From Fishing Nets to Beach Escapes: The Story of Hikkaduwa

Long before Hikkaduwa became one of Sri Lanka’s most loved beach destinations, it was a quiet fishing village. Mornings began with the sound of waves lapping against small wooden boats and the rhythmic hum of fishermen preparing their nets. Fathers taught their sons how to read the sea, passing down generations of knowledge that guided every cast.

Even in the 1940s, visitors from nearby Galle would come to admire this coastal charm. By the 1970s and 1980s, tourism began to change Hikkaduwa. Small guesthouses and family-run eateries appeared along the main road. Backpacker accommodations also started to welcome travelers drawn to surfing, snorkeling, and the laid-back rhythm of village life. In 1979, about 45 hectares of reef were declared a marine sanctuary, preserving Hikkaduwa’s natural beauty and marking a milestone for both tourism and conservation.

The town has faced challenges too. The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 left a lasting mark, but Hikkaduwa rebuilt with resilience, preserving its character while welcoming a new era of visitors. By 2021, after global travel restrictions, the town reopened to the world — proof of its enduring hospitality and spirit.

If you want to taste the freshest catch of the day, stop by the seaside eatery at Neevana Hotel Hikkaduwa. Our seafood platters are made from locally caught fish, a true taste of the same waters that shaped the town. Hikkaduwa has grown and changed, yet the ocean remains the heart of it all — its waves still carrying stories old and new.