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Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
This laid-back coastal town on Sri Lanka's south coast is a total gem - think world-class surfing, stunning beaches, and a night market that's always pulsing with energy.
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Hikkaduwa Left Me Feeling Like I Was in a Russian Resort in Asia, But I'm Still on the Fence
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm still on the fence about Hikkaduwa, but this beachside town in Sri Lanka has a certain charm that's hard to resist. We spent a week here, and while it's not as polished as Bentota, Hikkaduwa has its own unique appeal. The beach is stunning, with friendly sea turtles swimming up to say hello. I was pleasantly surprised by the build quality of the local restaurants and shops – they're a cut above what I expected. However, I did find the customer support to be a bit lacking at times. Overall, Hikkaduwa is a great option for those looking for a more laid-back, off-the-beaten-path experience in Sri Lanka.
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Buz9/10
Kum7/10
Halka8/10
Kararİyi
We spent April 2024 in Sri Lanka, and we stayed in Bentota, which was a real gem by local standards, at the Ekho Surf hotel, where most of the guests were Europeans.
We also visited nearby Hikkaduwa a few times, and I'm glad we did.
Hikkaduwa reviews
Why We Wanted to Check Out HikkaduwaIt wasn't just the proximity to Bentota that drew us in.We wanted to see what else this place had to offer.
Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka reviewsHikkaduwa is a popular resort among Russian tourists, and my friends who've been to Sri Lanka before usually stayed here or in Unawatuna.So, it was interesting to see where all the fuss was about and if there were any differences from Bentota.I also knew that Hikkaduwa has a beach with giant turtles that swim up and are friendly with tourists.
Sea turtle on Hikkaduwa beach
Hikkaduwa is Comfortable for Russian SpeakersAs soon as I got there, I realized that Hikkaduwa is an excellent spot for those who want to relax and don't want to exert themselves too much, integrating into the local atmosphere because
I felt like I'd just arrived in Anapa in every sense of the word.It's not just because you hear a lot of Russian being spoken, but also because so many things are adapted for Russian tourists - menus are in Russian, signs are in Russian, some locals even speak Russian, and of course, there are Russians working there too.
For me, as someone who's in a foreign country, it's a huge comfort and a huge relief.
Russian tourists in Hikkaduwa
BeachThe beaches are stunning, picturesque, and totally exotic.There are loads of cafes right on the beachfront.We went into one that even had Russian graffiti on the walls.
Cafe on Hikkaduwa beachHikkaduwaThe portions were massive - one serving was easily enough for two people.
Food on Hikkaduwa beachThe beach is pretty narrow.But you can't swim everywhere, though, because the ocean along Hikkaduwa has some pretty rough waves - and who can blame it, it's the ocean, after all!You'll see those waves and think twice about getting in the water, trust me!
Wild ocean in Hikkaduwa
Where to Swim and About the TurtlesBut there's this one little cove that's like a wave breaker - or so I've heard (I'm no expert, but it looks like it works!) - where you can find some seriously big turtles!
And the best part? Even when the waves are huge out in the ocean, this little cove is calm and peaceful, making it the perfect spot to relax.
It's no wonder locals love this spot - it's like a mini-Anapa, with the narrow beach making you feel like you're in a secluded paradise!
The beach is tiny, but it's perfect for a quick dip.By the way, everyone in the know - including hotel staff - will point you in the direction of this spot, so you can't go wrong!
Turtle beach in Hikkaduwa
If you're like us and want to see those turtles, just tell your driver to take you to the turtle beach, and they'll know exactly where to go - or you can just Google it and find it on the map!And the best part? The beach is free, and you don't have to pay a dime to see these amazing creatures - they're just chillin' there, living their best lives, and totally not bothered by tourists!
I'm blown away by the sheer number of turtles here! They just swim up to the feeding area, knowing they'll get fed. The locals even sell seaweed for feeding them.
