What's the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny.

What's the cost of a trip to Sri Lanka?

The cost of a trip to Sri Lanka can vary greatly depending on your budget and travel style. But on average, you can expect to pay around $1,000-$2,000 per person for a 10-night trip.

What's the best way to get around Sri Lanka?

The best way to get around Sri Lanka is by bus or tuk-tuk. You can also rent a car or scooter if you prefer.

What's the local currency in Sri Lanka?

The local currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). You can exchange your money at the airport or use an ATM to withdraw cash.

What's the best place to stay in Hikkaduwa?

The best place to stay in Hikkaduwa is a beachfront resort or hotel. You can also consider staying in a guesthouse or hostel for a more budget-friendly option.

What's the best time to visit the beaches in Sri Lanka?

The best time to visit the beaches in Sri Lanka is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny.

What's the best way to get to the airport in Sri Lanka?

The best way to get to the airport in Sri Lanka is by taxi or tuk-tuk. You can also use a ride-sharing service or book a private transfer in advance.

What's the local customs in Sri Lanka?

The local customs in Sri Lanka are to dress modestly and remove your shoes when entering temples or homes. You should also respect the local culture and traditions, especially when visiting sacred sites.

Sri Lanka Getaway: Worth the Money?

Name: A Million Bucks for a Lankan Getaway: Was it Worth it or Should I Have Headed to Turkey?
Item: Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Rating: 5
Author: Ley

We just got back from an epic 10-night, 11-day adventure in Sri Lanka (Hikkaduwa), and I'm excited to share our experience with you!

Our trip was in February-March, and I hope this review will be helpful in making your decision easier.

Sri Lanka ocean in winterTransfer (Airport-Hotel)You can't talk about Hikkaduwa without mentioning the long transfer from the airport. We flew into Mattala Rajapaksa Airport (Hambantota), which took around 8 hours from Moscow. Our tour operator (Anex) picked us up, and we boarded a bus for the long ride ahead.

Our guide suggested taking the toll road, which would be faster and more comfortable. And yeah, the part on the asphalt was relatively smooth, but when we hit the Hikkaduwa roads, it was a whole different story. The roads were narrow, and the tuk-tuks were zooming by, making our bus driver slow down and stop constantly. I swear, it was like a rollercoaster ride! And to make matters worse, our hotel was almost at the end of the list (but we lucked out on the way back, as we were picked up last).

So, we ended up driving for around 2.5 hours and were absolutely exhausted! My daughter was getting car sick every minute due to the constant stops and stuffiness in the bus, despite the air circulation.

xa0

Choosing a Hotel, Price

I chose the Citrus Hikkaduwa 4*, and I'll give you the short version - it's a solid choice, not a luxury hotel, but not a budget nightmare either. You can read the full review by following the link.

Shri Lanka reviews from tourists We paid around 423,000 rubles for a 10-night trip for three of us, plus about 100,000 rubles for food, since the package only included breakfast (totally worth it!) I wouldn't skimp on the hotel choice - I initially looked at another one for 300k, but the reviews were warning about cockroaches and old facilities. No way, I'm not paying that much for a subpar experience. It's better to splurge and feel some level of comfort.

Shri Lanka ocean 2025Value for Money, Exchange RatesGet some dollars and exchange them for local currency - rupees (it's way more convenient to pay in rupees than dollars). We were told the best exchange rate is at the airport, but the queue was crazy. We didn't bother. The worst exchange rate is at the hotels, but the staff will warn you and suggest a better place to exchange your money.

One of the best things about Sri Lanka is that you can exchange your money almost anywhere, from small shops to jewelry stores, and there are even dedicated currency exchange places that you shouldn't miss, with their bright green signs.

The higher the denomination, the better the exchange rate, so it's worth buying $100 or at least $50, as exchanging smaller bills like $10 or $20 can be a real rip-off.

Sri Lankan currencyInsects, Insects, and More InsectsI've been to Asia before, in Thailand, and I knew that it's common to see ants everywhere, so I was prepared for the worst... But we actually got off pretty lightly, with no ants in our room for most of the time. However, as soon as we dropped a crumb, they would appear out of nowhere!

However, there are some hotels where ants are a constant problem, and we had the misfortune of dining at one of those restaurants (each hotel has its own restaurant that's open to the public). It was so dirty that ants were crawling all over the bread! And from what I remember, that hotel was one of the more budget-friendly options, so it just goes to show that you get what you pay for.

It's the mosquitoes that people often warn about, and as a parent, I always take note of that, especially since my daughter has a severe allergy to mosquito bites. We packed some insect repellents and antihistamines, but luckily, we didn't encounter any mosquitoes, and we didn't even have to use the repellents.

Sri Lanka bug photosOne thing that's a given in Hikkaduwa is that lizards can climb up to your room, so you'll need to keep your balcony door shut at all times. But lizards aren't so bad - it's these bugs that really get under your skin... We had one guy chillin' on a chair on our balcony, thankfully we didn't encounter anything like that in our room for the entire 11 days we spent in the country. The beach, especially in the evenings, is teeming with crabs and hermit crabs - it's a real treat! We didn't see any scorpions or snakes, but I've heard they're around.

