Hikkaduwa Marine National Park
There are just two Marine National Parks in Sri Lanka. The other one is in Nilaweli, on Parawi Island in Trincomalee. In particular, the Hikkaduwa Marine national park is ideal because it is conveniently accessible to everyone.
This is a sensible ecosystem with high biodiversity.
What are the things to do in Hikkaduwa?
1. Explore the Corals and reefs
2. Sunken Ships
3. Varieties of Fishes
Hikkaduwa Corals
The area is covered in massive coral. Visitors can see corals from the glassed-bottom boat. All the guests must first purchase a ticket at the ticket counter. This area is home to variety of fishes, corals and even tortoises. The corals in the area have been decimated because of the effect of the hot waves occurred in 1998. Unfortunately the majority of corals in the southern sea area have been impacted. They are now growing spontaneously, but not as much as they were previously.
Because of the boat’s glass, the corals are sometimes difficult to see. Also the boat can’t reach some areas due the corals are so closer to the water level. Sea waves are slower than usual due to the proliferation of the reefs and the corals in the surrounding area. This is a great spot for a sea bath. The area is shallow and the waves are moving at a slower pace. Tourist attractiveness is high due to its proximity to the Galle-Colombo route.
Hikkaduwa Diving
The turtles are not visible during the day time in Sri Lanka. They are, nevertheless, readily apparent here. They will be able to meet their demands in this environment. The tortoises can be seen even surrounding the people’s bathing areas. Hundreds of foreigners came here for diving during the tourism season as well as the locals. The area has all of the necessary amenities. The area is home to a wide variety of fish. Commonly the coral and reef areas are the most.
Silver Point
Fish population is high in this area.
Underwater cleaning station - The divers identify certain locations as under water cleaning stations. The sea prawns that live in the cleaning station help fish to clean their skin and mouth. The cleaning station is actually a ground level area covered by stones and marine leaves. On the other hand, the prawns are well-feds.
There are several diving stations around Hikkaduwa.
Kiralagala Diving Point
This is the deepest diving point around here. The depth is roughly 35-40 meters below sea level and the distance to the shore is 2.5 kilometers. In here, Divers will be able to see more fish and corals than at other dive locations.
When you are planning to dive multiple dive sites, there is a guideline that you should dive the deepest point first. In these types of environments, the number of fish born is high. These spots are primarily inhabited by little fish, with only a few large fish passing through to feed. Divers can also see the sunken ships in the vicinity.
Conch Ship
The location is 08 kilometers North of Hikkaduwa beach and 02 kilometers from the sea at Akurala point. The ship was built in the United Kingdom in 1892. Its weight is 3555 tons and the coal was used to power the engine. On 02nd of June in 1903, while travelling to Madurai, the ship struck the coral by accident.
Divers can observe the propeller, engines, boilers, anchors and the cabin area of the ship. This location is easily accessible to divers and all of the portions of the ship are clearly visible. These types of sunken ships created artificial corals during the ages. Sri Lanka is well-known among divers across the world due to the numerous ships that have sunk around the island.
Hikkaduwa is also a nice spot to spend the night. There are number of things that need to be done in here. Visitors can have a good time dancing, singing and participating in other related activities.
Hikkaduwa Lagoon Safari and Kayaking
This is also one of the best tourist attractive places around Hikkaduwa and surrounding area. Once you ride from Hikkaduwa to Galle, after passing the bridge in Rathgama, there is a lane to the left known as Sri Dhammissara Mawatha. Hikkaduwa lagoon safari point will be at the end of the lane.
The safari contains some major attractive things to do for the foreigners and locals as well.
- Adventure Kayaking
- Traditional Boat Tour
- Lagoon Camp
- Fishing Tour
- Watching Birds
- Boat Restaurant
The boat restaurant which is maintained by the people who owns the lagoon
safari contains Sri Lankan homemade traditional fresh dishes for the breakfast,
lunch and dinner with high quality Sri Lankan tea and coffee.
Also this is an ideal place for adventure kayaking. The package contains 02-03
hours of lagoon safari with passenger boat or kayaks. Rescuers and safety kits are
available. The best time for lagoon safari is evening from 3.00 pm and morning
up to 9.00 am.
Hummanaya Blowhole
In fact, nature has left us with an incredible gift. The elevation of this location is almost 150 feet above sea level. There is a huge natural rock in the area, as well as a hole beneath the ground that is the same height as the sea level. When the sea waves came, which poured through the hole and emerged on the surface. Then it rises to a height of 40 to 50 feet above the ground.
Sea waves with high pressure assist in the uplift of water. This is amazing.
During the Southwest Monsoon, it can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet above ground level. However, it is currently eroding due to natural factors.
Surroundings
It is known as Hummanaya in Sinhala and Blowhole in English. This is situated in Southern Province in Sri Lanka 05 kilometers from Kudawella junction in Dickwella on the Colombo-Hambantota-Wellawaya main road. This is the world’s second largest blowhole. Aside from that, blowholes can be found in Japan, Thailand, Hawaii and the United States of America. Direction signs are available from the beginning of the way. The visitors must go about 500 metres on foot which is particularly hard. Cars, vans and three wheelers among other vehicles can be parked in designated areas. Riding a bicycle is very difficult up to the closest area of the blowhole because the stairs are in the way.
Tickets are available at the entrance and all the locals and the foreigners have to pay money for it.
The other pleasing thing is sea vessels. The sea vessels are frequently shifting because the Kudawella fisheries fort lies near Hummanaya. The tourists can enjoy a wonderful vista. Restaurants, Rest houses and Hotels are available in the area for the visitors.
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