Holidaying is all about unwinding. Hear the hissing sound of wind. Seek adventure. Be one with nature. Unfold your own nature. Unwind. When you are on a holiday, don't have an agenda. Break free from structured routine. Explore nature, explore yourself. Explore, discover for yourself. That's what holidaying is about. And one of the greatest holiday spots is Hikkaduwa sanctuary in Sri Lanka.

THE LOCATION
Hikkaduwa lies just 98 km south of the capital Colombo and is easily accessible by road. A charming little train which runs parallel to the coast provides an interesting alternative to the normal tourist taxi. It also gave us our first view of the Indian Ocean; the cleanest, bluest waters you will ever witness. At the station you can negotiate with a taxi to take you there.

THE PLACE
A myriad colors and secret marine life wraps underwater. Tropical fish are all over; their shapes, sizes, colors and combinations can be seen in flowing robes, daring head gear, fabulous stripes, purple and yellow spotted gowns, plumed skirts, the variety is infinite. You must get underwater to feel the color space.

The unique thing about Hikkaduwa is that some of the coral reefs are real close to the beach. You can hire snorkels, masks and fins and ventured into the calm waters of the Indian Ocean. It's easy once you master the art of blowing hard into the Snorkel to clear the water out so you can breathe. Snorkeling exposes you to the most exotic hues known to humankind. Within minutes you will be amazed with a few inches below the surface and you can feel the ocean ticking.

Of course, the heartbeat of the ocean can not be felt with snorkeling only. You can also hire a glass-bottomed boat with a guide to go out to the coral gardens. In crystal clear waters you can admire all kinds of sea creatures from lobsters, prawns and crabs to the Yellowtail Fusilier, Speckled Butterfly fish and Imperial Angel fish.

THE FOOD & SHOPPING ELEMENT
What is a good holiday without great food and shopping? The main street of Hikkaduwa town is filled with small restaurants and cafes, a few pubs and plenty of handicraft shops. You can, of course, pick up traditional batiks with elephant and fish motifs. You can also pick from interesting colorful batiks that feature raunchy themes from the Kama Sutra. Another treat that these men harvest is amazing king coconut. You will be remembering them for your whole lifetime. The rice pancakes, served with spicy sambol, or fresh fish curry are worth a treat.

So next time you are planning a beach getaway do think of Hikkaduwa before you get your bookings done.