Hikkaduwa and the South: Batik production, Cinnamon making, Turtle hatchery, River safari and Whale watching
Explore the Southern coast of Sri Lanka like a local with our tailored activities! Based in the heart of Hikkaduwa, our team brings insider knowledge of the Southern areas, ensuring you experience authentic and unforgettable adventures.
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Flexible timingsWhether you're an early riser or prefer to start later, we offer trips that fit your schedule. - Authentic experiencesCreating authentic experiences and ensuring our guests avoid "tourist traps" is an essence of our travel arrangements.
⏱️ Approximate time for the activity 3 hours with a pick-up and drop-off.
Activity happening twice a day at 10 AM or 15 PM.
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Heading out from your hotel to the Batik production facility at the time convenient for you.
Step 2: Arrival at the Batik Factory
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the factory's owner who will give an overview of the factory's history and departments.
Step 3: Guided Tour of the Facility
We'll discover the main stages of batik-making process, including Designing and Waxing, Dyeing and Drying.
Step 4: Hands-On Batik Experience
You can create your own small piece of batik to take home in a batik-making workshop. All materials will be provided, and instructors will guide you through each step.
Step 5: Viewing and Shopping for Batik
You’ll find a variety of handmade batik items for purchase, including scarves, sarongs, wall hangings, and clothing, all made at the facility.
Step 6: Departure from the Factory
💵 Price starts from $20 per person depending from seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $60 per person; 2-3 guests group $35 per person; 4-6 guests group $25 per person; 7-10 people group $20 per person;
➕ What's included:
Since you'll be working with dyes and paints during the hands-on workshop, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting a little colorful—just in case a splash or two finds its way onto your outfit!
Also, as we’ll be visiting a charming rural batik factory, you'll get to experience authentic local surroundings. Please be prepared for simplicity of the area, which adds to the authenticity of this experience.
Activity happening twice a day at 10 AM or 15 PM.
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Heading out from your hotel to the Batik production facility at the time convenient for you.
Step 2: Arrival at the Batik Factory
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the factory's owner who will give an overview of the factory's history and departments.
Step 3: Guided Tour of the Facility
We'll discover the main stages of batik-making process, including Designing and Waxing, Dyeing and Drying.
Step 4: Hands-On Batik Experience
You can create your own small piece of batik to take home in a batik-making workshop. All materials will be provided, and instructors will guide you through each step.
Step 5: Viewing and Shopping for Batik
You’ll find a variety of handmade batik items for purchase, including scarves, sarongs, wall hangings, and clothing, all made at the facility.
Step 6: Departure from the Factory
💵 Price starts from $20 per person depending from seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $60 per person; 2-3 guests group $35 per person; 4-6 guests group $25 per person; 7-10 people group $20 per person;
➕ What's included:
- Transportation from and back to Neevana Hikkaduwa
- Professional driver's services
- Licensed guide's services
- An excursion around the production facility
- All the materials for the master-class including cloth, paint, etc.
- Meals and personal expenses
Since you'll be working with dyes and paints during the hands-on workshop, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting a little colorful—just in case a splash or two finds its way onto your outfit!
Also, as we’ll be visiting a charming rural batik factory, you'll get to experience authentic local surroundings. Please be prepared for simplicity of the area, which adds to the authenticity of this experience.
⏱️ Approximate time for the activity 2,5 hours with a pick-up and drop-off.
Sri Lanka is the world’s only producer of true cinnamon—known as Ceylon cinnamon— known for its delicate flavor and aroma, and incredible health benefits. This tour will take you to a traditional Sri Lankan village to experience the unique journey of cinnamon from plant to spice.
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before heading out, our host will share a bit of the history and significance of cinnamon in Sri Lankan culture.
Step 2: Arrival at the Cinnamon production village and the tour
Take a guided tour of the cinnamon plantation, where you’ll learn about the cultivation process from planting to harvesting. Along the way, you'll get to spot cinnamon plants at every stage, see how the bark is skillfully harvested by hand, and learn about the eco-friendly ways the land is kept healthy and thriving.
Step 3: Cinnamon tea tasting
After the workshop, you’re warmly invited to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed cinnamon tea. This is also a lovely chance to get a glimpse into the villagers daily lives and traditions.
Step 4: Departure from the Village
As you relax on the return journey, our host will answer any remaining questions and provide tips on where you can purchase the most authentic cinnamon to bring back to your family and friends.
