What Is Special In Hikkaduwa? Uncovering What Is Great, Okay, And Ugly In This Sri Lankan Resort Town 

BY  Sibashree Jul 25, 2026

With Pasikudah getting its first floating dining platform thanks to Sun Siyam, this coastal town around 35 km away from Batticaloa is going to offer a more luxurious experience.  While this is a delightful upgrade, the first thing I noticed in Pasikudah was the silence.  With the sands and turquoise waters that almost looked surreal, it was away from the crowds.  Also, the absence of crashing surf and urgent pull made exploring the shoreline easier for me. There was no need for reminders to stay close to the shore.  Furthermore, in the south, at Unawatuna Beach and Mirissa Beach, the Indian Ocean threw itself at land with real intent.  At Pasikudah on the eastern coast, it was just a gentle lapping, the kind of sound that makes you lower your voice without realizing it. The shore here waits for the Ocean to arrive! How To Reach Pasikudah? Pasikudah is at a distance of around 300 kilometers from Colombo.  So, if you are traveling from Colombo or straight from the Bandaranaike International Airport, it will be a road journey of five to six hours.  A little taxing it may sound, but it can be a wonderful opportunity for cultural exploration. The road takes you through the Cultural Triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. The key destinations on this circuit also include the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Royal Cave.  However, during my trip to Sri Lanka, I took the 6075 Batticaloa Special train from Colombo Fort to the Valaichchenai Railway Station.  This is the closest to Pasikudah, and you can reach the coastal town in 15-20 minutes in a tuk-tuk.  The train started at 3:15 PM and reached Valaichchenai Railway Station at 10:50 PM. I was traveling in a third-class compartment, and the ticket price was LKR 1400.  There are two other train options from Colombo Fort to Pasikudah. The first one leaves at 6 AM and reaches Valachchenei at 2:40 PM. Also, the last train for the day departs the Colombo Fort Station at 7 PM and reaches Valachchenei at 3:23 AM. Pasikudah: A Place With A Multilayered History Pasikudah shows Tamil influence in its naming, and it is roughly translated to “Green Algae Bay.” The name is, of course, not flattering for a place that looks this beautiful. However, it ties the link perfectly to the past when Pasikudah was a working fishing settlement. It became a resort town much later.  Furthermore, Pasikudah is the place where the Dutch first landed in Sri Lanka in 1602. I could see the traces of that Colonial period scattered everywhere.  There were old buildings, a slender lighthouse, and a fort dating to 1628 with sweeping views over the coastline, about 20 minutes away near Kalkudah. 2004 And 2009: Two Landmark Years For The History Of Pasikudah And Sri Lanka  The history of Pasikudah got erased twice in recent years.  The Tsunami in 2004 hit this stretch of coast hard.  Also, decades of Civil War kept Pasikudah off the tourist map entirely until the war ended in 2009, like Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.  Standing on the beach, I watched families wade out into water that barely reached their knees even 400 meters from shore. It was hard to picture how quiet and forgotten this coastline was less than two decades ago.  The recovery of this resort town has been consistent and in places quite luxurious.  However, the bones of an old fishing village are still there. What Are The Things To Do In Pasikudah?  Pasikudah is not a beach that you visit for drama or some out-of-the-box adventure.  You can chase that in the moody coastline I found in Mannar or the raw remoteness of Vavuniya.  Here the water is the whole point, and the things to do in Pasikudah revolve around that.  1. Exploring The Shallow Reef Coastline  Pasikudah has one of the longest stretches of shallow reef coastline in the world.  I walked out nearly 500 meters from the shore one morning, and the water still sat at my waist. It was dreamy, and it felt like the ocean had turned into a very warm and large swimming pool.  Also, the shallow gradient makes it an ideal snorkeling spot.  I spent an afternoon drifting over coral patches just offshore. I watched for the reef fish that dart in and out of the structures close to the resort strip.  Diving operators here also run trips further out for anyone wanting more depth than the bay itself provides. Moreover, if you are traveling with kids, it is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka. So, you will usually notice families visiting this beach and not the usual surf crowd.  2. Experiencing The Rawness Of Kalkudah The tuk-tuk ride to Kalkudah in the north was a brilliant decision as it impressed me with its quieter and rawer feel.  Kalkudah had fewer sun loungers and resorts and more fishermen.  I spent half a day in a coastline that was not fully smoothed out yet. 3. Exploring Beyond The Beach I wanted to get inland for at least one day.  So, I took a drive south and reached Batticaloa town. Batticaloa had its own Dutch fort and a slower, more local rhythm than the resort strip. I loved wandering its lagoon-side streets in the afternoon and talked to fishermen whose families had been working in the same waters for generations.   Then I explored the lagoon system of Batticaloa by bicycle and saw rice paddies, water buffalo, and small fishing communities up close.  I rented the bicycle from a local operator, and they charged me 300 LKR per hour.  4. A Visit To The Somawathiya National Park The Somawathiya National Park is at a distance of around 68 km from Pasikudah. It is a protected site known for its biodiversity.  It has leopards, elephants, water buffalo and various species of birds,  Also, it is a prominent pilgrimage site with the stupa housing the relic (the right canine tooth) of Lord Buddha.  The experience at Somawathiya National Park was very different from the time at the beach, and the Somawathiya Chaitya reminded me of the Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, India.  Overall, Pasikudah rewarded me as a place to slow down. However, with enough history and the spiritual vibe of the Stupa, my time here was more rewarding.

