Are you looking for a tropical getaway that offers more than just sun, sand, and sea? Do you want to experience the best of Sri Lanka's culture, nature, and adventure? If yes, then you need to visit Hiriketiya Beach, the hidden gem of the south coast.
Hiriketiya Beach is a small, crescent-shaped bay that has everything you need for a perfect holiday. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will love surfing the consistent waves that break on the soft sand. Whether you are a yogi or a newbie, you will enjoy practicing yoga in the serene and scenic settings. Whether you are a backpacker or a luxury traveler, you will find a range of accommodation, food, and drink options that suit your budget and taste.
In this article, we will give you the ultimate guide to Hiriketiya Beach, covering everything from the things to do, where to stay, eat, and drink, the best time to visit, and how to get there. By the end of this article, you will be ready to pack your bags and book your trip to Hiriketiya Beach, the surfing paradise of Sri Lanka.
Things to Do in Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach is not just a place to relax and enjoy the beach life. It is also a place to have fun and explore the many activities and attractions that it offers. Here are some of the things that you can do in Hiriketiya Beach:
Surfing
Surfing is the main attraction of Hiriketiya Beach, as it offers waves for all levels of surfers. The bay has three different breaks: the left, the right, and the middle. The left is the most popular and challenging, as it produces a long and powerful wave that can reach up to 6 feet. The right is the easiest and most suitable for beginners, as it produces a smaller and softer wave that can reach up to 3 feet. The middle is the most unpredictable and fun, as it produces a short and fast wave that can reach up to 4 feet.
The best time to surf in Hiriketiya Beach is from November to April, when the swell is consistent and the wind is offshore. However, you can surf all year round, as the bay is protected from the monsoon winds and rains. The water temperature is always warm, so you don't need a wetsuit.
If you don't have your own surf equipment, you can rent a board or a paddle from one of the many surf shops or cafes along the beach. The prices range from 300 to 500 rupees per hour, depending on the quality and type of the board. If you want to learn how to surf or improve your skills, you can take a lesson from one of the many surf instructors or schools in the area. The prices range from 2000 to 3000 rupees per hour, depending on the level and duration of the lesson.
Surfing in Hiriketiya Beach is not only a great way to have fun and exercise, but also a great way to meet other travelers and locals who share the same passion. You will find a friendly and laid-back surf community that welcomes everyone, regardless of their age, gender, or nationality.
Yoga
Yoga is another popular activity in Hiriketiya Beach, as there are several yoga studios and retreats that offer classes and sessions for various styles and levels of yoga. Whether you prefer hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, or yin, you will find a class that suits your mood and needs. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find a teacher that guides you and challenges you. Whether you want to join a group or have a private session, you will find an option that fits your schedule and budget.
Some of the best places to practice yoga in Hiriketiya Beach are:
- Salt House: This is a boutique hotel that has a beautiful yoga shala overlooking the jungle and the ocean. They offer daily classes for 1500 rupees per person, as well as yoga retreats and workshops throughout the year. They also have a cafe that serves healthy and delicious food and drinks.
- Dots Bay House: This is a cozy guesthouse that has a spacious yoga deck surrounded by palm trees and flowers. They offer daily classes for 1000 rupees per person, as well as yoga packages and events. They also have a restaurant that serves tasty and affordable food and drinks.
- Verse Collective: This is a creative hub that has a modern yoga studio with a minimalist design. They offer daily classes for 1000 rupees per person, as well as yoga courses and festivals. They also have a cafe that serves vegan and gluten-free food and drinks.
Practicing yoga in Hiriketiya Beach is not only a great way to relax and rejuvenate, but also a great way to connect with yourself and others who share the same interest. You will find a supportive and inspiring yoga community that embraces everyone, regardless of their background, experience, or belief.
Relaxation
Relaxation is the ultimate goal of visiting Hiriketiya Beach, as it is a place to chill out, enjoy the nature, and meet other travelers. There are many ways to relax in Hiriketiya Beach, such as:
- Swinging on the beach: There are several swings along the beach that you can use to swing back and forth, feeling the breeze and the sun on your skin. You can also take some amazing photos and videos with the beach as your backdrop.
- Getting a massage: There are several massage parlors and spas in the area that offer various types of massages, such as Ayurvedic, Thai, or Swedish. You can also get a massage on the beach from one of the local masseurs who roam around. The prices range from 500 to 2000 rupees per hour, depending on the quality and type of the massage.
- Reading a book: There are several bookshops and libraries in the area that offer a wide selection of books, magazines, and newspapers. You can also borrow or exchange books from some of the cafes or guesthouses. You can read your book on the beach, on a hammock, or on a couch, while sipping a coffee or a juice.
