Corals in Hikkaduwa

If anyone asks what are the best Sri Lanka beach destinations, a long list will follow as the answer as this tiny island nation is blessed with many beaches of unimaginable beauty. Out of these, there is one that is sought-after by many travellers who wish to experience nature, golden sands, and frolicking waves all at the same time. Hikkaduwa, on the western coast, is this delightful beach.

Lovingly called Hikka, this beach resort town is famous for its colorful corals. So if you’re planning a visit here, make sure that you book with a hotel that organizes trips to the reef such as those offered by Cantaloupe Hotels. As part of the excursion, you will be taken on a glass-bottomed boat to the Hikkaduwa National Marine Park. Those fear of the waves can enjoy the beauty of the coral from the boat itself while the more adventurous souls can try out scuba diving on the reef.

The wide range of coral to be seen at Hikkaduwa includes species such as the Faviidae and Poritidae corals which are located in the inshore areas of the reef in massive colonies, while cabbage, elkhorn, staghorn, brain, star and table corals are all present in the reef.

During your escapades of scuba diving, you will be able to meet a wide variety of extraordinary marine creatures such as multi-colored schools of fish, dugongs, blacktip reef shark and sea turtles including the Olive Ridley turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the Green Turtle.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Spectacular Sea animals to be seen in Southern Coast Sri Lanka

The tropical island of Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for anyone and everyone. Tourists who head to the sunny country are endlessly amazed by the myriad of options and activities available in the country. Sri Lanka is blessed with wild animals; both on land and sea. When you head to Sri Lanka, wild life safaris are a definite must do during your holiday. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean that surround this beautiful country are home to dozen of aquatic creatures that are a delight to watch in their natural habitat. After arriving in Sri Lanka, head straight to the south of Sri Lanka to begin your sea safari! Most resorts and Galle hotel in Talpe will be able to organize a safari for you, such as Cantaloupe Aqua. Sri Lanka is home to a variety of turtles – all of which are on the endangered list. In the aims of conservation of these beautiful species, a number of turtle hatcheries and conservation centres have been established along the south coast. Those eager to start their marine safari, towns like Mirissa are most popular for whale and dolphin safaris, with many boats leaving the harbour at the break of dawn in the hope of seeing majestic creatures of the sea frolic around. Once you start on your sea safari, be sure to keep a keen eye for whales and dolphins! Whale watching is a popular tourist actitvity to the south of Sri Lanka and the most commonly seen whales are the Blue whales, Bryde’s whales, Sperm whales, Killer whales, Melon headed whales and Cuvier’s Beaked whales. Dolphins such as Spotted dolphins, Spinner dolphins, Fraser’s dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Common Dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins. Watch as these adorable creatures splash and frolic along the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Other common marine species that can be spotted around Sri Lanka are Rays, Eels, Clown Fish and many others.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+