BY  Sibashree Jul 9, 2026

Kurunegala has recently been in the news due to infrastructure development. The cabinet meeting granted the construction of stage 1 of phase 4 of the Central Expressway Project.  It will connect Kurunegala and Dambulla, which is famous for the iconic Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.  The Road Development Authority (RDA) has further confirmed that the extension work will start in November 2026.  However, Kurunegala has always been a melting pot for the cultural hub of Kandy, Puttalam, Negombo and the country’s capital, Colombo.  Also, as the capital of the northwestern province, it holds massive strategic and political importance.  Where Is Kurunegala?  Kurunegala is in the north-western interior of Sri Lanka.  As the capital of the Kurunegala District and the North-Western Province, it also functions as a major transportation hub.  Furthermore, it is around 94 kilometers northeast of the country’s capital, Colombo. In addition, the distance between Kandy and Kurunegala is just 42 km.  How To Reach Kurunegala? While traveling from Colombo, Kandy is the gateway to reach Kurunegala. I took a bus from the Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand.  Buses run regularly from Kandy to Kurunegala, or route 602, and the journey via Katugastota-Kurunegala Road (A10) takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.  I traveled in a regular bus, and the ticket price was LKR 200. Semi-luxury, luxury, and super-luxury bus options are also available on this route, and the ticket prices will be between LKR 350 and LKR 600.  Why Is Kurunegala Famous? Ancient Royal History! Majestic Geology!  An Agricultural Powerhouse!  These are the three main reasons behind Kurunegala’s prominent position in the tourism landscape of Sri Lanka.  The Capital Of Ancient Kingdoms From the late 13th to the early 14th century, Kurunegala was the royal Capital of Sri Lanka.  It was known as Hasthishaila-pura earlier, and under the rule of kings like Buwanekabahu II and Parakramabahu IV, it safeguarded the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Also, including the Yapahuwa rock fortress, the silver cave temple of Ridi Viharaya, and the ancient ruins of Panduwasnuwara, the city has many historic ruins and citadels.  The City Of Animal Rocks A ring of eight massive ancient granite outcrops encircles Kurunegala. These granite outcrops, suddenly rising from the plains, look surreal.  Furthermore, my guide told me a fascinating folklore about these outcrops.  “Kurunegala once faced a severe drought. Then, a witch turned water-guzzling animals into stone. In fact, some of these rocks are famously named after the animals their silhouettes resemble.” For example, Athugala looks like an elephant, Ibbagala looks like the back of a tortoise, and Andagala resembles an eel.  The Heart Of The Coconut Triangle Kurunegala, like Kalutara, is famous for rubber estates. It also has endless coconut plantations.  In fact, it is located inside the “Coconut Triangle" of Sri Lanka. So, overall, it is a prominent commercial hub for agricultural production.  Moreover, it is the cradle of Selyn, Sri Lanka’s only fair-trade guaranteed handloom company. So, it is also a critical center for preserving the island's traditional textile heritage. What Are The Places To Visit In Kurunegala?  Kurunegala offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience in Sri Lanka.  For me, the most fascinating places to visit here are the ancient rocks and the spiritual landmarks.  While these connect you to history, the scenic waterways and modern sanctuaries allow you to unwind and soak in the local vibe.  1. Athugala Rock Temple  Athugala dominates the skyline of Kurunegala.  This outcrop has a height of 325 meters, and it gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to a giant, crouching elephant (Atha meaning elephant and Gala meaning rock). Furthermore, once I reached the summit, I found a magnificent Buddha statue of 88 feet in height.  You can take a car ride to reach the summit. However, I preferred a trek through the stone steps.  Fortunately, I reached the summit at sunset. So, the experience was magical.  2. Ridi Vihariya Or The Silver Temple  Ridi Viharaya connects us to the 2nd century BCE. This ancient cave temple is around 20 kilometers away from the main town in Rideegama.  King Dutugemunu discovered a rich vein of silver ore here. Then he used the silver ore to finance the construction of the famous Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura. Furthermore, Ridi Vihariya is hidden by rocky cliffs and forest cover. Also, it is home to a magnificent reclining Buddha statue, Kandyan-era frescoes, and ivory carvings.  3. Yapahuwa Rock Fortress The Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is often compared to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  Yapahuwa was the capital of Sri Lanka under King Bhuvanekabahu I in the late 13th century.  