- Watching the sunset: There is nothing more relaxing and romantic than watching the sunset over the ocean, while listening to the sound of the waves and the birds. You can watch the sunset from the beach, from a rooftop, or from a boat, while enjoying a drink or a snack.
Relaxing in Hiriketiya Beach is not only a great way to unwind and recharge, but also a great way to appreciate and experience the beauty and simplicity of life. You will find a peaceful and happy atmosphere that infects everyone, regardless of their mood, stress, or problem.
Culture
Culture is an aspect of Hiriketiya Beach that you should not miss, as it offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse history and heritage of Sri Lanka. There are many cultural and historical attractions nearby, such as:
- Dondra Lighthouse: This is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, standing at 49 meters high. It was built by the British in 1890, and it is still operational today. It offers a stunning view of the ocean and the coast, as well as a museum that displays some artifacts and information about the lighthouse and its history.
- Weherahena Temple: This is a Buddhist temple that features a 39-meter high statue of Buddha, the largest in Sri Lanka. It also features a tunnel that contains over 200 paintings that depict the life and teachings of Buddha, as well as a pagoda that contains a relic of Buddha.
- Matara Fort: This is a fort that was built by the Portuguese in 1560, and later occupied by the Dutch and the British. It is one of the best-preserved forts in Sri Lanka, and it contains several buildings and structures, such as a church, a mosque, a courthouse, and a prison.
- Dikwella Market: This is a local market that takes place every Saturday morning, where you can find a variety of goods, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs. You can also taste some of the local delicacies, such as hoppers, roti, and kottu.
Exploring the culture of Hiriketiya Beach is not only a great way to learn and discover, but also a great way to respect and interact with the locals. You will find a friendly and hospitable people who are proud of their culture and eager to share it with you.
Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink in Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach has a range of accommodation, food, and drink options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay, eat, and drink in Hiriketiya Beach:
Where to Stay
- Salt House: This is a boutique hotel that offers stylish and comfortable rooms, suites, and bungalows, with private balconies, bathrooms, and air-conditioning. The prices range from 10,000 to 20,000 rupees per night, depending on the season and the type of the room. The hotel also has a yoga shala, a cafe, a pool, and a garden.
-Dots Bay House: This is a cozy guesthouse that offers simple and cozy rooms, dorms, and cabanas, with shared or private bathrooms, and fans or air-conditioning. The prices range from 2000 to 8000 rupees per night, depending on the season and the type of the room. The guesthouse also has a yoga deck, a restaurant, a pool, and a garden.
- Verse Collective: This is a creative hub that offers modern and spacious rooms, studios, and apartments, with private bathrooms, kitchens, and air-conditioning. The prices range from 5000 to 15,000 rupees per night, depending on the season and the type of the room. The hub also has a yoga studio, a cafe, a coworking space, and a gallery.
Where to Eat and Drink
- The Grove: This is a vegan and gluten-free cafe that serves fresh and delicious food and drinks, such as salads, bowls, burgers, wraps, smoothies, juices, and coffee. The prices range from 300 to 1000 rupees per item, depending on the size and the ingredients. The cafe also has a cozy and colorful atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating, and live music and events.
- The Doctor's House: This is a rustic and charming restaurant that serves tasty and authentic food and drinks, such as pizza, pasta, seafood, curry, beer, wine, and cocktails. The prices range from 500 to 2000 rupees per item, depending on the type and the portion. The restaurant also has a lively and fun vibe, with a large garden, a pool table, and a fire pit.
- The Beach House: This is a chic and elegant bar that serves exquisite and exotic food and drinks, such as sushi, tapas, cheese, champagne, gin, and rum. The prices range from 1000 to 5000 rupees per item, depending on the quality and the rarity. The bar also has a sophisticated and romantic ambience, with a stunning view of the ocean, and a DJ and a dance floor.
Best Time to Visit Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach is a year-round destination, as it has a tropical climate that is warm and humid throughout the year. However, there are some factors that you should consider when planning your trip, such as the weather, the seasons, and the crowds.
Weather
The average temperature in Hiriketiya Beach is around 28 degrees Celsius, with little variation throughout the year. The hottest months are April and May, when the temperature can reach up to 32 degrees Celsius, and the coolest months are December and January, when the temperature can drop to 24 degrees Celsius.
The average rainfall in Hiriketiya Beach is around 2000 mm per year, with a wet and a dry season. The wet season is from May to October, when the southwest monsoon brings heavy rains and storms, especially in June and July. The dry season is from November to April, when the northeast monsoon brings light rains and winds, especially in December and January.
