Hikkaduwa City Guide

Food is diverse with strong local and international options. Must-try dishes: rice and curry, grilled seafood, kottu, hoppers. Vegan and vegetarian options widely available. Some late-night dining during peak season.

Nightlife is lively in peak months with beach bars, pubs, and live music. Scene suits tourists and surfers.

Coffee scene is growing with several cafes offering espresso drinks. Few specialty roasters and no coffee tours.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Restaurants often add 10% service charge; if not, 5-10% tip is common. Tuk-tuk fares can be rounded up.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and official stores. Main networks are Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch, with Dialog having best coverage. Passport required for registration. eSIMs available from Dialog and Mobitel.

Main tourist areas are reasonably clean but some side streets have litter and sanitation issues. Waste collection is inconsistent.

Few 24/7 services. Some pharmacies and minimarts have late hours but true 24/7 options are rare. Emergency medical care is limited.

Main supermarkets are Keells Super and Cargills Food City. Local markets offer fresh produce and seafood. Supermarkets open 8 AM to 9 PM, including Sundays. Bargaining is common at local markets and tuk-tuk rides.

Cards work in bigger hotels, restaurants, and some shops. Smaller places and tuk-tuks mainly take cash. Carry enough Sri Lankan Rupees.

ATMs from major banks like Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank are available. International withdrawal fees might apply.

Local schools teach in Sinhala. International schools with English instruction are mostly in nearby Galle.

Small but active community with informal meetups and some co-living guesthouses. Several cafes and coworking spaces offer working spots. Online groups help networking.

No large parks or riversides. Natural vegetation near beaches offers some green space. Shaded walking areas are limited.

Beachfront routes are scenic and popular. Main roads can be busy; inland roads are quieter. Safe during day but watch for traffic.

Local gyms available plus fitness classes at surf camps.

Public courts are limited or nonexistent. Some resorts may have private courts.

No known padel facilities.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers. Classes in various styles, often with English-speaking instructors. Drop-in available.

Limited martial arts options. Some gyms or retreats may offer Muay Thai or boxing. Training tends to focus on fitness rather than traditional styles.

No skiing; tropical climate.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are popular. Rentals and guided tours available. Best from November to April.

Known for consistent surf spots of varying difficulty. North Jetty and Main Reef suit beginners; Bennys and North Point for advanced surfers. Warm water and many surf schools available.

Diving and snorkeling are popular with coral reefs and shipwrecks. Good visibility in dry season. Dive schools offer certification and rentals.

Local clinics available; serious cases need travel to Galle hospitals with English staff. Private clinics offer better care than public. Pharmacies are common but hours vary.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water.

Limited public playgrounds but kid-friendly beaches and cafés. Baby supplies available in supermarkets. Family attractions include coral sanctuary, beach, and tsunami museum.

Conservative country with limited LGBTQ+ rights. Tourist areas like Hikkaduwa are more tolerant but no specific safe spaces. Discretion advised.

Pet policies vary; limited pet-friendly places. Basic vet services available nearby. Beaches and quiet streets okay for walking pets.