Picture-perfect views, sunrise surfs, beach day chills, and evening cocktails. Hiriketiya is such a vibe, and there’s so much more to do than just enjoying the beach. Welcome to our guide to the best things to do in Hiriketiya – we hope you find some hidden gems for your adventure.
We’ve had so many firsts in Hiriketiya! Our first party wave together, first New Years Eve in the tropics, first Sri Lankan sunburn, first urchin in the foot, and the first time we really fell in love with this amazing island.
It’s actually when we first discussed making this blog, so you can thank Hiriketiya for this article!
We were chilling on Dickwella beach at the time, escaping the heat under one of the makeshift shack sunbeds. Back then, it was a swing bar, not the seedy ones you find in Europe, more Mexican vibes.
An Iranian couple, avoiding COVID, had partnered with some locals and strung blue and yellow rope swings between the palms. The sun was dropping, the smiles were growing, the beers were flowing, and it was just an epic time.
It was everything you read about Hiriketiya. The picturesque jungle, the hippie bar, the slow, and happy feeling. The day finished off with a herd of cows strolling past as we finished off another beer… “I think we should call the blog Cows on the Beach”.
A lot has changed about Hiriketiya since those days. The town has seen a lot of investment. Many of the original beach shacks have given way to daybeds and pools, and the underground jungle raves are now fancy clubs. The quiet, chilled vibe is definitely a little livelier.
Unfortunately, the swing bar is long gone, and so has our first blog name, but luckily, the vibe of the town still remains.
Hiriketiya is one of our favourite beach towns in Sri Lanka, and we’re sure you’ll love visiting. You could spend a two-week trip here and not regret exploring the rest of the island. Actually, we’ve done that a few times, oops.
Most of the vibe and activities are centered around the bay. There are more beach bars, hipster cafes, yoga shalas, boutique stores, and fancy restaurants than you can count on two hands. And obviously, there’s the stunning beach and amazing surf to enjoy.
But beyond the bay, this area is full of secret beaches, nature, and local life you won’t want to miss. So in this guide, you’ll find 19 amazing things to do in and around Hiriketiya, discovered from our many years of exploring. We hope you find a few firsts of your own!
Planning a trip to Hiriketiya? Check out our custom travel itineraries
Hiriketiya Things To Do Swipe Guide
Your quick guide to the best of Hiriketiya. Swipe to see what’s in this article and tap to scroll to the details.
Enjoy Hiriketiya Beach
Hit the surf
Sunset at Dickwella Beach
Smoke & Bitters
Party in the jungle
8-ball at Beach House Hiri
Swim with turtles
Tangalle & Silent Beach
Safari half day trip
Shop the boutiques
Learn to skate
Hit the jungle gym
Morning yoga
Explore Blue Beach
Arracks at Raa
Hang at La Playa
Sauna and Ice Baths
Brunch in the hipster cafes
Cooking class at Rosie’s
19 Best Things To Do In Hiriketiya
Chill, swim, and enjoy Hiriketiya Beach
We’ve all seen the pictures, those aerial shots of a perfect horseshoe bay, waves rolling in, and palm trees swaying in the breeze.
In person, it’s just as amazing. The turquoise waters are as blue as you can imagine, the sand as white as the Maldives, surfboards patrol the shores, and there’s an infectious holiday vibe you won’t want to leave.
This is the reason you’re coming to Hiriketiya after all, so expect to spend a good amount of time just chilling and enjoying arguably Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beach.
The sand stretches halfway around the bay, along the edge, you’ll find many bars and shacks to rent sun loungers for the day. Some are free, some cost $3-5.
Our favourite spots are La Playa (pool & pillows), Marindi (free beds), or the Ruins (jungle cocktails). But it’s all the same really, so just go anywhere you vibe with.
Hiriketiya can get busy in the peak season, so if you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to the far side of the bay where you can chill in a cabana or bar almost alone.
When the sun’s out, Hiriketiya can get incredibly hot, but luckily, the waves are small in the shallows and there are no rocks, so it’s perfect for a dip to cool off.
Swim, splash, beer, repeat… perfection.
At a glance:
Cost: Beds 1000-2000LKR a day, some free
Time needed: As long as you want
Best time: All day
Our rating: 10/10 – It’s what you come for
Surf in Hiriketiya Bay
Hiriketiya is where surfing clicked for me. I was out in the middle, flapping around on a foamy, missing quite a few waves, when a nice Russian man paddled past.
