Hiriketiya Beach: A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Little Coastal Paradise

Hiriketiya Beach is the ultimate slice of paradise on Sri Lanka’s famed south coast. A small, rounded bay backed by curved palm trees and thick tropical jungle, with waves rolling in being carved up by local surfers and hidden cafes and guesthouses tucked amongst nature, it’s somewhere you never want to leave.

Known as Hiri for short, this small coastal community became like a second home to me after I spent six weeks in a co-living place just back from the beach. Morning surfs followed by smoothie bowls at Duni’s, working the afternoon away at a co-working space, sunset on the beach with friends and filling our stomachs with rice and curry cooked by a local family at Lemon Grass Cafe; there’s nowhere quite like Hiriketiya.

While you might have heard of Weligama or Mirissa, Hiriketiya Beach has become the next hotspot on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The secret is out, the vibe is real, plan for a couple of days but stay a week; it’s the kind of beach town that’s easy to fall in love with. In this guide, I’m going to detail everything you need to know about Hiriketiya Beach, whether you’re a surfer, a digital nomad, or a backpacker.

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Why You Should Visit Hiriketiya Beach

Just go and thank me later. But in all seriousness, Hiriketiya Beach is one of the best destinations on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Places like Weligama, Mirissa and Unawatuna have long been the main destinations for sun, surf and sand in Sri Lanka. Hiriketiya is definitely the new kid on the block, with locals telling me it was only around 8 years ago that it was “discovered” by tourists.

It can’t really be described as a hidden gem anymore though, as it does get crazy busy in peak season, especially amongst surfers who come for the big waves in the bay. However, it’s also becoming a digital nomad hub and somewhere that people end up staying longer than planned (i.e. me).

Why is it so nice? Hiriketiya Beach is a horseshoe-shaped bay outside of Dickwella that is fringed by palm trees and backed by monkey-filled jungle. It’s definitely one of the prettiest beaches on the south coast and the locals are extremely friendly.

On my first trip to Sri Lanka, Hiriketiya still had that chill coastal vibe going for it, however, a lot has changed in the past couple of years. It certainly has undergone a sort of transformation, with far more shops, cafes, hostels, and bars than the village can reasonably maintain.

The explosion in interest and attention is starting to change what was once a humble little surf town tucked away from the chaos. If your image of Hiri was one of a chilled out, quiet spot away from the crowds, this is not the case now.

But I’m certainly not going to discourage anyone from visiting. It is still one of the most beautiful towns on the South Coast and the locals are still just as welcoming and warm than ever. Whether you come for the yoga and the surf or the parties and the cafes, stay for the vibe, because Hiri is certainly a vibe.

Read more: Ultimate 2 Week South Sri Lanka Itinerary

How to Get to Hiriketiya Beach

Hiriketiya Beach is located off the main road just outside of Dickwella on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Unless you take private transportation, you’ll have to aim for Dickwella when trying to get to Hiriketiya, as the beach itself is not serviced by public transport.

Dickwella has a local bus station that is linked to Matara further along the coast. From Dickwella to Hiriketiya, it will cost you about 500LKR (US$1.50) in a tuk tuk.

Matara is the major transport hub of the south coast towns. It has a train station and bus station, with a highway expressway bus station for Colombo as well. You’ll likely find yourself changing transport in Matara if you’re coming from Colombo or Galle.

From Ella and the hills or Arugam Bay to the east, you’ll only be able to travel by bus to the south coast. Unless you opt for Uber, PickMe or shared taxi. Here’s more detailed information at reaching Hiriketiya.

From Colombo to Hiriketiya

You can catch the train from Colombo Fort to Matara, with around 7 departures per day and taking around 4 hours. You’ll then have to head to the Matara bus station and take a local bus to Dickwella, leaving regularly and taking around 1.5 hours.

Or, take a highway express bus to Matara from outside Colombo, which leave every hour or so and take about 3 hours. From there, you’ll still have to take a local bus to Dickwella.

Read more: 24 Hours in Colombo: Best Things to Do in Colombo

From Galle to Hiriketiya

Similar to the above option, you can either take the train (originating from Colombo) or a local bus to Matara for about an hour and a bit, from where you must change to another bus for Dickwella.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Galle in 2 Days

From Ella to Hiriketiya

There are several buses that run from Bandarawela to Matara passing through Ella every day. The best way to catch these buses is by waiting at this bus stop just down from the intersection of the Ella-Passara Road and the main street in Ella.

When you see bus #31 wave it down; it travels down to the coast and then along the south coast to Matara. Get off in Dickwella for Hiriketiya. The journey takes about 4 hours.

Read more: How to Get From Ella to the South Coast

From Arugam Bay to Hiriketiya

If you’ve been surfing on the east coast in Arugam Bay and heading to the south for the season, then you’ll have to take a bus. The best option is to take the daily direct bus from Pottuvil to Matara which leaves at 6:30am from Pottuvil. For Hiriketiya, just tell them you want to get off in Dickwella. It will take about 6 hours.

