The Best Things To Do In Hiriketiya Beach: Where To Eat, Stay & Play
Looking for the ultimate guide to Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka? From the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and where to eat - we’ve got you covered with this in-depth post on our favourite destination in Sri Lanka!
UPDATED - JULY 2024
After a long and sweaty three-hour tuk-tuk ride from Unawatuna, we arrived at Hiriketiya Beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
It was love at first sight.
Palm-fringed golden sands, surfers carving up sweet left-handers, cool cafes serving up incredibly fresh brunch worthy of any Melbourne cafe; this was a place so beautiful, so peaceful, and so perfect that we knew we'd definitely arrived in heaven.
Funnily enough, Hiriketiya wasn’t a stop we were planning to make on our original Sri Lanka itinerary, but with a need for just a little more ocean therapy before heading north and the chance to hang out with new travel buddies, we decided to head to this jungle paradise on a whim - and boy are we glad we did.
What was once a sleepy hidden gem on Sri Lanka’s south coast with little more than a few wooden huts is fast becoming the ‘it’ place for digital nomads and their acai bowls, bronzed surfers riding waves all day long, and salty-haired wanderers chilling into a new level of zen.
There are surf shops that wouldn’t look out of place in any cool coastal town, beachside bars serving up cocktails from mason jars, and many co-working spaces have popped up in recent years.
As of our most recent visit in 2024, the Hiri of old is clinging on for dear life, fighting the dreaded perils of over-tourism of Canggu (and all of Bali, for that matter) in what seems like, at times, a losing battle. It’s scary, seeing a place you love so dearly, falling prey to the ‘progress’.
But despite all this progress, Hiriketiya still manages to be the kind of place where the thick jungle meets the sea and time becomes irrelevant - and we love it for it. Just don’t come expecting a quiet, zen-like bay - those days are now long gone.
If you’re planning a trip along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline (follow our three-week Sri Lanka itinerary here), you need to add a couple of days in Hiriketiya to your itinerary. From what to do, where to stay, and our favourite day trips, this is everything you need to know!
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HIRIKETIYA BEACH TRAVEL GUIDE ESSENTIALS
WHERE | Southern Sri Lanka
BEST HOTELS | Jasper House, Le Cabanon & Dots Bay House
WHAT TO SEE & DO | Learn to surf, daily yoga, visit Dondra Lighthouse, chill
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK | Smoke & Bitters, Bahia, Dots, Mahu Poke Bowls
HOW TO GET THERE | Train or bus from Colombo, tuk-tuk from surrounding areas
WHAT TO KNOW| Save water, bring a reusable water bottle
WHERE TO STAY IN HIRIKETIYA
Across our many visits to Hiriketiya, we’ve found accommodation in the area can be a bit hit-and-miss. However, with new openings post-Covid catering to all budgets, accommodation options are plentiful.
To help you choose the right place, we’ve curated the best places to stay in Hiriketiya guide.
If you’re short on time, below are our three favourite hotels:
JASPER HOUSE | 12 airy rooms feature beautiful rooms with local furniture, antique decor, and a few steps to the surf.
BOOK | Prices and availability here
SALT HOUSE | 4* laidback hotel/yoga studio/surf camp with beautiful, minimalistic rooms.
BOOK | Prices and availability here
DOTS BAY HOUSE | More of a ‘hostel’ vibe, but cool and close to Hiriketiya Beach.
BOOK | Prices and availability here
MOND TREESCAPES | A beautiful, modern, minimalist treehouse in the jungles outside of Hiri. Pretty much the stuff of dreams
Alternatively, search for all hotel options for Hiriketiya and Dikwella on booking.com here
TOP THINGS TO DO IN HIRIKETIYA BEACH
SURF, SURF, SURF AT HIRIKETIYA BEACH
Slowly becoming one of Sri Lanka's premier surf destinations, Hiriketiya Beach is the perfect place to learn to ride the waves or to take your surfing skills to the next level.
Located on a horseshoe-shaped bay with waves rolling in almost all year (10 months in fact), Hiriketiya Beach provides a challenge for all grades of surfers.
There are two breaks at Hiriketiya Beach, the reef break, located in the eastern corner of the bay, and the ever-popular beach break, which is more centrally located.
