Planning a trip to Sri Lanka and want to add this beautiful surfers town to your itinerary? I’ve got you covered with the ultimate best things to do in and around Hiriketiya Beach, best places to eat, and practical tips – all covered in this ultimate visitors guide to Hiriketiya Beach in Sri Lanka.
About Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach in Sri Lanka is a (not-so) hidden gem that offers the perfect mix of pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery. This picturesque beach has been gaining popularity among travelers and surfers worldwide looking for a quiet escape.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, catch some waves, eat healthy foods, or explore the surrounding area, Hiriketiya is a must on every Sri Lanka itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hiriketiya beach?
Hiriketiya is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka next to Dikwella.
Is Hiriketiya worth visiting?
Hiriketiya is one of the best places to visit on the south coast with one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches.
Can you swim in Hiriketiya?
Yes, even though the bay is mostly used for surfing and could get crowded, you can easily swim at Hiriketiya Beach.
How to get to Hiriketiya Beach
Tucked away in a small bay on the south coast of Sri Lanka, this small village is easy to reach but does require some planning if coming with public transport.
From Colombo to Hiriketiya:
By Bus – Cheapest
Taking the local bus is the cheapest way to get from point A to B in Sri Lanka, but you have to be prepared for some adventure and it sure not is for the faint-hearted. Even though it’s the cheapest, there’s no direct route and it takes some transfers to reach Hiriketiya beach.
🚌 Step 1: Colombo Fort Station to Matara which takes around 3 hours and costs 400 lkr (€1,25).
🚌 Step 2: from Matara you can either take another bus going to Dikwella/Hiriketiya taking another 30-minute drive for 400 lkr (€1,25).
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By Train – Comfortable & Cheap
Getting to Hiriketiya by train is a good option for those traveling on a budget and/or solo travelers. The train connections are good and there’s a direct train going from Colombo Fort Train Station to Wewrukannala multiple times a day. I recommend chosing this option as I did it myself and it all went super smooth.
🚃 Step 1: Take the train from Colombo Fort Train Station to Wewrukannala, which will take around 4 hours and costs 600 lkr (less than €2).
🛺 Step 2: Take a tuktuk from Wewrukannala to your accommodation at Hiriketiya Beach which will only take around 10 minutes and should not costs you more than 1000 lkr (± €3).
The train rides 4 times a day and you can find the train schedule here on their official website. Get to the train station at least 30 minutes before and if you’re coming from Negombo, be prepared for traffic and leave early!
By Private Transport – Easiest
If you’re traveling through the country with your transport, like a tuk-tuk or motorbike, it will take you around 4 hours from Colombo/Negombo.
Like many travelers recently, hiring a tuk-tuk is one of the most unique and popular ways to get around the country (just like the locals do ;)). You can already rent a tuktuk from €15 per day with tuktukrental.com.
Unfortunately, some elephants are getting quite aggressive towards tuk-tuks/cars because they know there’s food to find. Make sure to keep a safe distance when passing by elephants and never feed them.
By Taxi – Fastest
Probably the fastest way to Hiriketiya beach is by taxi. You can arrange one yourself through the Pickme app or ask your accommodation to reserve one for you in advance. From Colombo, a taxi should cost around €70, and it could be a good option if you’re traveling in a group or if you’re heading out the same way as fellow travelers.
If you’re short on time and don’t need to keep an eye on your budget, getting around Sri Lanka by taxi is another fast and easy option.
Please be aware of elephants next to the road and keep a safe distance.
Transportation options from other places in Sri Lanka
Ella to Hiriketiya
🚌 Bus from Ella to Dikwella (number 31 and in the direction of Matara) and get off at Dikwella. From there you can take a tuk-tuk, which is only 5 minutes and shouldn’t cost you more than 300 lkr (less than €1).
🚕 A taxi will cost you around €75.
Yala to Hiriketiya
🚌 There’s a public bus going from Tissamaharama (the town nearest to Yala) going to Tangalle. It costs you 120lkr and takes around 2 hours. From Tangalle, you can take another bus to Hiriketiya (direction Matara or Pettah), which will take you another 30 minutes.
🚕 A private taxi will cost you around €35
From neighboring towns
If you’re already spending some time on the south coast and coming from neighboring towns like Weligama, Mirissa, Ahangama, or Tangalle, you can take the public bus or a tuk-tuk to get to Hiriketiya.
Bus number 350 drives between Matara and Galle multiple times a day and stops at all the touristy towns in between. Just wait at the bus stop, ensure you’re going in the right direction, and hop off at Hiriketiya.
Where to stay at Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya is only a small surf town and is gaining popularity very quickly. Therefore, options are increasing yearly, from social hostels to boutique hotels and surf camps (for those here for the waves).
Hostels
If you’re a solo traveler, I highly recommend staying at Barefoot Backpackers Hostel, located on the main road between Hiriketiya and Dikwella.
