This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Hikkaduwa.
Hikkaduwa is a popular beach side resort town on the coast of Sri Lanka. The town has been a well established tourist destination since the 1970s, resulting in an array of cheap guesthouses, hostels, restaurants and tacky souvenir shops.
Hikkaduwa can be easily reached from the country’s capital. There are a local train that regularly runs through the town as well as local buses. It is also popular to hire a local driver to take you around the island. The train line runs along the coast of Sri Lanka and is a great opportunity for people watching and experiencing the culture firsthand.
The popularity of Hikkaduwa in the 1970s has lead to some beach erosion. Though Hikkaduwa might no longer be the ideal place to relax on the beach, it still offers plenty of other activities. Watching the fishermen at work in the early morning is definitely a sight worth seeing. The town also has good nightlife, markets and plenty of happy-hour specials. There are numerous local restaurants serving fresh seafood and local curries in addition to several international eateries. Don’t miss the local curry lunch special: a mix of five local curries with rice.
Hikkaduwa has lots of budget accommodation options, including traditional hostels, guesthouses, guesthouse-style hostels, and even some cheaper resorts and sparse high-end hotels. There are always plenty of opportunities to pick up some great hotel deals in Hikkaduwa. All accommodations cater to tourists and generally offer good services and facilities. Breakfast usually is included in the price of the room and includes a selection of traditional Sri Lankan breakfast items. Guesthouse-style accommodations may also offer dinner options. Laundry facilities are sometimes available, especially in guesthouses. Hikkaduwa hostels tend to have a friendly vibe and be great places to meet other likeminded travelers.
Written by local enthusiast for Hikkaduwa hostels
Kelly Sheldrick