If you miss this, you’ll have to get a bus from Pottuvil to Monaragala and then change for a Matara bus, but this will take much longer.

Where to Stay in Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya has a range of accommodation choices with something for everyone. From budget hostels to co-living places, boutique guesthouses and surf camps, you’ll find something to suit your style and budget. Here are my top picks:

Salt House | Designed like a luxury beach house, this boutique hotel is located just back from Hiriketiya Beach. With spacious clean rooms, overlooking the pool and cafe below, it’s a lovely place to stay. Plus the daily onsite yoga classes are a bonus. Prices start from AU$100 per night. Check availability here.

Dots Bay House | The iconic Dots is just back from the sand in the middle of Hiriketiya Beach. With a little bit of everything including dorms and private rooms, they also have a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and co-working place. But it’s also the main party place in Hiri, so expect live music nights regularly. Prices start from AU$35 per night. Check availability here.

Hiriketiya White House | A budget family-run guesthouse, I loved this little place tucked away in the jungle beside Hiriketiya Beach. They have a few private double rooms with beautiful bathrooms and a little balcony. Prices start from AU$25 per night. Check availability here.

When to Visit Hiriketiya

High season on the south coast of Sri Lanka generally runs from November until April, with December-February being the busiest months. This is when the weather is usually dry and hot, and the surf is at its peak. However, of course, this means the beach can be packed full of people, accommodation can be hard to come by, and prices go up.

The monsoon or rainy season runs from May until October, and the climate is much more humid, but still hot. The rain can cause flooding and be pretty persistent for days on end, although when the sun appears it’s still nice. The surf can be flat or choppy during these months and not very consistent. However, with far less crowds and lower prices, it’s not the worst time to visit.

So, there’s definitely pros and cons for both main seasons. I stayed in Hiri from mid-September and left for the last time at the start of November. We had a couple of weeks of dreadful rainy weather, but also weeks were it was beautiful. I would recommend trying to stick to the “shoulder” months, such as October-November and April-May as you’ll likely still get some decent weather without the crowds.

Read more: 26 Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

Best Things to Do in Hiriketiya Beach and Dickwella

If you find yourself hanging out in Hiriketiya for a few days (trust me, you’ll stay longer!), then here are the best things to do in and around Dickwella. Even if you’re not into surfing, you’ll find enough to keep you busy (or not, but that’s fine too).

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Surf at Hiriketiya Beach

The horseshoe-shaped bay known as Hiriketiya Beach is one of the best surfing spots on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It’s unique in that despite it’s small size, it has waves suitable for every level. Beginners tend to stick on the right on the beach break, intermediates tend to float around in the middle, while experienced surfers sit out on the far left at the reef break.

There’s plenty of surf board rentals on the beach all charging the same rate of 1000LKR per hour (AU$5). Many of them also offer surf lessons if you’re a beginner and looking to get some tips or starting from scratch and never surfed before.

Beginners can also start out at Kudawella Beach, about 3.5km east of Hiriketiya. This beach break has plenty of space and is generally only used by beginners, making it far less crowded and easier than Hiriketiya. I started at Kudawella and did all my lessons there with Nila and Lucky before I felt comfortable in Hiriketiya Bay.

If you’re looking for surf instructors, here are my two recommendations:

• Nila from Daymoon Surf School, based on Kudawella Beach, his WhatsApp no. is +94 76 127 4870
• Lucky Surf School on Hiriketiya Beach is a certified instructor and all round good vibes dude, find his Instagram here

Read more: Learning to Surf in Sri Lanka: A Beginner Surfer’s Guide

Relax on the Sand at Hiriketiya

Surfing not for you? Hiriketiya is still a really nice place to head and sit on the sand all day under the sun. There are several beach bars that have sun beds and umbrellas spread across the beach that you can rent.

During low season, they generally don’t mind people using the sun lounges if you buy a drink or food. However, in the high season from November to April they charge around 1000LKR (AU$5) per bed.

Walk to Blue Beach Island, Nilwella

One of the most beautiful natural features of the south coast, Blue Beach Island is a tiny island off the coast between Hiriketiya and Nilwella that can only be accessed by a thin sand bar.

I highly recommend walking there from Hiriketiya which is only about 2.5km one way. Start towards the left side of Hiriketiya Beach and head up past Jasper House. You’ll find lots of locals and small guesthouses hidden up there amongst the skinny streets.

Follow Google Maps or ask some of the friendly locals as you wind your way towards Blue Beach Island. At Nilwella Beach, you’ll find a small fishing cove and a sand bar where the waves crash on either side.

