Explore the Magic of Hiriketiya: Sri Lanka's Most Exotic Beach

Hiriketiya is a beach located in the south of Sri Lanka, near the town of Dikwella, known for its crescent shape and waves perfect for surfing. During my time in Sri Lanka I had the opportunity to stay in Hiriketiya on two different occasions for several days and see first-hand if this beach has that special aura it is known for.

It is clear that Hiriketiya has been gaining popularity among tourists and surfers who travel to this area in search of a relaxed atmosphere and a good surfing experience, but... How does Hiriketiya looks like nowadays?

Here I am going to tell you everything you should know, since the beach has changed quite a lot in recent years. At the end of this article, you will also find how my experience was like.

Although it may seem like a simple bay, Hiriketiya is located in a privileged location. On the one hand, you have the beach itself which already offers good entertainment, but, in addition, there is Dickwella, Tangalle and if you are down to explore more places you can even go to Tissamaharama and do the Yala Safari Tour.

In Hiriketiya there is surfing for every level thanks to its two main surf spots that offer very different experiences:

Beach Break: Located on the western side of the bay, this area is perfect for both longboarders and beginners. Although predominantly a left point, it can also offer rights if you launch further into the center of the bay. This photo I took is pointing to the beach break, where all the beginners and long surfers were.

Bay Reef Point Break: It is the spot for intermediate to expert surfers, known for its fast left that starts on the rocks, approximately 100 meters offshore near the Peter's Place bar. This spot is ideal if you are looking for some more action. It is VERY IMPORTANT to be careful, since the end of the wave It is located on a very shallow reef full of urchins, I can confirm it firsthand, I nailed one and I wasn't even surfing. In the next photo I took with the drone you can clearly see the reef point break on the right.

To rent boards I recommend that you go to the end of the beach, to the surf rental Kumar's Surf School, they also give classes if you need. The prices on this site are cheaper than if you try to rent a board at the beginning of the beach. On this place you can rent a board for about 600 LKR per hour (About €2). In addition, they also offer taxi service in case you need transportation.

Personally, even though I got hit by a urchin and the bay was quite full of surfers, I really enjoyed surfing in Hiriketiya. The vibes for some reason are different there, although if you are looking for a hidden place to have waves just for you this is not your place, maybe it was in the past but not right now.

This is precisely what I was referring to at the beginning of the article, this spot is still incredible and a mandatory stop, but it no longer retains the intact appearance it had years ago.

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Another of the things that You can't miss the magical sunset on the beach, the colors in the sky are incredible. There is nothing like enjoying a sunset in Hirikateya after a good surf session.

The best area to see the sunset is from SunSet Bar, the bar that I show you in the photo next to the point break. It is the ideal place if you want to have a drink while watching people surfing and the sun setting in the background.

If you are looking for a little more privacy you can continue walking around the bay and find your spot on the rocks at the end.

One of the things that you have to try if you go to Hiriketiya it's El Dorado, better known as Mahi Mahi by locals. My girlfriend and I went to dinner at Marindi, a restaurant that is located in front of the beach and right there I tried the best Mahi Mahi I have eaten on the entire trip. In addition, they also have a wide variety of dishes to choose between local cuisine or a more classic European style.

Another of my recommendations without a doubt is that you go to Clear Point Hirikatiya, they have some insane smoothie bowls and finger-licking hummus. In Google maps it will be shown as an accommodation spot, but don't pay attention, they have a restaurant facing the road. In addition, it is located a few meters walk from the beach and has a supermarket and an ATM right next to the restaurant, probably the only one from Hiriketiya.

Places such as Salt House offers vinyasa flow classes every day at 7 am. Classes last 75 minutes and cost about 2000 LKR. Also, students, if you take the class you will have free access to the pool when it ends.

In Hiriketiya you can find accommodation of all types, but the price level is higher than in other areas of the country. You can find private rooms for two people from about 35 € and hostels with shared room from about 10 €. In my case I was with my girlfriend in White House and they welcomed us with petals on the bed, which by the way was very comfortable.

• Dikwella Beach: Larger beach about 30 minutes east of Hiriketiya and with a greater variety of restaurants. It is ideal if Hiriketiya falls short but it is not essential either.
• Blue Beach Island: A private island about 30 minutes walk from Hiriketiya where you can camp for 1000 rupees (about €3). It is located in Nilwella.
• Tangalle: This beach is located about 30 minutes drive east of Hiriketiya, where you can find numerous yoga retreats, temples and a lagoon perfect for kayaking.

Getting to Hiriketiya will depend a lot on your point of origin, which could be from Colombo or any beach in the southwest or from Ella in the mountains.

If you head southwest from Colombo The best option will be to take a bus on the highway from the Makumbura Multimodal Center station. Once you arrive at the station you will have to ask for the bus to Matara.

Make sure you get on the Highway Bus, if you make a mistake it may take much longer than expected.

Once in Matara you will simply take the local bus in front of the bus station on the way to Hirikeitya. Total duration of these two buses from Colombo it is usually 4 hours.

To get to Hiriketiya from Ella you will have to take a local bus to Wellawaya which will take approximately 1 hour. Once in Wellawaya you will have to ask for the bus to Matara, simply go to the station counter and tell them where you are going. They will tell you which bus you should take to get to Hiriketiya.

From Wellawaya to Hiriketiya it will take you approximately 4 and a half hours. Keep in mind that the roads are very precarious, the road is not straight and although it is not a giant island, transportation is not its strong suit.

Another option would be to book an Uber or use Pick Me, the app par excellence in Sri Lanka, this will cost you about €50 or €60.

I have a feeling that a few years ago this beach was not as popular as it is now, perhaps social media has contributed to the growth of tourism in this area. In any case, Hiriketiya has something that makes it unique, I wouldn't know how to explain it but the vibes it gives off are different from other beaches, it still retains part of that hidden gem essence.

I had the opportunity to stay there on two different occasions, on both occasions I was able to enjoy the surf, but what I liked most was the feeling of being lost and not simply in a tourist town near the beach. It still retains some of that purity.

The surfing waves are still very good, however, I wouldn't go back to Hiriketiya for the surfing. I think that areas like Midigama are better given the current saturation situation in the bay. What I would return without a doubt is because of that essence and that special romanticism that it has. We went to watch the sunset over the rocks and swim near them as the sun set and the bay was slightly illuminated with the yellow lights of the restaurants.