🧑🏾🌾 Optional Add-On: Local Market Stop
For guests interested in continuing their village exploration, we offer an optional stop at a nearby local market, where you can browse fresh produce and handmade goods.
💵 Price starts from $20 per person depending from seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $80 per person; 2-3 guests group $40 per person; 4-6 guests group $30 per person; 7-10 people group $20 per person;
➕ What's included:
We’ll be visiting a charming rural area where you’ll enjoy the genuine local atmosphere. The simplicity of the setting adds a beautiful touch to the authenticity of this experience.
Sri Lanka is the world’s only producer of true cinnamon—known as Ceylon cinnamon— known for its delicate flavor and aroma, and incredible health benefits. This tour will take you to a traditional Sri Lankan village to experience the unique journey of cinnamon from plant to spice.
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before heading out, our host will share a bit of the history and significance of cinnamon in Sri Lankan culture.
Step 2: Arrival at the Cinnamon production village and the tour
Take a guided tour of the cinnamon plantation, where you’ll learn about the cultivation process from planting to harvesting. Along the way, you'll get to spot cinnamon plants at every stage, see how the bark is skillfully harvested by hand, and learn about the eco-friendly ways the land is kept healthy and thriving.
Step 3: Cinnamon tea tasting
After the workshop, you’re warmly invited to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed cinnamon tea. This is also a lovely chance to get a glimpse into the villagers daily lives and traditions.
Step 4: Departure from the Village
As you relax on the return journey, our host will answer any remaining questions and provide tips on where you can purchase the most authentic cinnamon to bring back to your family and friends.
🧑🏾🌾 Optional Add-On: Local Market Stop
For guests interested in continuing their village exploration, we offer an optional stop at a nearby local market, where you can browse fresh produce and handmade goods.
💵 Price starts from $20 per person depending from seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $80 per person; 2-3 guests group $40 per person; 4-6 guests group $30 per person; 7-10 people group $20 per person;
➕ What's included:
- Transportation from and back to Neevana Hikkaduwa
- Professional driver's services
- Licensed guide's services
- An excursion around the village
- Tea tasting session
- Meals and personal expenses
We’ll be visiting a charming rural area where you’ll enjoy the genuine local atmosphere. The simplicity of the setting adds a beautiful touch to the authenticity of this experience.
Sri Lanka is renowned for its stunning moonstones, which are celebrated for their unique play of light and soothing energy. Moonstones are famous for its calming properties and believed to bring good fortune.
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before heading out, our host will share interesting facts about moonstones, their significance in Sri Lankan culture, and the lore surrounding these enchanting gems.
Step 2: Arrival at the Moonstone Mine and Guided Tour
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the moonstone mine, where you’ll learn about the mining process, from extraction to polishing. Along the way, you'll discover how these unique stones are formed and what makes them special. You'll also have the chance to observe miners at work and see how moonstones are carefully uncovered and prepared for sale.
Step 3: Moonstone Viewing and Shopping
After the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to view and purchase beautifully crafted jewelry featuring authentic Sri Lankan moonstones. This is a great chance to take home a piece of this unique gemstone as a memorable souvenir.
Step 4: Departure from the Mine
As you relax on the return journey, our host will answer any questions you may have and share tips on how to care for your new moonstone jewelry.
💵 Price starts from $20 per person, depending on seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $50 per person; 2-3 guests group $30 per person; 4-6 guests group $25 per person; 7-10 people group $20 per person;
➕ What's included:
➖ What's NOT included:
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before heading out, our host will share interesting facts about moonstones, their significance in Sri Lankan culture, and the lore surrounding these enchanting gems.
Step 2: Arrival at the Moonstone Mine and Guided Tour
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the moonstone mine, where you’ll learn about the mining process, from extraction to polishing. Along the way, you'll discover how these unique stones are formed and what makes them special. You'll also have the chance to observe miners at work and see how moonstones are carefully uncovered and prepared for sale.
Step 3: Moonstone Viewing and Shopping
After the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to view and purchase beautifully crafted jewelry featuring authentic Sri Lankan moonstones. This is a great chance to take home a piece of this unique gemstone as a memorable souvenir.
Step 4: Departure from the Mine
As you relax on the return journey, our host will answer any questions you may have and share tips on how to care for your new moonstone jewelry.