The reef break is definitely one for the more experienced surfers, with fast left hander that lasts for close to 100m, making it one of the better waves on the south coast.
The beach break is perfect for intermediates and beginners, and can roughly be split into two sections - further into the bay is where the waves tend to start, and where the intermediates line up. Further towards the beach is where you’ll find beginners and their teachers, attempting their first ride.
A word of warning though - as of our most recent visit (2024), it’s pretty hectic out there. Hiri’s popularity has skyrocketed, and as a result, it’s virtually impossible to score a wave without 100 others dropping in on you. The solution? Get up at the break of dawn and beat the rush.
The smaller swell during the peak season (Dec - Feb) is great for beginners, while the waves are at their best during Aug- Dec when intermediate/experienced surfers can take on the left-handers rolling perfectly into shore. Beginners’ can still surf during this time, but it’s best to try your luck on the sandier beach break.
Boards can be hired from the water’s edge and for 300 LKR per hour ($1.50!), it's an absolute bargain.
Also, please remember to use surfing etiquette and respect the locals and their waves.
In our experience, Weligama may be a better place to learn to surf (that’s where we learnt!), although for those with better skills surfing in Hiriketiya Bay is incredible.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hiriketiya Beach
Book | You can book surf lessons at Hiri Surf School
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SWIM & CHILL AT HIRIKETIYA BEACH
Not into surfing? Fortunately, Hiriketiya beach is a great place to chill and while the days away.
During our stay, we made a habit of heading down each afternoon to relax, swim, and watch the vibrant Sri Lankan sunsets light up the sky.
The palm-fringed beach isn't the widest nor the most golden-sanded in Sri Lanka, but the setting is magical and the water clear.
Although surfers fill the bay come midday, there's always enough room to swim and there are even turtles that swim in the shallows if you're lucky enough to spot one!
If you're after a cheap eat, Roti Hut serves cheap roti and coconuts to the left of the beach - although if you’re in a rush, be warned: we did have to wait about an hour for ours!
Hiriketiya isn’t the only beach in the area though. Dickwella, a short 15-minute walk away, is far more expansive, allowing for a more relaxed beachside experience - think Mirissa Beach without the crowds (see more below).
Alternatively, if you looking to explore beaches around the southern coast, we recommend the following:
Talalla Beach | About 30 mins drive west from Hiri, an exquisite white-sand cove flanked by coconut trees
Goyambokka | A hidden beach off the main tourist road, about 30 mins drive east of Hiri, Goyambokka is a dream, flanked by palms and chilled eateries
Silent Beach | Located just before Goyambokka, Silent beach is just that - silent. A long stretch of golden sand all to yourself. Just be careful during the offseason as the swell can get rough
AFTERNOONS & SUNSETS AT DICKWELLA BEACH (PEHEMBIYA BEACH)
Hiriketiya Beach is rather small and due to its size, can get very busy at times, especially during the morning surf lesson rush, or in the later afternoon chill time.
Nearby Dickwella Beach is far larger, with a long stretch of white sand that seems to go on for miles. And dare we say, it’s now our favoured beach in the area, offering a diverse mix of activities, beach bars, and large swathes of sand. And less crowds.
The calmer eastern end, known as Pehembiya Beach (adjacent to Smoke & Bitters), has become a popular rival to Hiriketiya’s bustling sands, with rustic beach bars popping up along its palm-lined fringes.
The affordable beach beds, ample King Coconuts, and golden sand make it a wonderful place to spend the day, and it’s also the perfect place to settle in for the afternoon before a famous Sri Lankan sunset commences.
Machan Place is the pick of the bunch, offering delicious smoothies & drinks, Sri Lankan street food, and affordable sun beds.
Due to its west-facing position, you’ll watch the sky turn all hues of the rainbow before setting into the Indian Ocean, and it’s a mesmerising experience to enjoy.
Finish the day at Smoke & Bitters for the most incredible gastro-experience (see below).
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BEACH CLUB VIBES AT LA PLAYA
On our most recent trip to Hiriketiya, we were surprised (read: shocked) to see the towering La Playa Hiriketiya set right on the beach - Hiri had previously felt like it was avoiding the perils of mass tourism, but seeing La Playa felt like the dawn of the development era for this little coastal paradise.
