Hikkaduwa: See
Sunsets are a must; free, from any beach; and by definition: they are only visible along the west coast.
1 Big Buddha Statue (Tsunami Honganji Viharay), Peraliya (opposite the Tsunami Photo Museum). A 30-m-high statue commemorating the victims of the largest rail disaster in history (1,000 to 1,700 deaths by 2004 tsunami). Donated by Japan, it is a replica of the 6th-century Buddhas of Bamiyan (destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan). Free. (updated Sep 2026)
2 Tsunami Photo museums, Peraliya (near the site of the so-called Tsunami Train). Very graphic photos of the aftermath of the devastating tsunami waves. Free. (updated Sep 2026)
3 Hikkaduwa National Park (just off beach). Marine park. Lots of colorful fish and odd turtle, small reef shark and moray eel. Coral reef badly damaged but kind of recovering. Beach in front of Beer Garden is excellent access point. This national park is a protected sanctuary. Do not touch the corals under any circumstances. Since 2025, authorities have strictly enforced fines; one individual was arrested, and prosecuted for damaging the reef. (updated Sep 2026)