Furthermore, the temple is constructed against a sheer, 200-meter-high granite rock that juts dramatically out of the surrounding jungle. Moreover, it has a highly ornamental staircase. Stone lions and intricate carvings adorn the path.  What is more fascinating than these steps, which once led to the royal palace and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic? 4. Panduwasnuwara Ancient City Panduwasnuwara, which served as a temporary capital in the 12th century, is a dramatic ruin site. It has a well-defined citadel surrounded by protective moats and thick ramparts. Furthermore, inside the citadel, there are the foundations of a two-tiered royal palace, complete with ancient latrines and footings for wooden pillars. However, the Ektem Maligaya, or the perfectly circular tower, was the most fascinating feature of the Panduwasnuwara ancient city.  Local folklore links it to romantic legends of hidden princesses, while historians believe it was used by King Parakramabahu for swearing-in allegiance rituals. 5. Kurunegala Lake (Rantalia Tank) Kurunegala Lake is the ultimate place to unwind after a busy day. It is at the foot of the animal rocks.  I loved walking along the well-paved path hugging the banks. You can also do a pedal-boat ride on the lake.  Furthermore, you can just relax sitting in the nearby restaurants and trying authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.  6. Arankele Forest Hermitage Arankele is a meditation retreat. It was originally built for austere Buddhist monks, and with untouched jungle, it still exudes a strong spiritual vibe.  As I walked through the stone-paved paths, I came across the ancient Padhanagharas or meditation halls, sun-dappled ponds, cave dwellings, and Jantagharas or the houses for hot water baths.  The hermitage is covered by a dense canopy, keeping it quiet and cool, and here, you will only listen to distant bird calls and the rustle of leaves. Where To Stay In Kurunegala?  Kurunegala offers accommodation options that cater perfectly to both city-center conveniences and quiet countryside getaways. In Kurunegala, you can choose your accommodation based on the kind of experience you want.  Here, you will find options that cater perfectly to both city-center conveniences and quiet countryside getaways. City Hotels And Business Stays If you want to stay close to the city, Kandyan Reach Hotel is an excellent option.  It has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and proximity to major transport lines.  Also, it is a mid-range choice for travelers exploring the downtown rocks. Nature Resorts And Luxury Estates If you love tranquility, you can choose the eco-lodges in the surrounding districts or the heritage properties inside the coconut plantations.  For example, the Coco Forest Resort offers an excellent farm-stay experience.

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

I had been warned about the leeches before I ever booked a guide for Sinharaja.  Within twenty minutes of entering the forest, I understood why everyone mentions them first.   They are a minor, manageable nuisance. High socks and a quick check every so often took care of it.  However, they are also the forest’s way of telling you have left the manicured, dry-zone version of Sri Lanka behind.  Sinharaja is wet, dense, and alive in a way none of the country's safari parks are.  Also, it doesn't take long inside the canopy to understand why UNESCO calls it the island's last viable stretch of primary tropical rainforest.  The name means 'Lion Kingdom' in Sinhalese.   Also, the forest earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988, a decade after it was declared a National Heritage Wilderness Area in 1978 in response to government-sanctioned clear-felling.   Conservationists and the March for Conservation movement pushed to stop the logging. What is left today, around 8,864 hectares in the country's south-west wet zone, is the reason Sri Lanka still has a rainforest at all.  Sinharaja Forest At A Glance  Location South-West Wet Zone Spanning Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces Area About 8,864 Hectares UNESCO Status World Heritage Site since 1988 Main Entrances Kudawa (North) Pitadeniya Deniyaya (South) Morningside Entry Fee Roughly LKR 2,700 (USD 15) Per Person Guide Charges Often Included in Tour Rates Best Time to Visit January to April August to September Known For 26 of Sri Lanka's Endemic Bird Species 60%+ Endemic Tree Cover Guide Required?  Yes, Mandatory in the Core Zone  Entry and guide fees are adjusted periodically. So, check current rates before you travel.  Two Ways In: Kudawa Or Deniyaya Sinharaja has several access points, and which one you choose shapes the whole trip.   Kudawa  Kudawa, on the northern side, is the most established entrance. It is home to the Rainforest Research Centre and the easiest place to arrange a local guide on short notice.  It is the default choice for most first-time visitors.   