He mentioned I should drop my head lower and get the nose down. I was on the next wave, and many more after that…
Hiriketiya is a great place to learn to surf. The wave is mellow and forgiving, and the paddle out is short and easy. Here you can practice your popups over and over until they become second nature.
So if you’ve never surfed before or are just starting out, you have to surf in Hiriketiya – it’s one of the best places to learn in Sri Lanka.
There are two surf spots in Hiriketiya. The main beach break is a wide wave that stretches from the right-hand edge of the bay into the middle.
It’s very busy, but you can catch nice lefts and rights from multiple peaks, so there’s always some space.
The water is deep and there’s only sand underneath the surface, so it’s a safe spot – the only risk is other surfers, and occasionally there are a few close calls, so you do need to watch out. But this is such a great wave to learn, it’s perfect for beginners.
The second spot is a medium-shallow reef break in the back left corner of the bay. This break has more power and only goes left, it’s such an amazing wave offering 150-meter rides – perfect for practicing turns.
The take-off gets incredibly busy with over 30+ surfers in the water in peak season. And when the tide is low, the reef is shallow, this is where my first urchin incident happened after all.
We only suggest hitting this wave if you’re a confident surfer; there are a lot of risks, and accidents do happen.
Because the bay is protected from the wind, it’s possible to surf in Hiriketiya all year round, with the best conditions between November to April.
Surfboards and lessons can be organised from locals on the beach. They’re all similar in price and quality, so we suggest going with someone friendly who you vibe with. And if you’re not into surfing, they’ll still let you hold a board for the classic Insta photo!
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Sunset at Dickwella Beach
Hirketyia beach is stunning, but maybe you’ll be surprised that it’s not the best place to watch sunset in town. Unfortunately, that moment gets disrupted by the surrounding jungle.
So if you’re craving one of those famous fiery Sri Lankan sunsets, you have to head 5 minutes over the hill to Dickwell Beach.
This beach is such a vibe. Local kids playing cricket, couples throwing frisbees, new friends smashing volleyballs, dads floating in the ocean, daughters on swings, and then us, just casually chilling with a beer.
The energy is amazing, it’s one of our favourite sunset spots in Sri Lanka.
Dickwella beach is much larger than Hiriketiya Bay, seemingly stretching miles along the coast.
The eastern side, closest to Hiriketiya Bay, is the place to be. This stretch is packed with makeshift shack bars serving beers, fresh fish, and slightly too strong cocktails. It’s more local and has a traditional feel you won’t want to miss.
The ocean here is shallow and protected by the headland, making it a great place to swim and chill.
You can visit the beach any time, but the afternoon is the best when travellers show up and the vibe gets livelier.
Somedays you might get unlucky with the weather. But often, the sky pops off. Purple and pink reflections off the ocean, orange streaks in the clouds, the beach bars glowing in the last of the light, and the silhouettes of the palm trees in the distance.
There’s nothing else like it.
At a glance:
Sip cocktails and eat BBQ at Smoke and Bitters
Smoke and Bitters has been named one of the top 100 bars in the world for many years.
And we know why. When you have those holiday feels, there’s nothing better than open-air seating and views over the ocean whilst sipping on smoky halmilla wood arracks or cardamom-infused gin.
This bar is known for its innovative cocktail menu. Everything is made from premium liquor and infused with local flavours and techniques.
The owner, Don, spent many years in some of London’s top cocktail bars. So you can expect masterpiece quality for reasonable Sri Lankan prices.
For me, nothing beats a bit of tequila, so I go for the No.23. For Beth, it’s always something unusual, or with hibiscus, so combined in the Cherry Cherry Cola is her go-to.
Pick your poison, and let us know what you like!
The bar is located on the edge of Dickwella Beach. We think it’s best to visit for or just after sunset, the vibe is always on point with laughter and a chilled atmosphere before it tends to get busy.
Make sure to save some space for the food. Their small plates and BBQ meals are the best.
Spicy charred pumpkin, coconut calamari, and of course, their famous 8-hour smoked pork belly. The food here is exceptional, and who doesn’t love a BBQ on the beach?
This is one of Sri Lanka’s and Asia’s most famous bars, so make sure to book a table to avoid disappointment.
We make a habit of coming here on a monthly basis and every New Year’s Eve, so if you spot us on your visit, say hi!
At a glance:
Party in the jungle
If the fancy cocktails got you started, you’ll be pleased to know you can carry on into the early morning in one of Hiriketiya’s famous jungle parties.
Back in the day, they were all underground and “secret”. We remember strolling down a backstreet and finding a business card in a bush – “secret jungle rave tonight, text this number”. 12hrs later we were bouncing around in some seedy undergrowth, very unexpected… great fun.