Seaweed packets in HikkaduwaThey also release baby turtles into the ocean every evening, right on schedule. You can catch this event if you time it right! It's the staff from the nearby turtle farm.
Turtle release in HikkaduwaA Major Plus:
Since Hikkaduwa feels like a Russian resort in Asia, the prices here are a huge plus. They're way more affordable than in Bentota, and
excursion prices are a fraction of the cost.For example, a trip to Ella (with that famous nine-arch bridge) cost me just $25 in Hikkaduwa, while the same trip in Bentota was a whopping $100... My friends who were staying in Bentota just booked the Hikkaduwa excursion with a pickup from Bentota.
There's also a modern supermarket right on the beach and some cute shops where you can find everything you need for relaxation and souvenirs.They're all along the road that runs parallel to the beach, so it's hard to walk by without stopping.
Shopping in HikkaduwaThe Verdict:
Hikkaduwa is definitely worth visiting if you're on Sri Lanka, but whether to stay here or not is up to you - it depends on the pros and cons of each resort and your personal preferences.
Hikkaduwa beach
I've got to say, Hikkaduwa has its perks:
✔️It's super developed for Russian-speaking tourists looking to unwind,
✔️Prices are totally reasonable here,
✔️There's a little cove where you can go for a swim
(and trust me, it's a big deal because the ocean waves can be intimidating)
✔️The turtle beach is amazing if you want to experience the exotic vibe
✔️The palm-lined coastline is just stunning
Hikkaduwa coastline
That being said, I wouldn't rush back to Hikkaduwa for my next trip (but I wouldn't rule it out either) because there are a couple of things that didn't quite hit the mark for me compared to other Sri Lankan resorts:
🤔The coastline is a bit too short
🤔There are way too many Russian tourists.
I'm not one to shy away from fellow countrymen, and I actually see the plus side of having a lot of locals here – it means everything's well-developed for us – but sometimes I just want to experience the local culture and authenticity. Although, if there was a wider beach, maybe that wouldn't have bothered me as much 😅
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?
The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Are there any good restaurants in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, there are several great restaurants in Hikkaduwa, including Sea Turtle Cafe and The Beach House, which serve delicious seafood and local dishes.
Can I book a hotel in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, there are several hotels and resorts in Hikkaduwa, including Ekho Surf Hotel and The Beach Resort, which offer comfortable accommodations and stunning ocean views.
Is Hikkaduwa safe for tourists?
Yes, Hikkaduwa is generally a very safe town for tourists, with low crime rates and a strong focus on tourist safety.
Can I rent a car in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, there are several car rental companies in Hikkaduwa, including Sri Lanka Car Rentals and Asia Rent a Car, which offer a range of vehicles for rent.
Are there any good activities to do in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, there are several great activities to do in Hikkaduwa, including snorkeling, surfing, and visiting the nearby Yala National Park.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, citizens of many countries can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, including the US, UK, and Australia.
What's the best way to get to Hikkaduwa?
The best way to get to Hikkaduwa is by flying into Columbo International Airport and then taking a taxi or bus to the town.
check_circlePros
- •The beach is a real showstopper, with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand.
- •The local seafood is incredibly fresh and delicious, with a focus on sustainable fishing practices.
- •The build quality of the local restaurants and shops is surprisingly high, with a focus on using local materials.
- •The friendly sea turtles that swim up to the beach are a total game changer – it's an experience you'll never forget.
- •The town has a relaxed, laid-back vibe that's perfect for those looking to unwind.
- •The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the high quality of the local goods and services
cancelCons
- •The customer support can be a bit lacking at times, especially for non-Russian speakers.
- •The town can get a bit crowded during peak season, which can make it feel less relaxed.
- •Some of the local shops and restaurants can be a bit hit-or-miss in terms of quality.
- •The town's infrastructure is still developing, which can make it feel a bit rough around the edges.
- •The lack of English signage can make it difficult for non-Russian speakers to navigate the town.
- •The town's nightlife is pretty limited, which may not be ideal for those looking for a party vibe
