Ayesha Hostel
$ - $$$$
Hostels in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa is a beach town on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, north of Galle, and one of the easiest beach destinations to reach from Colombo because the coastal railway runs directly along the shore. It has a reef close in, a long beach, and a reputation for nightlife that predates most of the newer south coast towns.
Accommodation runs the length of the beach strip and along the Galle Road behind it, with the quieter Narigama section to the south holding much of the backpacker accommodation.
Find Hostels in Hikkaduwa
11 hostels currently listed in Hikkaduwa. Every listing below was submitted by or on behalf of the property and checked by a person before publication. Contact the hostel directly using the details shown.
Hippy Surf Camp Surf Cabana
$ - $$$$
Hummus Hostel Hikkaduwa
$ - $$$$
Kind and Love Guesthouse and Hostel
$ - $$$$
Linara
$ - $$$$
Neevana Hotel Hikkaduwa
$ - $$$$
Steffi's mandala
$ - $$$$
Thelakehostel
$ - $$$$
Tipsy Ceylon
$ - $$$$
Travellers Hostel Hikkaduwa
$ - $$$$
Villa Sunny Days
$ - $$$$
Compare hostels in Hikkaduwa
| Hostel | Area / address | Phone | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayesha Hostel | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Hippy Surf Camp Surf Cabana | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Hummus Hostel Hikkaduwa | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Kind and Love Guesthouse and Hostel | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Linara | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Neevana Hotel Hikkaduwa | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Steffi's mandala | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Thelakehostel | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Tipsy Ceylon | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Travellers Hostel Hikkaduwa | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Villa Sunny Days | Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
Is a hostel in Hikkaduwa missing from this list? Tell us about it and we will invite the owner to add a free listing.
Why Stay in a Hostel in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is the shortest hop from Colombo to a real beach, which makes it a common first or last coastal stop. The reef sits close to shore so snorkelling starts almost at the sand, and the town has a longer-established bar and restaurant scene than the smaller bays further south.
Best Areas to Stay in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa town and the main beach
Near the railway station and the coral sanctuary area. Most central and most convenient for transport.
Narigama
South along the beach. Where much of the backpacker accommodation and the surf sits, and generally more relaxed.
Along the Galle Road
Set back from the sand. Cheaper, with the trade-off of a busy main road between you and the beach.
How to Reach Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is on the southern coastal railway line from Colombo Fort, with the track running right beside the sea for much of the journey. Buses along the Galle Road are frequent, and expressway services from Colombo to Galle put you close by.
Getting Around Hikkaduwa
The beach strip is walkable, though it is long. Tuk-tuks and scooters cover trips to Galle and along the coast. The Galle Road and the railway both run through the town, and the level crossings are worth respecting.
Things to Do in and Around Hikkaduwa
Snorkelling on the reef
The coral sanctuary lies close to shore. Conditions and coral health vary, and glass-bottom boat operators are persistent along the beach.
Surfing
Several breaks along the beach suit a range of abilities, with board hire and lessons widely available in season.
Turtles at the beach
Sea turtles come close in at certain points along the beach. Feeding and handling them is harmful, however normalised it looks; watching from a distance is the responsible option.
Galle Fort
A short ride or train hop south, easily done as a half-day from Hikkaduwa.
Hikkaduwa for Backpackers and Solo Travellers
Hikkaduwa is one of the more nightlife-oriented beaches on the coast and is easy to travel solo. It is also older and more built-up than the smaller southern bays, which means more traffic, a busier main road and less of the small-town feel some travellers are after. Season matters here as everywhere on this coast: the southwest monsoon brings rough water and much of the town winds down.
How long to stay in Hikkaduwa
Two to four nights, often at the start or end of a coastal trip because of how easy it is to reach from Colombo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hostels in Hikkaduwa
How do I get from Colombo to Hikkaduwa?
The coastal train from Colombo Fort runs along the shore and stops at Hikkaduwa. Buses along the Galle Road and expressway services to Galle are the road alternatives.
Is Hikkaduwa good for snorkelling?
The reef is close to shore, which makes it easy to access. Coral condition and visibility vary considerably, and the best time is during the southwest dry season.
Should I stay in Hikkaduwa town or Narigama?
Hikkaduwa town for transport and central convenience. Narigama, just south, for a more relaxed beach strip and most of the backpacker accommodation.
When is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?
The southwest coast dry season, broadly December through April. During the southwest monsoon the sea is rough and much of the town is quiet.
Where to Go Next from Hikkaduwa
Destinations most commonly combined with Hikkaduwa on a Sri Lanka itinerary:
- Hostels in Galle — the fort city just south
- Hostels in Unawatuna — the sheltered bay past Galle
- Hostels in Colombo — north up the coastal railway
- Hostels in Bentota — further north up the coast
List Your Hikkaduwa Hostel Free
If you own or manage a hostel, guesthouse or backpacker accommodation in Hikkaduwa, you can add a listing at no cost. There is no fee, no commission and no booking system in between: travellers contact you directly. Every submission is checked by a person before it is published.
Destination information on this page was last reviewed on 5 September 2026. Transport times, seasons and opening arrangements change — confirm details directly with the hostel or operator before you travel.