The building itself is stylish and blends with the surroundings, while the beach club fuses contemporary chic and tropical aesthetics, reminiscent of some of Bali’s best beach clubs. The music is great, the food delicious, and the cocktails wonderful, but it just feels a little out of place when compared to the surrounding offerings.
Now, don’t let us dissuade you from visiting and enjoying yourself in the sun-drenched lap pool while sipping cocktails, for La Playa is perfect for those seeking a more upmarket, boho-vibe.
Maybe we’re getting old and sentimental, but we hold the old Hiri close to our hearts, and any major development to the beachside is hard to handle.
THE DETAILS
Where | La Playa, Hiriketiya Beach
Cost | $$
BOOK | You can also stay right on the beachfront at La Playa, which you can book here
BOUTIQUES & COLLECTIVES | THE BEST SHOPPING IN HIRI
Sri Lanka might not be as renowned for shopping, design and textiles as Vietnam or Thailand, but across its bohemian hotspots, with their mix of international and local creatives, there’s a growing scene of designers producing exceptional goods.
Hiriketiya is one such place, home to a burgeoning scene of local and international designers producing everything from swimwear to art.
The excellent Le Ketiya Boutique, owned by South African native Gabby, specialises in luxury swimwear, tropical clothing, surf accessories and more, and is the perfect place to grab stylish bikinis, sarongs or flowing linen.
Nearby, The Village Collective is a Sri Lankan artisan store showcasing locally-produced art, homewares and lifestyle brands. Think wall art, candles, cosmetics and sustainably sourced tea and coffee. We grabbed a Hiriketiya print for our wall, just to remind us of our favourite place in the world.
The Verse Collective has a small boutique on site, which has a range of surf products in case you lose/forget yours at home - it’s expensive but came in handy when Mark lost his boardies in HIkkaduwa.
MARVEL AT BLUE BEACH, NILWELLA
Tucked away in nearby Nilwella lies Blue Beach, a bright-white sandbar that connects the mainland with a ubiquitous palm-filled rocky Sri Lankan outcrop. It’s a photographer’s heaven, especially from above (via drone), with the unique aspects providing some super cool photo opportunities.
On a calm day, the beach is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a swim away from the crowds of Hiriketiya Beach - just don’t forget to bring some food and water, as the beach has little in the way of amenities.
For divers and snorkellers, the newly created Nilwella Underwater Gallery is a super-cool place to explore the unique beauty of Sri Lanka’s aquatic life. The gallery features a myriad of sculptures, structures and artificial reefs, designed to increase breeding grounds for local fish species and create new coral reefs that encourage tourism.
To go diving or snorkelling, enquire about your accommodation in Hiriketiya.
If you’re into camping, the private island houses a super cool campground - just make sure you get permission (and pay a fee) before camping there.
THE DETAILS
Where | Blue Beach, Nilwella
How to get there | Get to Nilwella fishing village via tuk-tuk, around 300 LKR each way
GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF YOGA AT SALT HOUSE
For those who love a yoga session or two on holiday (us!), Salt House in Hiriketiya is the perfect place.
With an open elevated Shala set amongst the jungles of Hiriketiya, a yoga session at Salt House is truly relaxing. Unless you do a vinyasa flow session, in which case it'll be truly exhausting.
Salt House also hosts yoga and surf retreats, so if you're looking to completely zen out for a week in Hiri you’d do well to join one of these.
They also have some of the most beautiful designed accommodation in Hiriketiya, check out prices and availability on Booking.com.
THE DETAILS
Where | Yoga at Salt House
Cost | Free for guests
Book | Salt House, Hiriketiya
ENJOY AN AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
If it’s not already abundantly clear, Hiriketiya is a place for relaxation. Here, a morning surf takes priority over emails, midday yoga is a habit, and an afternoon massage is essential.
So, if you’re visiting Hiri, make sure you book yourself in for an ayurvedic massage.
In Sri Lanka, massages mostly involve Ayurveda, the holistic science that looks at physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. An ayurvedic massage focuses on relaxation, stress relief and promotes the release of emotional blockages, through the use of essential oils and herbs. In short, it’s the perfect antidote to the energy expended while surfing, and the perfect accompaniment to yoga.
