• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-759254335974
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "sri-lanka/west-coast/hikkaduwa-and-around",
      "destination": "Hikkaduwa-&-Around",
      "title": "hikkaduwa-around",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Hikkaduwa-&-Around",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Sri-Lanka",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Hikkaduwa & Around

Sri Lanka

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Outrigger on Hikkaduwa Beach,  Sri Lanka

Getty Images/Gallo Images

Overview

Hikkaduwa has been a firm fixture on the Sri Lankan tourist map since the 1970s, and this long exposure to tourism has left it a little worse for wear. A kilometre-long strip of guesthouses, shops and restaurants lines the beach, which is quite badly eroded in its northern stretch. The busy Colombo–Galle Rd, with its crazy high-speed bus drivers, runs right through the middle of Hikkaduwa, which can make stepping outside of your guesthouse as deadly as a game of Russian roulette!

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Hikkaduwa & Around? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Sri Lanka trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Snapshots of Sri Lanka: a Cultural Cross-Country Odyssey

highlights

  1. 1Visiting Sigirya’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including its famous, frescoed rock fortress
  2. 2Embarking on a scenic train adventure that will lead you through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes
  3. 3Snorkeling Trincomalee's crystal clear waters to uncover diverse species of fish and sea turtles
from $4,050

per person

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-928212133011
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "sri-lanka/west-coast/hikkaduwa-and-around",
      "destination": "Hikkaduwa-&-Around",
      "title": "hikkaduwa-around",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Hikkaduwa-&-Around",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Sri-Lanka",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-826247094325
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "sri-lanka/west-coast/hikkaduwa-and-around",
      "destination": "Hikkaduwa-&-Around",
      "title": "hikkaduwa-around",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Hikkaduwa-&-Around",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Sri-Lanka",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Hikkaduwa & Around

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-526492800948
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "sri-lanka/west-coast/hikkaduwa-and-around",
      "destination": "Hikkaduwa-&-Around",
      "title": "hikkaduwa-around",
      "type": "Region",
      "region": "Hikkaduwa-&-Around",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Sri-Lanka",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }