How to Explore Hikkaduwa Corals – A perfect tropical getaway!

If you love everything to do with marine life, you should definitely visit Hikkaduwa, or to be more precise, Hikkaduwa National Park. This is a perfect slice of paradise where you can witness a huge range of marine animals and partake in some activities like snorkelling and diving. Here’s everything you need to know about the park. 

Image via Wikimedia Commons (DaemonX, Hikkaduwa beach LK, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Hikkaduwa National Park 

Located in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, a two-hour drive from Colombo, is Hikkaduwa National Park. Established in 1979 as a sanctuary, the park was converted into a nature reserve in 1988.

There are only three marine national parks in Sri Lanka, and Hikkaduwa National Park is one of them. The shallow reef is the main highlight of the park, and it makes it a perfect spot for diving and snorkelling. Visitors also have the chance to witness a wide array of marine animals of all shapes and sizes.

The exact location of the park is Thiranagama, Hikkaduwa, and you can visit from 7 AM to 6.30 PM.

Getting here 

If you take the likes of Truly Sri Lanka as your point of reference, you’d know that there are four primary methods of transportation in Sri Lanka. 

You can get here by air. There are two airports located close to Hikkaduwa: Colombo International Airport and Koggala Domestic Airport. 

You can, of course, go for car hire from Colombo; it’s going to be a little too expensive, but it will be a comfortable ride; you can also opt for a car rental with a driver. To get here like a local would, take the bus. 

Taking the train from Colombo to Hikkaduwa is a fun way to travel. The journey will take about one and half hours or two hours at most. 

Weather 

Sri Lanka is a tropical destination, which means that the weather is going to be warm and sunny all year round. However, the country experiences two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. 

The wet season isn’t ideal for travel, so avoid May, July and the months between October and January.

Snorkelling  

This is one of the best things you can do at the park. The reef of the park is a prime example of rich biodiversity. It’s home to around 170 species of fish. Snorkelling here is your chance to see a variety of animals in their habitat.

Diving 

Another fun activity you can enjoy at the park, diving, allows you a sneak peek at the gorgeous marine life of Sri Lanka. You can also talk to someone at the park for information about the corals so that you can have a better experience underwater.

Glass bottom tour 

If you don’t want to get in the water but want to witness the beautiful marine creatures of Sri Lanka, you should go for a glass bottom tour. The garden offers a coral trip in a glass-bottomed boat that covers the entire park.

Can you camp here? 

Not really, you cannot camp at the park; there aren’t any camping facilities available. However, you can enjoy a safari tour of the park.

What’s the weather like during the winter season? 

The winter season is one of the best times to visit the park. Sri Lanka touts warm and sunny weather during this time.

Can this be a family holiday? 

People of all ages can visit the park and enjoy its activities. So yes, this can be the perfect family vacation for you!

If you are worried about snorkelling and diving, don’t be. There are trained professionals who will guide you through everything.

Accommodation 

You will find a range of accommodation near the park. The list includes a wide variety of accommodation providers, including budget, mid-range, and high-end hotels.