HIKKADUWA
Hikkaduwa appears to have been an early tourist destination in Ceylon, for J. W. Bennett reported in 1843 that it "is most pleasantly situated, and a great resort of picnic parties from Galle". Traditionally associated with the cultivation of coconuts, rice and cinnamon, plumbago mining, and the manufacture of lace and drum frames, Hikkaduwa has emerged as a modern destination for sun-seekers and wave-worshippers.
There is only one town by the sea that can boast of some of the best surfing waves in Sri Lanka, a long stretch of beach packed with restaurants serving deliciously fresh seafood, an equally long stretch of souvenir shops for the serious shopper, and guesthouses and hotels galore, from the cheap and cheerful to star-class.
The name of the place is Hikkaduwa, and there is no other resort on the island like it.
Lying 98km south of Colombo on the west coast, Hikkaduwa comprises a number of different areas stretching from north to south. The main town of Hikkaduwa is the most 'Sri Lankan' of all areas and features the bus stand, train station and police station at one end, and the dive stations and big hotels at the other end, further south.
Next is the Wewala area packed full of guesthouses and small restaurants, internet cafés and bars.
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