monument
This attraction is located at the entrance to the city. The memorial was erected by the staff of the Japanese mission after the terrible tsunami of 2004. The monument is depicted in the form of a tall statue of Buddha with one hand raised and the other lowered. Buddha holds a lotus flower - a symbol of harmony and eternal life. The statue is installed on a square stone plinth, which is partially submerged in an artificial lake. The names of the victims of the tragedy are carved on the pedestal in small letters.
Every year, local residents and guests of the city come to the memorial, lay flowers at the foot of the monument in memory of those who remained forever in the depths of the ocean. In 2012, the Hikkaduwa government decided to add a few more sculptures to the main monument, but the project is still in development at this stage. The opening of the memorial complex is planned for 2019.
Sports Center in Bentota
An hour's drive from Hikkaduwa is the Bentot resort area, which is famous for its sports center and water park. The range of services provided by the center is very wide and includes:
- equipment rental;
- rent of mini-yachts, scooters, bananas;
- conducting diving master classes.
After sailing on a yacht or diving, tourists enjoy the stunning seascapes and relax in the bosom of nature. In the club you can book a cozy family hotel and stay in it for a few days. For regular visitors, there are profitable promotions and offers. The children's direction, developed by the staff of the center, deserves special attention. It involves teaching children of all ages to dive and swim. Additional services include spa treatments, massages and live entertainment every weekend.
Ancient fortress in Galle
If you went to Hikkaduwa, then be sure to visit the ancient fortress. It is located 23 kilometers from the city in Galle. The fortress is included in the list of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The construction of the sight falls on 1588. Initially, the fortress was built by the Portuguese colonialists, and then reconstructed by the Dutch. For 4 centuries, this defensive structure has been maintained in perfect condition thanks to the efforts of the staff of the State Museum of Halle.
Today, a part of the bell tower, a lighthouse, a church and other equally significant architectural objects have survived from the fort. Walking through the fortress is a great opportunity to plunge into the unusual atmosphere and feel the spirit of the past.