Sri Lanka reviews FebruaryOne of the highlights of Hikkaduwa is swimming with sea turtles! I'll save that for my beach review, but let's just say it was an unforgettable experience. We also spotted some otters, moray eels, reef sharks, and a monitor lizard - talk about a menagerie!

Hikkaduwa 2025 reviewsThat monitor lizard was a real showstopper - it's living on the premises of our hotel, right next to the bay with the sea turtles. It's an incredible sight to behold! Sri Lanka moray eel photo I have to say, the hotel grounds were also home to a lot of cats. They were super bold, lounging under tables and loudly demanding food, sometimes even jumping onto people's laps. My daughter actually fed them burgers - they were quite the characters!

Sri Lanka reviews 2025 Wi-Fi Don't worry about getting a local SIM card - the Wi-Fi in Hikkaduwa is amazing! It's free and works at every restaurant. Just ask the waiter for the password, and they'll point you in the right direction. I had zero issues with connectivity, and our hotel's Wi-Fi was strong even on the beach.

Sri Lanka ocean photo Weather in February-March, Climate The climate is humid, but generally pretty comfortable. During the day, it was usually around 30 degrees Celsius, but it did get a bit chilly in the evenings - especially for me, since I was still in a swimsuit at 6 pm! There were some short rain showers, but only one day where it rained nonstop. The rain was intense enough that our balcony towels were soaked by morning.

Weather in Sri Lanka in FebruaryBeaches, OceanSri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. In Hikkaduwa, there aren't any beaches at the hotels themselves, just public ones, so you can pretty much lie down anywhere you like. The only catch is that there are reefs everywhere, and you can't really swim there because the waves will rip you apart on the reef. But we specifically chose a hotel with a nearby bay where you can see turtles. It's about a 7-minute walk from our hotel along the coast, and that's where you can swim comfortably. The beaches are sandy.

Hikkaduwa 2025 oceanYou don't really need snorkeling gear unless you're planning to swim in unauthorized areas.The water is warm and amazing! There's marine life in the water, but it's pretty rare to spot it. The bay is where you'll see fish and turtles, but where the reef is, you might catch a glimpse of moray eels and reef sharks. They're fed metal and put on a show for you, basically.

Hikkaduwa sharks photoTurtles are by far the best thing about Hikkaduwa. They're incredible and adorable, and huge! For an extra fee, you can buy seaweed and feed the turtles, or you can go collect the seaweed yourself. My husband watched where the locals were going and followed them, managed to grab a bit, but they chased him off because he was messing up their business)

Sri Lankan Turtle PhotosThis was a funny moment, but it made us realize that buying seaweed for 500 rupees just isn't worth it. The turtles are picky eaters (overfed), and you can often find seaweed right there in the cove because the turtles can't keep up with eating it.

Sri Lankan Indian OceanBy the way, turtles can bite, and my daughter got bitten on the finger, but it wasn't too serious - we were more worried than she was. A guy had a worse experience, though - his turtle bit him hard enough to draw blood.

Hikkaduwa, Sri LankaRestaurants, KitchenIf your package only includes breakfasts, don't worry - you won't go hungry. There are restaurants all along the coast, just pick one and go in. Plus, on the other side of the road, it's the same story - cafes, restaurants, and snack bars on every corner!

Sri Lanka Getaway 2025 Hands down, my favorite spot was the Refresh restaurant, which we visited more often than any other. Prices were reasonable for the local delicacies like seafood, but meat dishes were a bit pricier. If you're interested, check out the full review here.

Sri Lanka Getaway 2025 I'd recommend paying attention to cleanliness. A well-maintained restaurant is usually a good sign, and if it's dirty, you might find unwanted critters in your meal - I'll write a separate review about that place when inspiration strikes.

Sri Lankan restaurants The food scene is mostly Asian, but you'll also find plenty of European options and fast food. Let me tell you, you'll find something delicious in any restaurant. I'm a huge seafood fan, and I had shrimp for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - I even tried lobster, and my husband stuck to the fresh fish he'd picked out himself. Our daughter loved ordering burgers, shrimp, and sandwiches. They also have these light, tasty soups that are super popular. I've got to mention the water situation. Tap water's not safe to drink, but you can use it to rinse your mouth without worrying. We didn't get sick once during our entire trip, and we didn't have any stomach issues. The only time our daughter got a little reaction was when she accidentally ate a fruit, but some antihistamine sorted her out. Of course, we washed our hands with sanitizer before every meal.

xa0

Driving on the roads

Oh boy, this is the most interesting part of Hikkaduwa, and its biggest draw! My friends warned me before the trip that the roads are a nightmare, but I just laughed it off, thinking they were exaggerating.

