Southern Coast Highlights from Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a seaside resort town in southwestern Sri Lanka. It’s known for its strong surf and beaches, including palm-dotted Hikkaduwa Beach, lined with restaurants and bars. The shallow waters opposite Hikkaduwa Beach shelter the Hikkaduwa National Park, which is a coral sanctuary and home to marine turtles and exotic fish.

Galle Fort, nestled along Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its fortified walls, built by the Dutch in the 17th century, encircle a charming enclave of colonial-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and lush gardens. This historic gem offers a blend of architectural splendor, cultural richness, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an immersive journey through time.

The Galle Lighthouse, standing tall against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, is a beacon of maritime history and coastal beauty. Perched on the fortified walls of Galle Fort, this iconic structure guides ships with its radiant beam, symbolizing the enduring maritime legacy of Sri Lanka's southern coast.

No matter where you are in Sri Lanka, tea is never too far away, and if you love a cup of Ceylon Tea, a visit to a tea plantation and factory is a must, as you travel around the island. The Handunugoda Low Country Tea Plantation and Tea Factory invites you to explore and learn the intricate art of making tea! The estate is most famed for producing the exotic Virgin White Tea.

Owing to its tropical location, Sri Lanka is surrounded by waters that teem with vibrant marine life. The sea life found around the island consists of many that are entitled in the list of IUCN as endangered species and turtles rank among the most prominent creatures on this list. All of five sea turtle species such as the Green, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles can be found in the waters surrounding the island. And all of these turtles occasionally drop by the shores to lay their eggs.

Stilt fishermen, a timeless spectacle along Sri Lanka's southern shores, epitomize the artistry and resilience of traditional fishing methods. Balanced precariously on wooden poles, these fishermen skillfully cast their lines, creating a picturesque scene that embodies the cultural heritage and natural bounty of the island.