The average humidity in Hiriketiya Beach is around 80%, with little variation throughout the year. The most humid months are May and June, when the humidity can reach up to 90%, and the least humid months are January and February, when the humidity can drop to 70%.
The average wind speed in Hiriketiya Beach is around 10 km/h, with some variation throughout the year. The windiest months are July and August, when the wind speed can reach up to 20 km/h, and the calmest months are March and April, when the wind speed can drop to 5 km/h.
Seasons
The seasons in Hiriketiya Beach are mainly determined by the surf conditions, as they affect the quality and the quantity of the waves. The surf seasons are:
- The high season: This is from November to April, when the swell is consistent and the wind is offshore, creating the best waves for surfing. This is also the best time for yoga, as the weather is dry and sunny, and the air is fresh and cool.
- The low season: This is from May to October, when the swell is inconsistent and the wind is onshore, creating choppy and messy waves for surfing. This is also the worst time for yoga, as the weather is wet and cloudy, and the air is hot and humid.
Crowds
The crowds in Hiriketiya Beach are mainly determined by the holidays and the festivals, as they affect the number and the type of the visitors. The crowd seasons are:
- The peak season: This is from December to January, when the Christmas and the New Year holidays attract many tourists and travelers from around the world, especially from Europe and Australia. This is also the time for some of the major festivals and events in Sri Lanka, such as the Duruthu Full Moon Poya, the Thai Pongal, and the Independence Day.
- The off season: This is from June to September, when the school and the work holidays are over, and the monsoon rains discourage many tourists and travelers from visiting. This is also the time for some of the minor festivals and events in Sri Lanka, such as the Poson Full Moon Poya, the Esala Full Moon Poya, and the Kandy Perahera.
How to Get to Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach is located in the south coast of Sri Lanka, about 200 km from Colombo, the capital city, and about 20 km from Matara, the nearest major city. There are several transportation options and directions to get to Hiriketiya Beach, such as:
By Plane
The nearest airport to Hiriketiya Beach is the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is located in Katunayake, about 35 km north of Colombo. The airport is the main international airport in Sri Lanka, and it serves flights from many destinations around the world, such as London, Dubai, Singapore, and Mumbai.
From the airport, you have two options to get to Hiriketiya Beach:
- By taxi: This is the fastest and most comfortable option, as it takes about 3 hours and costs about 15,000 rupees. You can book a taxi online or at the airport, or you can hire a private driver who can also act as a guide and a companion.
- By bus: This is the cheapest and most adventurous option, as it takes about 6 hours and costs about 1000 rupees. You can take a bus from the airport to Colombo, then another bus from Colombo to Matara, then another bus from Matara to Hiriketiya Beach. You can also take a train from Colombo to Matara, then a bus from Matara to Hiriketiya Beach.
By Bus
The nearest bus station to Hiriketiya Beach is the Dikwella Bus Station, which is located in Dikwella, about 2 km from Hiriketiya Beach. The bus station is a small and simple station, and it serves buses from many destinations around Sri Lanka, such as Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and Ella.
From the bus station, you have two options to get to Hiriketiya Beach:
- By tuk-tuk: This is the easiest and most convenient option, as it takes about 10 minutes and costs about 200 rupees. You can find a tuk-tuk outside the bus station, or you can call one using an app or a phone.
- By walk: This is the cheapest and most scenic option, as it takes about 30 minutes and costs nothing. You can follow the road that leads to the beach, or you can take a shortcut through the village and the jungle.
By Train
The nearest train station to Hiriketiya Beach is the Matara Train Station, which is located in Matara, about 20 km from Hiriketiya Beach. The train station is a large and modern station, and it serves trains from many destinations around Sri Lanka, such as Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and Ella.
From the train station, you have two options to get to Hiriketiya Beach:
- By taxi: This is the fastest and most comfortable option, as it takes about 30 minutes and costs about 2000 rupees. You can book a taxi online or at the station, or you can hire a private driver who can also act as a guide and a companion.
- By bus: This is the cheapest and most adventurous option, as it takes about 45 minutes and costs about 100 rupees. You can take a bus from the station to Dikwella, then another bus from Dikwella to Hiriketiya Beach. You can also take a tuk-tuk from Dikwella to Hiriketiya Beach.
Conclusion
Hiriketiya Beach is a dream destination for anyone who loves surfing, yoga, relaxation, and culture. It is a place where you can enjoy the best of Sri Lanka's natural and cultural beauty, while meeting some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Join Tripoto today and discover Hiriketiya Beach, the surfing paradise of Sri Lanka.