They organize daily activities, including family dinners (perfect for meeting fellow travelers), nights out, ice baths, and more!
Barefoot is often fully booked weeks in advance, so booking in advance is required. Another great option is Dots Bay House.
Hostel Recommendation:
Barefoot Backpackers Hostel
Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka
Book Here!
Hotels
Hiriketiya has grown immensely in the last few years, so more and more hotels are establishing in the popular area of Hiriketiya Beach in Sri Lanka, like Dots Bay House, Jasper House, and Salt House.
12 Best things to do in Hiriketiya Beach
Surfing
Surfing is the main reason why people head to the south coast of Sri Lanka. Beautiful bays with stunning waters offer surfing opportunities for every level.
Hiriketiya Beach is only a small bay with beginner and advanced-level waves, perfect for learning or improving your skills.
Along the beach, you’ll find many surf schools offering private surf lessons, or you can rent a board yourself if you’ve experienced surfing!
For the advanced surfers among us, there are plenty of surf spots in the area more suitable for the experienced.
💰 Prices for renting a surfboard will start at around 500 lkr (€2,80), and lessons start at around 5000 lkr (€15).
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Relax on the beach
Hiriketiya gets its name from the gorgeous Hiriketiya beach, one of the prettiest beaches I’ve seen in Sri Lanka, so you could easily spend your day relaxing here.
However, the beach isn’t the largest, and the ocean is full of surfers. So, If you’re looking for a more relaxing beach day, here are some good alternatives:
- Dikwella Beach (10 min walk from town). This widespread out beach isn’t the prettiest I’ve come across, but it’s quiet, and you can have a refreshing dip into the ocean without the risk of being surfed over 😉
- Tangalle Beach (30 min tuktuk drive)
- Blue Beach Island
- Tallala Beach
Silent Beach
A short 20-minute drive out of town locates one of my favorite beaches in Sri Lanka, Silent Beach. The white sand surrounded by hanging palm trees combined with the blue bay is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day on the beach.
Travel tip: get yourself a tuk-tuk driver from Hiriketiya Beach and ask him to pick you up again at a certain time.
💰 A return drive should cost you around 2000 lkr (€6,50).
Join a Yoga Class
Surfing and yoga are a match made in heaven for your muscles, mindfulness, and health.
During my week at Layback Surf Camp, I loved the routine of joining a yoga class after a morning surf session.
You can find many yoga retreats in and around Hiriketiya or join a class at Serene Villa, Salt House, or the Salty Pelican.
💰 Prices to join a yoga class are around 3000 lkr (€10).
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
The crystal clear blue waters in and around Hiriketiya Beach are not only suitable for surfing but also offer great snorkeling opportunities.
Sri Lanka is home to one of the largest nesting sites for multiple species of sea turtles. If you’re in the right season, you may even be lucky to witness the hatchlings.
The best spot to spot sea turtles in and around Hiriketiya is Turtle Point/Batheegama Beach.
Turtle Point is found a bit further than Dikwella Beach, and the sea turtles come here to eat the seaweed. It could get crowded here with tourists, so make sure to leave enough space for the turtles and never touch them!
Sunset at Dickwella Beach
Even though I spend most of my sunsets on the rocks at Barefoots together with my fellow hostel mates, the sunset at Dikwella Beach is highly worth it. Head to the beach in the afternoon to enjoy some beach volleyball or simply have a coconut and stay until sunset to watch the sky turn all colors.
Get a massage
Let’s be honest – what is more enjoyable than a massage after an early surf session, or basically any time ;). One of the best places to go to in Hiriketiya is the Massage Shed or Korale Massage & Sports Treatments.
💰 60-minute treatments start from 6000 lkr (€18).
Taste traditional local food
One of my favorite things to do in a new country is try out all the local dishes, and Sri Lanka is part of my top 3 foods worldwide! The Garlic Cafe has some delicious dishes like kottu (make sure to try the cheese one; still dreaming about that one), or enjoy the buffet rice and curry. Please try Coconut Sambol.
Nights out at Dots Bay House
With fun events during the week, live music, and DJs on Saturdays, Dots Bay is the place to be if you’re looking to party in Hiri. You can have a drink at the bar, play pool, or basically chill and lounge.
This is a very popular place in town, and most hostels will go there during certain events or on the weekend.
Visit Dondra Lighthouse
Seventeen kilometers out of town towards Matara, you’ll find Sri Lanka’s most southern point marked by a 50-meter high lighthouse. This is a beautiful lookout point and perfect for a quick stop for those passing by with tuk-tuk.
📍 Location: Dondra Lighthouse
Doctors House on a Wednesday
If you’re a backpacker staying in a social hostel, I can guarantee you that they will head out to Doctors House on Wednesday.
