Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a beach town on Sri Lanka's southwest coast centred on a narrow beach with a coral reef immediately offshore that is accessible by snorkelling or glass-bottom boat. The reef area forms part of a National Marine Sanctuary protecting sea turtles, reef fish, and coral structures within a few hundred metres of the beach. The town has functioned as a backpacker and surf destination since the 1970s and retains a relatively laid-back pace compared to more developed coastal areas.