The surfing centre of Sri Lanka's west coast is Hikkaduwa, a small town towards the southern tip only 17 km from Galle. Located on the famous Galle Road, it is primarily a tourist destination famous for its beach, surfing, coral and nightlife.
Hikkaduwa portrays a fun vibe with lots of different bars, cafes and hotels arranged in a strip around the main road. There are many affordable hotels and guesthouses along a beautiful stretch of beach that overlook the surf. At night you can wander between cafes enjoying the sunset and surrounding nightlife.
Hikkaduwa offers some great options for both surfing and snorkelling, with a few different peaks and reefs to choose from. There are also a lot of lesser known spots hidden in bays and coves. We've listed a few but there are still many to discover for yourself.
If you're searching for a watery escape, then aim to travel between November and April. The monsoon during the off season can make it quite unpleasant. Otherwise, head over to Arugam Bay on the east coast. Hikkaduwa is the perfect place to base yourself for an adventure on Sri Lanka's west coast.