You can walk across the sand bar to the island and then simply follow the walking trail which heads up and around to the top of the island, then down to the far end of it where there’s rock pools. It’s a wonderful spot to watch the sunset, but just remember you’ll have to walk back and find your way in the dark if you stay too late!

Have a Cocktail at Smoke and Bitters

Currently ranked 42 amongst Asia’s 50 best bars, if you’re looking for a classy place to spend a special evening, then Smoke and Bitters should be on your hit list. Tucked away on the road towards Dickwella Beach, this beach cocktail bar is far different from anything else you’ll find on the south coast.

The smokehouse menu is to die for, with interesting flavour and ingredient combinations, drawing on Sri Lankan and European cuisine. I went with a group of friends and we all shared multiple plates. Highlights from the menu included; smoked cauliflower, smoked harissa pumpkin, vegan kurumba calamari, and S&B pork ribs.

The cocktails are incredible too, and are actually what first earned the bar a reputation. Be prepared to spend a bit of coin though, as prices are up there, but worth it.

Attend a Yoga Class

During the high season months, a few places offer yoga classes daily in Hiriketiya. Salt House, Dots Bay House and Arise are the best places that have morning and afternoon classes. Prices are around 3000LKR (AU$15) per class for drop ins.

Arise also offer a full program of yoga, meditation and other classes every day all week long, including ecstatic dance, reiki, muay thai and other special offerings. This is easily the best place to go for yoga and other classes.

Try a Cooking Class at Rosie’s

A true icon of Hiriketiya, Rosie is an absolute firecracker and someone you should definitely meet if you hang around town for a bit. She runs cooking classes out of her home, which last for about 4 hours and include over 20 different dishes.

It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, with Rosie sharing her life story and providing plenty of entertaining conversation as she teaches you how to make Sri Lankan curries. You can also request particular dishes beforehand and she can accommodate.

Of course, at the end you get to enjoy all the food and take any leftovers home with you. Simply message or call her to organise a cooking class, which can be done for either lunch or dinner and costs 6000LKR (AU$30) per person. Her number is +94 712 691 975.

Read more: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Have Brunch at Bunch

The best go-to cafe for brunch in Hiriketiya is Bunch. While relatively new on the scene, it already has a cult following of people who visit every day. From the incredible vegan and gluten free options to the leafy courtyard that offers a retreat from the busy street, it’s definitely a must visit.

Go to Party at Dots

The main party place in Hiriketiya, Dots Bay House is located just back from the beach. It’s an all-in-one hostel, bar, and co-working space, plus it hosts live music nights and events throughout the week.

Every Saturday night is the main party night when they have live music and a DJ until after midnight. The bar serves up delicious cocktails and you can also choose to eat dinner there if you arrive early (their pizzas are excellent).

In high season, book a table if there’s a group of you but expect a door cover charge depending on the live music offered. Keep an eye on their Instagram profile for this weeks events.

Chill Out on Silent Beach

Half way between Hiriketiya and Tangalle, there are a couple of nice beaches that are off the beaten track. However, you’ll need to get a tuk tuk or hire a scooter to reach them directly.

Silent Beach is definitely the most beautiful of the bunch. It’s a long stretch of golden sand backed by towering palm trees just 25 minutes from Hiriketiya. It’s generally always quiet although now there are a couple of beach bars just at the bottom of the stairs where you access the beach.

Another nice little spot is the next bay over, Unakuruwa Beach. This small cove is a great place to escape the crowds at Hiri and relax on the beach. There’s occasionally a nice reef break for surfing there and a couple of surf schools and board rentals.

Watch the Sunset from Dickwella Beach

While the sunset is nice from Hiriketiya Beach, you can’t really see the sun setting on the horizon. However, if you head around to Dikwella Beach, it’s much more beautiful around sunset time with a wider beach from where you can see the sun dipping below the ocean.

Plus, it’s usually a little quieter round here, with less people than on Hiriketiya Bay. You can also surf here, and there’s a few little restaurants and bars close by too.

See the Turtles at Turtle Point

On the small bay over from Dikwella Beach is what is known as Turtle Point. To the far right of the small bay, turtles swim around in the shallow water looking for seaweed. There are a couple of beach bars there with sun lounges, and they happily give you some seaweed for free.

Wade waist deep into the water and you can hand feed the turtles. However, please follow the rules and don’t touch the turtles. The place can get very busy with tourists and people try to get close photos of them, but remember that it’s their natural habitat and they shouldn’t be disturbed too much by humans.

It’s also a nice beach to explore further, and is far less busy than Hiri. Further around the sand, you’ll also find a coconut tree swing which is used for getting that Instagram-worthy shot.

Try Traditional Food at Tangalle Rice and Curry Restaurant

If you want to sample traditional local food i.e. rice and curry, then the best place to head for a special evening is Tangalle Rice & Curry Restaurant. This hidden gem of a spot on Tangalle Road only offers dinner with pre-booking essential.