💵 Price starts from $20 per person, depending on seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $50 per person; 2-3 guests group $30 per person; 4-6 guests group $25 per person; 7-10 people group $20 per person;
➕ What's included:
- Transportation from and back to Neevana Hikkaduwa
- Professional driver’s services
- Licensed guide’s services
- An excursion around the mine
- Moonstone viewing session
➖ What's NOT included:
- Meals and personal expenses
⏱️ Approximate time for the activity 3,5 hours with a pick-up and drop-off.
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before we set off, your friendly local guide will share a few fun facts about sea turtles and the importance of hatcheries in protecting these beautiful creatures in Sri Lanka.
Step 2: Arrival at the Turtle Hatchery and a Guided Tour
Discover how little turtles start their long lives from the eggs brought in by fishermen. You’ll learn how turtle eggs are carefully incubated in the sand to protect them from predators, see recently hatched baby turtles up close if available, and hear about the hatchery’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured turtles.
Step 3: Hands-On Turtle Release Experience
If conditions allow, you may have the unique opportunity to help release baby turtles into the ocean, guided by the hatchery staff to ensure their safe journey. This is a truly memorable experience.
Step 4: Wrap-Up and Return to Hotel
Enjoy a relaxing ride back to the hotel as your guide shares a few tips on how you can further support marine conservation.
💵 Price starts from $25 per person depending from seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $98 per person; 2-3 guests group $55 per person; 4-6 guests group $35 per person; 7-10 people group $25 per person;
➕ What's included:
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before we set off, your friendly local guide will share a few fun facts about sea turtles and the importance of hatcheries in protecting these beautiful creatures in Sri Lanka.
Step 2: Arrival at the Turtle Hatchery and a Guided Tour
Discover how little turtles start their long lives from the eggs brought in by fishermen. You’ll learn how turtle eggs are carefully incubated in the sand to protect them from predators, see recently hatched baby turtles up close if available, and hear about the hatchery’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured turtles.
Step 3: Hands-On Turtle Release Experience
If conditions allow, you may have the unique opportunity to help release baby turtles into the ocean, guided by the hatchery staff to ensure their safe journey. This is a truly memorable experience.
Step 4: Wrap-Up and Return to Hotel
Enjoy a relaxing ride back to the hotel as your guide shares a few tips on how you can further support marine conservation.
💵 Price starts from $25 per person depending from seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $98 per person; 2-3 guests group $55 per person; 4-6 guests group $35 per person; 7-10 people group $25 per person;
➕ What's included:
- Transportation from and back to Neevana Hikkaduwa
- Professional driver's services
- Licensed guide's services
- An excursion around the hatchery
- Guided turtles release (if conditions allow)
- Meals and personal expenses
⏱️ Approximate time for the activity: 3 hours with pick-up and drop-off.
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before we embark on our adventure, your friendly local guide will share interesting insights about the unique ecosystems of Sri Lanka’s rivers and the diverse wildlife you may encounter along the way.
Step 2: Arrival at the River and Guided Safari
Once we arrive at the river, you’ll board a comfortable boat for a guided safari. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, including colorful birds, playful monkeys, and even crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. Your guide will provide details about the flora and fauna, enriching your experience with fascinating stories about the local ecosystem.
Step 3: Exploration and Wildlife Spotting
As we glide along the river, you’ll have the chance to take in the serene beauty of the landscape. Enjoy the tranquility of nature while your guide points out various species and shares tips on how to spot them. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.
Step 4: Wrap-Up and Return to Hotel
After an unforgettable journey through the river’s lush surroundings, enjoy a relaxing ride back to your hotel. Your guide will recap the highlights of the safari and share recommendations for more adventures in the area.
💵 Price starts from $25 per person, depending on seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $120 per person; 2-3 guests group $50 per person; 4-6 guests group $30 per person; 7-10 people group $25 per person;
➕ What's included:
➖ What's NOT included:
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before we embark on our adventure, your friendly local guide will share interesting insights about the unique ecosystems of Sri Lanka’s rivers and the diverse wildlife you may encounter along the way.
Step 2: Arrival at the River and Guided Safari
Once we arrive at the river, you’ll board a comfortable boat for a guided safari. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, including colorful birds, playful monkeys, and even crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. Your guide will provide details about the flora and fauna, enriching your experience with fascinating stories about the local ecosystem.
Step 3: Exploration and Wildlife Spotting
As we glide along the river, you’ll have the chance to take in the serene beauty of the landscape. Enjoy the tranquility of nature while your guide points out various species and shares tips on how to spot them. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.