In Hiriketiya, there is a range of Ayurveda massage options, including Tonic Spa, located just north of the main beach. They offer a range of massage treatments, from deep tissue to relaxation, body/face scrubs and herbal baths (treatments start from 3,500LKR).
Another option is to book through your accommodation, or through the Salt House, or Jasper House.
THE DETAILS
Where | Tonic Spa Hiriketiya
Cost | Massages start from 3,500LKR
Book | Book ahead online, or through Instagram
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VISIT THE SOUTHERNMOST POINT OF SRI LANKA, DONDRA LIGHTHOUSE
Although Hiri is amazing and you'll never want to leave, we do suggest you set aside a day to make your way to the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, home of the beautiful Dondra Lighthouse.
Completed in 1890, Dondra lighthouse is Sri Lanka's tallest, and in our opinion, most impressive (although the Galle Fort lighthouse pushes it hard!). The stunning coastal setting, beautiful palms, and lack of tourists means it'll be worth the effort to visit - trust us.
Entry is free and it's easy to get to - hire a tuk tuk to take you directly there, or catch the local bus from Dikwella to Dondra, and walk to the lighthouse from the town centre.
THE DETAILS
Where | Dondra Lighthouse Road, Dondra
Cost | Free entry
Opening hours | 09:00 am - 19:00 pm every day
How to get to Dondra Lighthouse | Local bus is LKR 50 one way from Dickwella
Tuk tuk LKR 500-800 depending on passengers
EAT, WORK, CHILL, REPEAT AT VERSE COLLECTIVE
Hiriketiya has become somewhat of a Digital Nomad hotspot, so if you're like us and work online, stumbling across somewhere as cool as Verse Collective on your travels is always a bonus.
One afternoon (with urgent-soon-to-be-overdue deadlines pending, of course) we paid them a visit. With fast internet, tasty food and refreshing drinks, it was a welcome relief from our cramped hostel room work sessions (as of 2024, free wifi is no more - charged at LKR 2,000 per day).
Located off Pehembiya Beach in Dikwella, Verse Collective is one of Sri Lanka's first co-working spaces.
It features a huge open-plan layout, chillout couches, a cafe, and a skatepipe, allowing procrastination sessions to take a whole new meaning.
Verse Collective also doubles as a hostel/guesthouse, with super cool dorm and double rooms in the complex, so if you're an 'eat, work, sleep, repeat' kinda person, Verse Collective is your place.
Alternatively, The Salty Pelican is another option located nearby.
THE DETAILS
Where | Verse Collective, Dikwella
Opening hours | Daily - 7.30 am - 9 pm
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A UNIQUE CULTURAL FIX AT WEWRUKANNALA VIHARAYA BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Looking to explore something more than the beaches and breaks of Hiriketiya, our kind Airbnb hosts suggested we spend time at Wewrukannala Viharaya Buddhist temple, 1.5kms outside of Dikwella; "it's very unique, you must visit" they reiterated.
Unique is probably an understatement.
Wewrukannala Viharaya draws visitors from all over the country to see the giant Buddha statue, which at 50m in height, is the tallest in Sri Lanka. However, the most unique (and frankly terrifying) part of the temple complex is the Buddhist Hall of Horrors, a long corridor illustrated with ghastly depictions of Buddhist hell.
With each step through the tunnel, we gasped with horror (and a little laughter) as each depiction became more and more shocking.
Highlights, if you can call them that, include sinners being disembowelled, viciously (and graphically) castrated, sawn in half, stabbed with spears, and hacked to pieces.
It takes around an hour to explore the complex - just don't get locked in the hall of horrors, whatever you do.
THE DETAILS
Where | Wewrukannala Viharaya Buddhist temple
Cost | LKR 100 entry pp. A guided tour will cost LKR 50 - 100 per person
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TRADITIONAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES AT NILWELLA FISHING VILLAGE
While in Hiriketiya we wanted to get an insight into the traditional way of life of Sri Lanka's coastal fisherman, so a local recommended we check out Nilwella fishing village, just north of Hiri.
Arriving at 7 am, we watched as wily fisherman slowly returned to the harbour in traditional outriggers, their arrival triggering a frenzied auction amongst wholesalers looking to snap up the morning's catch.
