
Hikkaduwa City
Famous for its long sandy beach, west-coast Hikkaduwa also boasts good waves for surfers, reefs for snorkelers and divers, plus sand-side hotels, restaurants, and bars. Add an island temple, tsunami museum, and turtle sanctuary, and you have one of Sri Lanka’s best beach-holiday haunts.
Rathgama lake
Rathgama Lake, located near Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka's Galle District, is renowned for offering exceptional kayaking experiences amidst its serene and picturesque waters. The lake's calm environment and rich biodiversity make it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced kayakers.
Several local operators provide guided kayaking tours, enhancing the experience with insights into the lake's ecosystem and ensuring safety. For instance, Kayak Adventure in Katudampe offers customized routes, safety briefings, and necessary equipment, including life jackets and waterproof bags. Their services cater to various preferences, allowing participants to explore the lake's tranquil waters and surrounding landscapes.
Participants can expect to paddle through lush mangrove forests, observe diverse birds species, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake. Early morning and late afternoon sessions are particularly popular, offering cooler temperatures and the chance to witness stunning sunrises or sunsets over the water.
Overall, Rathgama Lake stands out as a premier destination for kayaking enthusiasts seeking a blend of adventure and natural beauty in Sri Lanka's southern region.
About Galle District
Galle is a city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
Galle is a sizeable town, by Sri Lankan standards, and has a population of 91,000, the majority of whom are of Sinhalese ethnicity. There is also a large Sri Lankan Moor minority, particularly in the fort area, which descend from Arab merchants that settled in the ancient port of Galle.
About Southern Province
The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is a small geographic area consisting of the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Subsistence farming and fishing is the main source of income for the vast majority of the people of this region.
Important landmarks of the Southern Province include the wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, the holy city of Kataragama, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama, Kirinda and Galle. (Although Galle is an ancient city, almost nothing survives from before the Portuguese invasion.) During the Portuguese period there were two famous Sinhalese poets called Andare who was from Dickwella and Gajaman Nona who was from Denipitiya in Matara District, composing poems on common man.