Hikkaduwa National Park

A Wildlife Reserve Underwater

The Hikkaduwa National Park has long been known to be one of the most kaleidoscopic attractions of the southern coast of the island. Boasting of a myriad of coral, along with an array of marine species, the reef is a strip that allows one to understand just how diverse Sri Lanka is, in terms of its wildlife. The marine park serves to be one of the three marine national parks on the island, which extends to a depth of around 5 metres. While it is not known to many, the national park, especially the reef acts as one of the major protectors of the Hikkaduwa Beach, as it does not allow for the beach to erode.

Why You Should Visit

Go on a snorkelling or diving expedition, and you just might be lucky enough to come across some of the rarer species of marine animals, such as the Olive Ridley Turtle. In addition to that, you will be able to experience some species of crabs, fish, shrimps, oysters, and sea worms. If you are at the right place at the right time, you might be lucky enough to witness the rare Blacktip Reef Shark too. The national park is one of the main reasons that the main town was largely protected during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, as the coral reef acted as a barrier to the waves.