It was all over in about 30 minutes, and while it was definitely an insightful experience, it shouldn't be top of your list of things to do in Hiriketiya unless you're seeking authentic, cultural experiences.
Also - be aware that there are many packs of stray dogs around this area, and unlike the rest of Sri Lanka’s strays, these ones were a wee bit aggressive.
THE DETAILS
Where | Nilwella fishing village
How to get there | Get to Nilwella fishing village via tuk-tuk, around 300r each way
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN HIRIKETIYA
SMOKE & BITTERS
Sri Lanka is home to some of the best sunsets you could ever wish to see. And now Sri Lanka is home to a cocktail bar rated in the top 100 in Asia (read more here); Smoke & Bitters, located just outside of Hiri, at Pehembiya Beach.
Merge the best sunsets with the best cocktails (and food), and add a palm-filled space and excellent staff, and you have probably the best night out in Sri Lanka.
And we should know; we’ve now spent an evening here on two separate trips to Hirikietiya, and both times we’ve walked away agreeing that it was, in fact, the best meal we’ve ever had (Hyperbole? Maybe. Delicious? Yes.).
Smoke & Bitters opened in early 2020 before the pandemic took hold and ceased international travel for the better part of two years. Thankfully, the team at Smoke & Bitters worked hard to keep the business afloat, honing their cocktail varieties and locally sourced ingredients (bitters, syrups, liqueurs and spirit infusions are made in-house!), to create the perfect cocktail menu.
A must-have cocktail is a signature Mai Chai, which uses chai rum, chai tea, orgeat, chai syrup and triple sec to create the ultimate nod to Sri Lanka. Other recommended cocktails include the Peniceylon, and, well, anything really!
The food is scarily good, too - a mix of Sri Lankan, Asian and BBQ infusions to create a range of tasty bar food, as well as fine dining plates. Make sure you get the kurumba calamari, made from tempura coconut flesh and topped with salsa. Also, the kalu pol seafood curry is to die for.
One word of warning - it gets super busy here (understandably!), so book in advance.
THE DETAILS
Where | Smoke & Bitters
Cost | Cocktails from 1,200 LKR, Large plates from 1,400 LKR, Small plates from 600 LKR
DUNI’S HOPPERS
On our first visit to Hikiketiya in 2019, we stayed with a lovely family and their son, Duni, just outside of town. It was a wonderful little stay and remained seared in our memories over the next few, Covid-affected years.
So you can imagine our shock when, in 2024, we stumbled across Duni’s Hoppers and put two and two together. We quickly messaged him and met up for a chat over hoppers & coffee, and it was one of those wonderful full-circle moments that travel often produces.
Anyway, about the food… if you’re not sure what hoppers are, they’re essentially bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut. They’re delicious, and the perfect way to start the day (or for lunch). We’re massive fans of hoppers, and Duni’s delivers the best in town.
You can’t go past the classic hoppers, using Subha’s dahl recipe (Duni’s mother). It’s rich, hearty, and hits the spot every time. The pink hopper, using beetroot, is another winner.
In addition to hoppers, Duni’s serves a range of colourful, vegan smoothie bowls (go for the cacao), reminiscent of those in Canggu. Oh, and the coffee is excellent.
THE DETAILS
Where | Duni’s Hoppers
Cost | Hoppers start from LKR 910, smoothie bowls from LKR 1,930, and coffee from LKR 910
SUNSET DRINKS AND CHILLED VIBES AT DOTS, HIRIKETIYA
Sri Lanka isn't really a 'rave till sunrise' type of destination, but beach bars are pretty common across the island and one of our faves is Dots Bay House on Hiriketiya beach.
Set right on the beach, Dots is the most popular place to chill out and enjoy a sundowner or two, chow down on great Western or Sri Lankan food, or simply relax and chat with fellow travellers.
Happy hour occurs from 6-7:30 pm (only applies to cocktails), and we definitely recommend the gin basil smash.
There's also a cool surf store if you're after some threads while in Sri Lanka.
A word of warning - prices can be a little inflated here, so it might be a 'visit once during your stay' kinda place for those on a budget.