Once arriving, you’ll be given a brief introduction and walk through of the various spices used in Sri Lankan cooking. You can also watch them prepare a couple of curries cooked over wood fire in clay pots.

There’s no menu. It’s an all you can eat style buffet of around 20 curries, all vegetarian except 1-2 which are usually seafood based. They also have a bar with drinks, including cocktails. The interesting part is that there’s no fixed price for anything. At the end of your meal, you simply pay as much as you want. They also give a little dessert as well! It’s hands down one of the best things to do in Tangalle.

Visit Dondra Lighthouse, the Southernmost Point of Sri Lanka

On the way to Matara and about 17km west of Hiriketiya, you can turn off the main highway and head to Dondra Head. This peninsula jutting out into the ocean is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka and is marked by the Dondra Lighthouse.

Built in 1890, this picturesque lighthouse stands nearly 50 metres tall above the surrounding palm trees, and is easily one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Sri Lanka. The view along the coast is spectacular and yet it’s still very rarely visited by tourists, who instead opt to head to Galle for its famous lighthouse.

From Hiriketiya, you can simply head to Dikwella Bus Stand and jump on any bus heading towards Matara. Get off in Dondra, from where it’s only 1km to the lighthouse. You can either walk or grab a tuk tuk for 150LKR.

Where to Eat in Hiriketiya

There’s no shortage of good food in Hiriketiya, whether you’re looking for traditional rice and curry or a post-surf smoothie bowl. After spending six weeks in Hiri, I have very strong opinions on where to find the best food, and I’m sharing my favourite spots here.

Lemon Grass Café | Hands down the best place to eat rice and curry in Hiriketiya (and Sri Lanka in my opinion), this tiny family-run restaurant is located next to the fruit shop owned by the same family. Order the veg rice and curry, which includes at least four curries and rice, plus fruit for dessert and costs 1000LKR (AU$5) per person with unlimited refills. They also offer other Sri Lankan dishes and traditional breakfasts like hoppers, string hoppers and coconut roti.

Duni’s Hoppers Café | The go-to brunch spot and coffee joint, Duni’s Hoppers is a small buzzing cafe just back from the beach near Clear Point Supermarket. The menu is simple with just hoppers (traditional Sri Lankan bowl-shaped pancake) and smoothies, plus lots of healthy drink choices and loads of gluten free and vegan options. Prices are higher than local places, but the quality, the vibe and the music make it worthwhile. Arguably, he has the best coffee in Hiri too.

Read more: A Complete Sri Lanka Gluten Free Travel Guide

Kingsley’s Kitchen | A little local spot that rivals Lemon Grass Cafe with exceptional rice and curry, Kingsley is an absolute legend of a man. Him and his family cook up delicious local food for some of the cheapest prices in Hiri. He’s only open from 9am to 2pm for breakfast and lunch and again from 5pm to 9pm for dinner. Dinner is pre-order only, so make sure you walk in and order ahead of time. It’s located just back from the beach across from Lazy Monkey Hostel. Veg rice and curry plus dessert is only 750LKR (AU$3.50) per person.

MOND Cafe | For something fancier, MOND is a hotel and cafe high up on the headland between Hiriketiya Beach and Dikwella Beach. With outstanding sea views from each table, the menu is pricey and more European in style, but a nice place for a coffee or brunch.

La Playa | Definitely one of the classiest places to eat and somewhere that will make you feel like you’ve transported to the European coast, La Playa is a bar, restaurant and resort right on the sand of Hiriketiya Beach. They’re open all day every day, so you can go from lounging on their bean bags during the day to sitting inside their restaurant by night. Their wood fired pizzas are some of the best in town, plus they have other Mediterranean dishes and wine on the menu.

Dahami | For dirt cheap local prices, head to Dahami on the intersection of Hiriketiya Road and Tangalle Road. This small local restaurant is a hidden gem in Dickwella, with rice and curry buffet running from lunch until dinner. A huge plate of veg rice and curry will cost 450LKR (AU$2), or you can opt for chicken or fish as well.

More Guides for Sri Lanka

• Ella: 10 Best Things to Do in Ella
• Kandy to Ella Train: 18 Tips for the Kandy to Ella Train Ride
• Kandy: 10 Best Things to Do in Kandy: An Essential Guide
• Galle: Best Things to Do in Galle in 2 Days
• Colombo: 24 Hours in Colombo: Best Things to Do in Colombo
• Trincomalee: Travel Guide to Trincomalee: Underrated Beach Destination on Sri Lanka’s East Coast
• Sigiriya: Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya: Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
• Weligama: A Review of Layback Surf Camp in Weligama
• Jaffna: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaffna, North Sri Lanka
• Digital Nomad Travel: Digital Nomad in Sri Lanka: A Guide for Remote Workers

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