Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#884
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hikkaduwa, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs, is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 365 LKR; ATMs are widely available and accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are popular choices for mobile connectivity. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include cash and cards; international cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels; popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cash is preferred for small transactions, but cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer various short-term rental choices. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Hikkaduwa Beach Hostel and Lucky Elephant. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beach area around Hikkaduwa Main Beach is ideal for tourists due to proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Wewala area is popular among digital nomads for its quieter atmosphere and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hikka Tranquil is a recommended coworking space due to its serene environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Shop Hikkaduwa offers a relaxed atmosphere and Wi-Fi, perfect for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups are hosted at local cafes; check local Facebook groups for announcements. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Hikkaduwa often meet at social events organized via local Facebook groups and community forums. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is a popular ride-hailing app used in Hikkaduwa. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options include Hikkaduwa Scooter Rental and local shops offering affordable rates. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hikkaduwa Beach is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and coral reefs. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines offers domestic flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways provide direct flights from Colombo to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A2 route connects Hikkaduwa to Colombo and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hikkaduwa railway station services trains between Colombo and Galle. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Long-distance travel is typically done via bus or train passes; local buses are frequent and cheap. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Hikkaduwa to nearby attractions like Galle and Unawatuna. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hikkaduwa Hospital is the main medical facility, but for serious concerns, consider facilities in Galle. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Kasia and Hikkaduwa Yoga Center offer various classes for wellness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The fitness center at the Hikkaduwa Resort is available for tourists. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and guesthouses often provide laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats provides food delivery services in Hikkaduwa from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood curry is a must-try, famous for its rich flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Ceylon offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Slow Down Café is known for its delicious desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Hikkaduwa provide fresh produce and local snacks at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Ceylon Routes is a local online store offering various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery; however, it varies by store. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachside bars offer vibrant nightlife; check out Happy Banana and Fiddler's Inn. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lion Brewery is a well-known brewery that produces popular local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are limited dedicated wine bars; some restaurants serve a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the beach offer popular snacks like kottu and roti. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants in Hikkaduwa serve a variety of international cuisines, including Italian and Indian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary and the Tsunami Memorial are significant places to visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Hikkaduwa Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The nearby ancient city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is worth a visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Seenigama Temple is a popular religious site located close to Hikkaduwa. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Hikkaduwa Beach Festival is celebrated annually, attracting both locals and tourists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local artisan villages near Hikkaduwa for traditional crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theater spots exist; cultural performances may be found at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly market in Hikkaduwa offers local produce, crafts, and snacks. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music events, especially during the tourist season. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Visit around Hikkaduwa beach for vibrant murals created by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available, teaching the preparation of traditional Sri Lankan dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Hikkaduwa Art Gallery showcases local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Dutch Church in Galle, close to Hikkaduwa, is an excellent example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Hikkaduwa has a rich heritage influenced by its coastal culture and historical trade. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Hikkaduwa National Park is perfect for exploring nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yala National Park, although further away, is renowned for its wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic coastal paths are available for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from the Hikkaduwa Lighthouse offers stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hikkaduwa is home to several local bird species, best seen by the beach and in nearby parks. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beachside areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Lanka Express and local courier services offer reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile and laptop repair services, notably in Galle. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some guesthouses provide table tennis tables for guest use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Sinhala lessons to help with immersion. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Hikkaduwa library offers a quiet space for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers often host events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are scarce, but local cafes provide gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Galle has a few casinos, but options in Hikkaduwa are limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 16,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 640,000 LKR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 10,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 400,000 LKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 18,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,080,000 LKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 12,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 720,000 LKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 20,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,600,000 LKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 14,000 LKR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,120,000 LKR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Sri Lanka employs a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% for income above LKR 3 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 8%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on property value; rates vary by location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% during property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads currently exist. |