THE DETAILS
Where | Dots Bay House, Hiriketiya
BOOK | Dots Bay House is also a guesthouse. Check prices and availability on here
ENJOY A DREAMY BRUNCH AT BAHIA
A place so good, we came back three times, Bahia is hands down the best brunch we've had since leaving Australia three years ago.
For a start, the coffee was exceptional; something not so common on the palm-fringed shores of Sri Lanka.
But where Bahia really blew us away was their delicious breakfast tacos, and rosti eggs benedict, with ingredients, were so fresh and so tasty we were in foody heaven.
If those options don't take your fancy, the smashed avo and assorted fruit plate are other options worthy of your time.
In the evening, there are artisanal pizzas on offer
Located opposite Hiriketiya Beach in a beautiful, green setting, Bahia brings the best in design and minimalism to Hiri.
They also have a guesthouse on-site, so if you’re looking for some cool digs across the street from the beach, this is your place.
THE DETAILS
Where | Bahia, Hiriketiya
Cost | Coffees: 400r - 550r, brunch from 850r - 1200r
Opening hours | Daily, 8.30am - 9pm
Bookings | Book your stay at The Bay Guesthouse here
Note | The menu caters for that craving western-style food, so don't expect too much in the way of local cuisine
GARLIC CAFE
We’d long read that Garlic Cafe served the best local food in Hiriketiya. And on our most recent visit, we were able to enjoy it for the first time.
And the reviews were right.
Offering traditional cuisine and affordable prices, Garlic Cafe is excellent. The kottu roti is one of the best we’ve enjoyed in the country, and the rice & curry buffet is tasty. A visit here is worthwhile, especially for those on a budget, or travellers sick of overpriced Western food.
THE DETAILS
Where | Garlic Cafe
Cost | Kottu from LKR 1,000, Rice & Curry from LKR 1,000
RICE & CURRY AT JAYANTHA RESTAURANT
We’re happy to admit to anyone who asks that Sri Lankan cuisine is among our all-time favourites. The taste, texture, and aroma of the Sri Lankan kitchen are impossible to beat, especially when done well.
After too much Western-style food, we ventured into Dikwella and found the roadside buffet of Jayantha, serving up a delicious array of authentic rice & curry.
After a massive serving of kottu, and vegetarian curries, we left satisfied - so much so, we returned the next day. The buffet varies from day to day, but follows the same traditional menu of this region - and the prices are super cheap for those on a budget.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jayantha, Dickwella town
OTHER RESTAURANTS TO VISIT IN HIRIKETIYA
Malu Poke | The best poke bowls in Sri Lanka, serving both seafood and veggie options. Also serve smoothie bowls, perfect for the post-surf breakfast. Bowls start from 1,200 LKR
Mond | Speciality coffee, nourishing breakfast bowls (get the Onsen Hash!), outrageous views - what more could you ask for? Craft cocktails and tasting plates at night...
Roti Hut | Located right on Hiri beach, roti hut serves up, you guessed it, roti’s. Perfect for a quick, cheap and easy meal for those on a budget
A MAP OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HIRIKETIYA
Visiting Hiriketiya and Dikwella? Use or download this map to your phone and follow our recommendations for the best things to do in Hiriketiya!
Click the star next to the title of the map to save it to your Google Maps account. To view on the road, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this exact map on your list.
HIRIKETIYA TRIP PLANNING GUIDE
WHERE IS HIRIKETIYA?
‘Hiri’ is a horseshoe-bay, jungle-rimmed oasis located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, around 180 km from Colombo.
It’s a short drive from Dikwella (around 2mins) but is tucked away from the main highway in between Matara and Tangalle.
WHEN TO VISIT HIRIKETIYA
The absolute BEST time to visit Hiriketiya and Dikwella is between January - March when low rainfall and calmer seas provide the perfect weather to explore and learn to surf.
Due to the horseshoe shape of Hiriketiya beach, swimming and snorkelling are safe basically all year round.
We’ve been told to avoid visiting during early January when Sri Lankan holidays occur and the southern coast is teeming with local tourists.
HOW TO GET TO HIRIKETIYA BEACH
TRAIN
Train travel in Sri Lanka is one of the best ways to travel, and the journey from Colombo to the southern coast is unmissable.
