Hiriketiya beach: A complete travel guide to Hiriketiya & Dikwella (updated 2022)

Plan on visiting Hiriketiya beach, Sri Lanka? Look no further! Hiriketiya bay was once a sleepy hidden gem on Sri Lanka’s south coast but has now become a popular stop for surfers, backpackers, and digital nomads on their Sri Lanka travel itinerary. The closest town Dikwella (officially Dickwella) is located only 2 minutes away and offers yet another, slightly calmer, beach. From the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and where to eat – this blog post has got you covered.

Where is Hiriketiya beach?

Hiriketiya, also known as Hiri, is a horseshoe-shaped bay located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, around 1 hour east of Weligama. If you plan a trip along Sri Lanka’s south coast, Hiriketiya is a must-visit. Follow my 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Need more Sri Lanka travel tips? Head to this page where I’ve gathered 10+ Sri Lanka travel guides.

8 x Things to do in Hiriketiya beach & Dikwella

1. Surf at Hiriketiya beach

Hiriketiya beach has become widely popular among surfers in recent years. The small horseshoe-shaped bay has great surf conditions almost all year. Surf board rental costs 250 LKR per hour from the beachfront rental places. I can imagine Hiriketiya being a super soft beach a few years ago – but now a bit too busy in my opinion. The small bay is often packed with people during the peak season.

Note: I would say that Weligama beach is better for beginner surfing.

2. Chill at Dikwella beach

If you want a super long beach with almost no people, no waves, and clear water, then you should walk five minutes west to Dikwella beach. This beach is not for surfing, which I believe is what makes it so calm. Fewer people, fewer restaurants – at Dikwella beach it’s all about chilling. Rent a sunbed (300 LKR) and bring your book, and pause from the sun with lunch at Verse Collective.

3. Go for a yoga session at Salt

If you are into yoga, then you are in the right place. Hiriketiya has plenty of yoga retreats, and a really great one is Salt. Salt is located just a stone’s throw from the beach and offers daily yoga classes. The yoga classes are held in the open jungle and are just as peaceful as they sound. A drop-in yoga class will cost you 1500 LKR (it’s free for guests staying at Salt).

4. Experience the Hummanaya Blow Hole in Kudawella

A few kilometers from Dikwella lies the well-known Hummanaya Blow Hole, the second biggest blowhole in the world. As the waves are coming into the shore, the water power builds up and forces itself into the small opening of a rock. When the water hits the rock, it can create a spray that can reach up to 36 meters in the air.

Note: To see the blowhole you need to pay a small fee. If I remember correctly it costs around 200 LRK.

5. Visit Dondra Lighthouse – the most southern tip of Sri Lanka

Dondra Lighthouse, located half an hour west of Dikwella, is known to be the most southern tip of Sri Lanka. The beautiful building is light-colored and surrounded by palms, and definitely worth a visit. Entry is free and it’s easy to get to. Just take a tuk-tuk or rent a scooter, or take the bus from Dikwella to Dondra. The opening hours are 9 am – 7 pm.

6. Drinks and live music at Dots Bay House

Dikwella and Hiriketiya beach are not exactly party beaches, but if you want to enjoy some sunset drinks and chill vibes then you should head over to Dots Bay House. They serve great western or local food, delicious cocktails, and often also live music. Happy hour occurs from 6 pm – 7:30 pm.

7. Take a day trip to Tangalle beach

Half an hour east of Dikwella lies Tangalle beach, a 3-kilometer-long white beach with plenty of restaurants offering sunbeds for free if you buy a drink.

Tips! Tangalle is a really chill area. If you have some extra time or don’t mind switching accommodation too often, I would recommend staying a few nights here as well.

8. Eat, work and chill at Verse Collective

Verse Collective is located at the calmer Dikwella beach and is known to be the first co-working space in Sri Lanka. With plenty of space, tasty ice coffee, and good wi-fi, this place is well suited for digital nomads in need of a productive day. Verse Collective also serves great food for those who are hungry!

Great restaurants at Hiriketiya beach

Malu Poke

Malu Poke is located on Hiriketiya beach and is the perfect place for lunch. Here you can make your own poke bowl for 1200 LKR.

Yummy points: 4/5
Vegan friendly: Yes
I recommend: The vegan poke bowl
Price: A bowl for 1200 LKR, ice coffee for 550 LKR

Dots Bay House

Dots Bay House is located on Hiriketiya beach, but a few meters in and tucked away behind the palm trees. This is the perfect getaway from the sometimes noisy beach. During the evenings they usually have live music, and during day time they serve a lunch buffet in their pool area.

Yummy points: 4/5
Vegan friendly: Yes
I recommend: The veggie taco
Price: A dinner course for 900–1500 LKR, lunch buffet for 750 LKR

Garlic Café

Garlic Café is located almost all the way up on the main road, a 10 minute walk from Hiriketiya beach. During the evenings they serve a curry buffet for 500 LKR – very affordable!

Yummy points: 3/5
Vegan friendly: Yes
I recommend: The curry buffet
Price: A buffet for 500 LKR

Cheaper options

On a budget and want a cheaper lunch or dinner? Then just grab a roti or kottu on the beach for around 400 LKR. You can get a meal for less money if you head back to the main street in Dikwella.

How to get to Dikwella & Hiriketiya beach

Hiriketiya beach & Dikwella is getting more and more accessible due to their popularity.

From Colombo

Getting to Hiriketiya beach & Dikwella from Colombo is quite easy. The train can take you from Colombo Fort to Matara. Train tickets are really cheap in Sri Lanka, and you can just get a ticket at the station. From Matara you can grab a tuk tuk that takes you to Dikwella in 30 minutes. Getting to Dikwella by car will cost you ­around 15 000 LKR (just ask your hotel if they can arrange a car pick-up for you – most hotels can).

➳ Read more: Check the train timetable and buy tickets here

From Galle

There’s a train track going all the way along the south coast of Sri Lanka. There are trains going from Galle to Matara frequently. Check if the train is going all the way to Wewrukannala. That’s the train station closest to Dikwella. Not all trains are going there though.

There are also buses going from Galle to Matara every ten minutes and will cost you no more than 200 LKR.

Note! The buses are really crazy in Sri Lanka. If you are going by bus, prepare yourself for a fast and bumpy ride, probably standing.

From Ella

The easiest way to get from Ella to Dikwella is definitely by car. A car ride can easily be arranged while in Ella and will cost you 10 000 LKR.

Where to stay in Dikwella & Hiriketiya beach

Dikwella and Hiriketiya beach are linked together by a small road, only a 5-minute walk from each other. I recommend staying on that road or on the road between Hiriketiya beach and the main road in Dikwella town. Then you will have access to everything you need within a 10–15-minute walk.

Budget option: Verona d’Oro
Luxury option: Salt House

Have more time at the Sri Lankan south coast?

The south coast of Sri Lanka is filled with beaches and laid-back towns. Here are some articles to help you plan your stops:

• Top 10 things to do in Mirissa
• 5 x best restaurants in Weligama, Sri Lanka
• A travel guide to Unawatuna & Dalawella Beach

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