Step 4: Wrap-Up and Return to Hotel
After an unforgettable journey through the river’s lush surroundings, enjoy a relaxing ride back to your hotel. Your guide will recap the highlights of the safari and share recommendations for more adventures in the area.
💵 Price starts from $25 per person, depending on seasonality and group count, please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $120 per person; 2-3 guests group $50 per person; 4-6 guests group $30 per person; 7-10 people group $25 per person;
➕ What's included:
- Transportation to and from Neevana Hikkaduwa
- Professional driver’s services
- Licensed guide’s services
- Boat excursion on the river
- Wildlife spotting and commentary
➖ What's NOT included:
- Meals and personal expenses
Prices for surfing, snorkeling, and diving are calculated individually based on your preferences. Contact us for a detailed breakdown and let us help plan your perfect adventure!
⏱️ Approximate time for the activity: 6 hours with pick-up and drop-off.
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before we set off on our marine adventure, your friendly local guide will share fascinating insights about the types of whales and dolphins you may encounter and the significance of conservation efforts in Sri Lanka's coastal waters.
Step 2: Arrival at Mirissa Harbor and Boat Boarding
Upon arrival at Mirissa Harbor, you’ll board a spacious boat alongside fellow wildlife enthusiasts, ready for an exciting day of whale and dolphin watching. As you set out into the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, your guide will provide a brief overview of what to expect and share tips for spotting these magnificent creatures.
Step 3: Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience
Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise through the ocean, where the warm waters are known for attracting various species of whales and playful dolphins. Your guide will point out sightings and share interesting facts about their behaviors and habitats. With a bit of luck, you may witness majestic blue whales, spinner dolphins, and more in their natural environment.
Step 4: Wrap-Up and Return to Hotel
After an unforgettable experience on the water, enjoy a relaxing ride back to your hotel. Your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have and share recommendations for other adventures to explore during your stay in Sri Lanka.
💵 Price starts from $52 per person, depending on seasonality and group count; please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $128 per person; 2-3 guests group $75 per person; 4-6 guests group $60 per person; 7-10 people group $52 per person;
➕ What's included:
➖ What's NOT included:
Step 1: Departure from Hotel
Before we set off on our marine adventure, your friendly local guide will share fascinating insights about the types of whales and dolphins you may encounter and the significance of conservation efforts in Sri Lanka's coastal waters.
Step 2: Arrival at Mirissa Harbor and Boat Boarding
Upon arrival at Mirissa Harbor, you’ll board a spacious boat alongside fellow wildlife enthusiasts, ready for an exciting day of whale and dolphin watching. As you set out into the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, your guide will provide a brief overview of what to expect and share tips for spotting these magnificent creatures.
Step 3: Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience
Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise through the ocean, where the warm waters are known for attracting various species of whales and playful dolphins. Your guide will point out sightings and share interesting facts about their behaviors and habitats. With a bit of luck, you may witness majestic blue whales, spinner dolphins, and more in their natural environment.
Step 4: Wrap-Up and Return to Hotel
After an unforgettable experience on the water, enjoy a relaxing ride back to your hotel. Your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have and share recommendations for other adventures to explore during your stay in Sri Lanka.
💵 Price starts from $52 per person, depending on seasonality and group count; please contact us for a detailed breakdown.
👫 1 guest group $128 per person; 2-3 guests group $75 per person; 4-6 guests group $60 per person; 7-10 people group $52 per person;
➕ What's included:
- Transportation to and from Neevana Hikkaduwa
- Professional driver’s services
- Licensed guide’s services
- Boat excursion for whale and dolphin watching
- Wildlife spotting and commentary
➖ What's NOT included:
- Meals and personal expenses
Our in-house guides speak English and Sinhala.
If you need a guide in another language, we can arrange this with our trusted partners for an additional fee.
The transportation cost listed applies to trips starting and ending at Neevana Hotel Hikkaduwa. Prices for other locations may vary depending on the distance.
Please also note that, as we live on a tropical island, weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable. If plans need to change, we’ll coordinate adjustments to ensure you still have a fantastic time!
If you need a guide in another language, we can arrange this with our trusted partners for an additional fee.
The transportation cost listed applies to trips starting and ending at Neevana Hotel Hikkaduwa. Prices for other locations may vary depending on the distance.
Please also note that, as we live on a tropical island, weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable. If plans need to change, we’ll coordinate adjustments to ensure you still have a fantastic time!
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