Hikkaduwa 2025: A Hair-Raising Experience on the Roads But when we went out to check out the area around our hotel in the evening, I was genuinely shocked. The roads are packed with motorbikes and tuk-tuks, and the roads themselves are narrow with no footpaths at all. So, you're literally forced to walk on the side of the road, with these speeding mopeds whizzing by just a few feet away! Even crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing requires all your survival instincts and careful maneuvering, constantly looking over your shoulder to the left and right. You won't be let through, no matter how hard you try – the traffic just keeps coming, and you'll have to wait it out.This was terrifying on our first day, I was shaking the whole time as we walked along the road. The drivers here are the priority, and they're right – pedestrians are basically at fault if they get hit.

However, by the middle of our stay, and especially by the end, we'd gotten used to it and weren't afraid anymore. We'd even become a bit bolder, striding confidently across the road. But the best part was that my daughter lost her fear of crossing roads in Moscow after seeing how crazy things are in Hikkaduwa.

xa0

Transport

One of the coolest things about Hikkaduwa is the tuk-tuk - it's like a two-person taxi that's super popular here. I highly recommend taking one, it's a blast and really fun! They're everywhere, so you won't have any trouble finding one. Just tell the driver where you want to go, and you can even show them on Google Maps if you need to. We took one to the market a few times, and it was only 300 rupees for the two of us. That's a great value for money. Plus, there's something really cool about speeding down these narrow roads in a tuk-tuk. It's a bit scary, but the adrenaline rush is amazing! I especially loved it when it was raining all day - it was like a whole different experience.

Shri Lanka tuk tuk photoShopsIn the resort area, there are tons of little shops selling souvenirs. I was really impressed by this one place where a local artist was selling their own handmade work - not just paintings, but all sorts of cool stuff they'd made themselves. It felt like I was in a museum!

Shri Lanka reviews 2025There was a liquor store and supermarket right across from our hotel, where we ended up shopping a lot. The prices for local stuff were pretty reasonable, but all the imported goods were super expensive. I was a bit shocked to see how much they charged for things like sausage - it was over 800 rupees for a small pack, which is crazy compared to what I'd pay back home. In Moscow, I can get a similar pack for 150 rupees.

Hikkaduwa 2025 I also highly recommend checking out the luxurious boutique Spa Ceylon, the review has the address, but if you're staying in the same area, you won't be able to miss it - it's visible from a mile away!

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka Local Residents, Language Locals are all super friendly and always smiling, they're really happy to see tourists. I loved these people, they're all so warm and kind! If they ask for a cup of tea, don't be surprised, it's just their custom. And it's not something to be ashamed of, they don't consider it embarrassing. But whatever you do, don't give them food instead of money - that would be a real insult.

Our hotel guide also told us that if a Sri Lankan can speak even a little bit of Russian, they're basically a wealthy person, because Russian isn't taught in their country, so they must have been to Russia, maybe even studied there, and that's just too expensive for anyone but the rich.

Many people speak English, almost nobody speaks Russian, but we managed to communicate just fine in restaurants and at the hotel (my English is school-level at best).

xa0

Attractions, Interesting Places

There are tons of temples and landmarks on Sri Lanka, but to see them, you usually need to take a guided tour or figure out public transportation. We had our sights set on the train and that famous nine-arched bridge, but our guide let us down. It turns out the bridge is part of a two-day tour, and if you opt for a one-day tour, you'll be on a different train and stuck with a bunch of other tourists. I wasn't about to risk it in the rain, and my kid would have been miserable. The other tours didn't really interest us either. But even without the guided tours, there are some nearby spots in Hikkaduwa that are worth exploring.

Take the local fruit and fish market, for example.

Hikkaduwa 2025 fruit market I thought it would be some massive market where you could spend the whole day browsing, but it's actually pretty small. But the selection of fruits is incredible, and you can haggle your way to some great deals.

Hikkaduwa 2025 fish market The fish market is right next door, and it's even smaller, but the fish is super fresh. You can grab some and have it cooked up at any restaurant.Loads of people recommend checking out the weekly market, where you can supposedly buy anything you want. We actually looked it up on the map and walked there from our hotel (it's not that far away).

Hikkaduwa 2025 tourist reviewsBut what we found by exploring the narrow, picturesque alleys was a bunch of empty benches, like the market had been abandoned for a century. And then our tuk-tuk driver told us that the market only operates on Sundays.We did, however, get to stroll along the train tracks, and they were stunning – I mean, it was like something out of a postcard! The atmosphere was incredible, and you wouldn't find scenery like that in Moscow, that's for sure.

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka reviewsSummaryI'm absolutely loving this country! It's so unique, with plenty of downsides, and not every tourist will enjoy it – the hotel service and accommodations can't compare to Turkey, but I'd definitely go back to Sri Lanka, there's something about it that's captivating, memorable... We really enjoyed our stay in Hikkaduwa (February 2025), but we decided to head to the Red Sea this summer, it's another big love of mine!

I hope my review was helpful and answered at least a few of your questions.

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka 2025 reviews---TRAVEL

In my hometown