Every week, this 200-year-old former Ayurvedic hospital, now a restaurant, transforms into a huge outdoor- and indoor party spot attracting travelers from all around the south coast.
I’ve been here twice during my time on the South Coast, and even if you’re not into partying, it’s a nice place to have a drink on the carpets outside, enjoying a nice drink and delicious pizza!
Join a Surf Camp
Sri Lanka is well known to be a surfer’s paradise with conditions for both beginners and advanced. Therefore, lots of people come to Sri Lanka to join one of the many surf camps located on the south coast of the island.
Surf camps often have packages for one week, including accommodations and meals and, most of the time, yoga as well, but large companies like Kima offer packages per day. I recommend supporting the local community and joining one of the local surf camps like Layback Surf Camp in Weligama. I’ve had the most amazing time at Layback filled with daily surf sessions, delicious food(!), yoga, incredible friendly people and they now have a swimming pool!
Layback Review 2024
Layback is owned by Thilina, born and raised in Weligama, and Linda, who fell in love with the country after her first visit and decided to stay. Both work together with their amazing team consisting of local teachers to keep everything running, and they’re truly doing an amazing job.
In addition, they offer daily yoga lessons, group activities throughout the week, and an incredible restaurant on their rooftop.
They have different packages starting from €250, so they are perfect for those on a tighter budget or just want the basics like accommodation and morning surf sessions.
Cooking Class at Rosie’s Kitchen
One of my favorite experiences in Sri Lanka was joining a cooking class and learning about the local spices and flavourful dishes.
As for me, I did a cooking class during my time in Weligama, but I’ve come across many travelers who recommend going to Rosie’s Kitchen if they’re in Hiriketiya. With most cooking classes here, including Rosie’s, you’ll learn how to make a sort of traditional dishes like curries, sambal, roti, and more!
During the class, she will tell you all about their culture, food, and her life. Of course, at the end of the class, you can dive in yourself and try out your cooking skills.
If you’re planning to join one of her classes, make sure to text Rosie at +94 71 269 1975 in advance for availability.
Day trips from Hiriketiya
Mirissa Whale Watching Tour
Besides the several species of sea turtles, whales also wander around the Indian Ocean during the peak season (November-April). Head off to Mirissa to hop on a whale-watching tour to spot blue whales or sperm whales.
Even during the high season, there’s no guarantee you could see them, so it’s best to keep in contact with some companies on their previous spottings the days or week before.
Safari tours in Yala National Park or Udawalawe
You don’t have to travel to Africa to go on safari because the national parks of Sri Lanka are full of incredible wildlife.
💡 However, if you do want to go on safari in Africa, make sure to check out my African blog posts!
Udawalawe is home to over 600 elephants, and Yala is known for the high concentration of leopards in the country! Both parks are around 1,5 hours away from Hiriketiya, and if you’re staying at the Barefoot Backpackers hostel, you can join one of the day tours if there are enough people.
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Favorite places to eat in Hiriketiya Beach
Whether you’re looking for traditional Sri Lankan dishes or international food, there are plenty of options in Hiriketiya.
🧄 The Garlic Cafe – One of my favorite restaurants in town, offering traditional local dishes. It’s also a good place for newcomers to introduce themselves to all the flavors with the rice and curry buffet.
🍳 Duni’s Hoppers – this small trendy restaurant is located only 5 minutes from Hiriketiya Beach (the beach itself), offering delicious smoothie bowls and the iconic hoppers for breakfast.
🍸 Smoke & Bitters – this fancy restaurant just outside of Hiriketiya Center is one of the most exclusive places to eat in town, with delicious dishes and high-quality cocktails. Tip: be in time for sunset! 😉
🚌 Hiriketiya Beach Bus Restaurant – the perfect spot to have lunch or an after-surf snack when spending the day on Hiriketiya Beach.
🥙 Malu Poke – located right on the main road, Male Poke offers a delicious range of poke bowls and smoothie bowls to get you energized for the day.
☕️ Verse Collective – not only offers great food but is also a co-working space perfect for digital nomads!
🍛 The Pumpkin Cafe – same menu as the Garlic Cafe, but on the other side of town (next to Barefoot Backpackers hostel).
Best time to visit Hiriketiya Beach
The best time to head off to Hiriketiya is during the peak season of the south coast between December and March.
These months offer great beginner-friendly surf conditions in Hiriketiya and warm, sunny weather – perfect for exploring in the mornings and relaxing on the beach.
Peak season is, however, the busiest time of year, so make sure to book hostels/hotels in advance.
Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting Hiriketiya Beach to hop on your surfboard and ride the waves, practice yoga, or simply relax on one of the many stunning beaches, this small beach town is an unmissable spot on your Sri Lanka itinerary. It’s definitely in my top 3 of my favorite places in Sri Lanka, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
Drop any questions you may have about visiting Hiriketiya in the comments, and as always, happy travels! 🇱🇰
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