Deniyaya  It is on the southern side, sits closer to Galle and the south coast, making it the more convenient option if you are combining Sinharaja with a beach stay rather than approaching from the hill country.   There are also quieter entrances at Weddagala and Lankagama, better suited to serious birders who'd rather skip the more-visited trails entirely.  I went in through Kudawa, mainly because I was routing down from Ratnapura, and found it well organised.  A small visitor centre, a board of registered guides, and a clear sense that the rangers here take the guide requirement seriously.   That is not a formality to skip. The trail network inside the core zone isn't signposted, and entering without an assigned guide is not allowed.  Finding A Guide Worth Having  Arrive early by 6:30 or 7 AM if you can to get first pick of guides rather than waiting around mid-morning for whoever's free.   The good ones carry field notebooks, know individual bird calls from memory, and can tell you at a glance which species is endemic and which is not.  It matters a lot in a forest where a large share of what you are looking at exists nowhere else.   Tipping is customary and separate from the guide fee. A 500–1,000 LKR per person for a thorough half-day is a reasonable benchmark.  What You Will Actually See Sinharaja's reputation rests heavily on its birdlife, and for good reason.   Close to 20 of Sri Lanka's endemic bird species live here. The species include Sri Lanka blue magpie, red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal, and ashy-headed laughingthrush.   The real spectacle is not a single rare sighting, but the mixed-species feeding flocks locals call 'bird waves.'   A sudden, chattering rush of a dozen or more species moving through the canopy together.   My guide seemed to time our walk around finding one, and when it happened, it was worth the wait.  Mammals   Mammals are a different story.   Leopards and Indian elephants both live in Sinharaja, along with the endemic purple-faced langur.  However, the dense canopy and thick undergrowth make sightings genuinely rare.  So, don't plan your visit around seeing one.   Endemic Plants   What you will see, reliably, is an extraordinary concentration of endemic plant life.  Over 60% of the tree species in the core zone exist nowhere else on Earth, alongside rare amphibians, reptiles, and insects that make Sinharaja one of the world's recognised biodiversity hotspots.  Streams and small waterfalls cut through the forest at several points, and they are some of the best rest stops on a longer walk.  Slippery rocks and mossy banks rather than anything manicured, but a welcome place to sit with the sound of water after an hour of humidity and undergrowth.  Not Untouched, But Genuinely Wild  It is worth knowing that Sinharaja is not pristine wilderness in the strictest sense.  Selective logging continued until the 1970s, and buffer zone villages still use parts of the surrounding land.   But the core zone has regenerated substantially, and walking into it, the canopy closes overhead within minutes in a way that immediately feels different from anywhere else I visited in Sri Lanka.   It is less a technicality than a reminder of how close the country came to losing this forest entirely.  That is why the conservation fight over it in the 1970s still shapes its management today.  Practical Tips For Visiting Sinharaja Forest Reserve Here are the things you need to keep in mind about what to carry, how to reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and the duration of your time here.   What To Wear And Bring  Bring leech socks (available cheaply near the entrances) or high boots tucked into trousers, a light rain jacket regardless of season, binoculars if birding is any part of your interest, and a reusable water bottle.   The humidity is constant, so pack lighter layers than you'd expect for a 'forest' hike.  How Long To Plan For  A guided walk typically runs two to five hours depending on your pace and chosen trail. A standard loop from Kudawa is often around three hours.   If you are serious about birding, build in a full morning. The best activity clusters between roughly 6:30 and 10 AM, after which the forest quiets down and the heat picks up.  Getting There  The nearest major towns are Ratnapura and Galle. Neither entrance has access to direct public transport.  So a hired vehicle or pre-arranged tour is the practical option.   Several south-coast-based tours run day trips from Galle, Bentota, and Hikkaduwa if you would rather not organise transport yourself.  Where This Fits In A Sri Lanka Itinerary  Sinharaja pairs naturally with a hill country or south coast loop. You can visit it either as a detour from Ratnapura's gem country or as a rainforest counterpoint to a beach-heavy stretch of the south.   It is a full-day commitment once you factor in travel, entry, and the walk itself. So, I would avoid trying to squeeze it in alongside another major activity on the same day.