To get from Colombo to Hiriketiya, take the Beliatta train from Colombo Fort station (leaves daily - every 2hrs). You will need to disembark at Wewrukannala station, at which point you can take a tuk-tuk to Hiriketiya (10 mins).
Alternatively, you can take the train from Colombo Fort to Matara (daily, leaves every 2 hours) and then catch a bus to Hiriketiya.
BOOK | Search and book Sri Lanka train tickets here
BUS
Hiriketiya Bay is on the south coast of Sri Lanka, right next door to Dikwella Beach and east of the southern hub of Matara.
If you’re travelling to Hiriketiya and Dikwella from anywhere on the southern coast, we’d recommend taking the local bus to Dikwella (depending on where you’re coming from, you may need to change at Matara bus station), then either walking down to Hiriketiya Bay from there or taking a tuk-tuk the rest of the way.
| The bus from Matera will cost around 100 LKR per person
TUK TUK
Normally, we’re all about taking public transport but on this particularly hot travel day, with our too-heavy backpacks full of gear we were transporting back to Australia after years away, and a desire to get to the beach ASAP, we have to admit we were (pretty easily) persuaded by an absolutely lovely tuk-tuk driver to travel with him instead.
He’d recently rigged up a stereo system, got us fresh coconuts on the way and was just a lovely guy to chat with about all things Lanka, so we’re happy to have splurged.
| The tuk tuk from Wijaya beach/Unawatuna to Hiriketiya set us back about 3,000 LKR
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN HIRIKETIYA
Hiriketiya is a paradise - maybe one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka, and we’re super keen to keep it this way and avoid the pitfalls of destinations like Bali.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind, to ensure that your travels benefit the people, and places, that you’re visiting too:
DON’T USE PLASTIC / REFUSE PLASTIC
Waste and plastic are huge issues in Hiriketiya (as with most of the world). The easiest way to reduce your overall plastic consumption in Sri Lanka is to just say NO!
Avoid buying plastic products if at all possible, say no to plastic bags, and where possible, gently highlight the negative consequences of plastic.
Some of our favourite zero-waste swaps are:
Our trusty The Grayl GEOPRESS water purification and filtration bottles. Seriously, invest in one of these bad boys and you’ll never go back to the plastic-type again
Asking for no straw and using our own reusable metal straws instead
Reusable tote bags
Ordering soft drinks or juice in glass or can version (or going without if it’s not available)
Solid shampoo, body wash, moisturiser
For the ladies: a menstrual cup
RESPECT THE LOCAL CULTURE
In Sri Lanka, the majority Buddhist culture, as well as Hindi and Muslim are both modest and reserved, so it's important to be respectful at all times.
In Hiriketiya, that means not walking around the town in your bathing suit - cover up with a sarong or your travel linens (you’ll see signs everywhere for this!). And also keeping it quiet - no one likes a loud tourist, least of all locals.
PICK UP ANY RUBBISH YOU SEE
Although Hiri’s beaches tend to be clean, plastic can wash up on the beaches.
A simple way to help improve the problem is to pick up the rubbish in a tote bag and take it with you to dispose of properly later or drop it off at one of the restaurants or hotels.
Oh, and don’t litter. Ever. Don’t be the problem, be the solution.
DON’T WASTE WATER & ELECTRICITY
Sri Lanka might be a tropical paradise, but it doesn’t mean freshwater is endless. In fact, as the country’s tourism industry booms, so too does the demand for its limited natural resources.
Play your part and reduce your water and energy consumption. Keep showers to a minimum, and turn off electricity when you’re not at your accommodation.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IN SRI LANKA
Overwhelmingly, we’ve found the country to be extremely safe and friendly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues with petty theft or personal safety at times.
You absolutely need to have travel insurance that ensures you and your belongings are protected here.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
* The Common Wanderer readers 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
READ THESE ESSENTIAL SRI LANKA POSTS
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!)
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach, Ahangama Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
SRI LANKA ACCOMMODATION GUIDES | Where to stay in Hiriketiya, Where to stay in Ella, Where to stay in Galle
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? View our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
Visited Hiri? Let us know if we’ve missed any of the best things to do in Hiriketiya in the comments!
VISITING SRI LANKA? READ OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDES!
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That, and you're officially a legend.