These days, Hiriketiya parties are more legit and hosted in professional bars and clubs. Expect top-quality sound setups, steam, and lights, as well as the best local and expat DJs.
Despite the underground scene fading away, the parties are only getting better. The vibe is always good, and so is the music. It’s a fun way to spend an evening.
And for sure, the legitimacy makes letting loose here much safer. There’s less creepiness than you might find elsewhere on the south coast, it’s certainly one of the safest places to party in Sri Lanka.
There are 3 venues which regularly host jungle parties:
- Dots Bay House – every Saturday – the OG of parties, these guys have been running them every weekend for years
- The Ruins – every Friday and Sunday – fancy cocktails and a cool jungle party on the beachfront
- Secret Jungle Party – a once-a-month event in the season – the biggest party in the area, including dancers and MCs – it’s Ibiza in the jungle vibes
At a glance:
Board games and 8-ball at Beach House Hiri
Big parties are a rarity for us these days. But we do love a casual night with good drinks, some bar or board games, and just hanging out with friends.
If you ever feel in this mood, you have to head to Beach House Hiri. It’s the best spot in town.
The vibe at Beach House is upbeat and energetic. It’s an open-air venue with long benches at the sides and more intimate tables in the middle.
Groups pick a spot and chill for hours with good tunes playing in the background, and not pumping loud like most Sri Lankan establishments… finally somewhere for good conversation.
There’s a pool table at the back and board games on the rack. You can stay for hours just enjoying the laid-back life.
Make sure to try their small plate tapas, it’s one of our favourite places to eat in Hiriketiya. The cocktails are reasonably priced and some of our favourites too. $6 for watermelon martinis or coconut margaritas. How can you say no?
At a glance:
Swim with turtles at Batheegama Beach
A few years ago, we’d regularly see turtles swimming around in Hiriketiya Bay. There was one in 2021 I used to share a few waves with!
But as the beach has become more popular, the turtles have visited less and less, and they’re a rare sight these days.
It’s unfortunate, but luckily, 10 minutes down the road there is a quiet beach where turtles visit almost every day.
Batheegama Beach is a collection of two small bays just past Dickwella town. Both have beautiful soft golden sand, clear blue waters, are quiet with fewer tourists, and they’re surrounded by palm trees and small boutique hotels.
The first bay is protected by rocks and sheltered from the waves, so turtles love coming into the shallows to feed on the sea grass.
You can rent snorkels from the locals in the nearby shacks for $2 and just hop in.
We’ve been multiple times and always saw 3 or 4 turtles casually cruising about. It’s such a great feeling bobbing on the surface as they gracefully glide beneath you.
And often, you have them all to yourself!
If you venture into the deeper waters, this bay attracts huge schools of fish that cast large, dark shadows. We’ve swum through them before – they part around you, then surround you.
It’s a bit eerie, but this is one of the best places to see Sri Lanka’s ocean wildlife on the South Coast.
Some of the locals will offer you sea grass on the beach to feed the turtles, please don’t accept it. Bacteria from our hands are harmful, if we want to keep the turtles in this bay, we need to be respectful.
If you visit between February and June, it’s hatching season for green turtles that visit Batheegama. Just before sunset, the locals will often release 50+ babies onto the beach who venture down the banks and into the ocean. It’s such an amazing experience, you don’t want to miss it!
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Day Trip to Tangalle & Silent Beach
If you’re visiting Sri Lanka, we highly recommend seeing some of the island’s untouched natural beaches.
No hotels, no bars, no lights, no traffic. Just miles of pristine sand, driftwood logs, and endless palm trees.
And 30 minutes up the road from Hiriketyia is one of the best places to find them, Tangalle. This small fishing town has some of the best beaches in the world, they truly are stunning.
The roads to Tangalle are quiet and well-maintained, so we think a moped is the best way to explore and turn the day into an adventure. But if you’re not confident on a bike, you can also get a tuk-tuk driver.
Start by heading to Tangalle Beach just before Rakawa Lagoon. Any hotel or point here is great so we won’t give you specifics, just enjoy getting lost.
The aim is to drive over all the little lagoons and bridges on the way. Here you’ll spot tonnes of storks, eagles, and exotic birds. And in the murky water, if you’re lucky, you might find some giant crocodiles that like to call this area home.
If you’re like us, you’ll end up stopping quite a few times and it will take 1-2 hours to get to the beach.
When you arrive, skip through any of the hotels or guesthouses to access the ocean and look out over the endless nothingness. Perfection.
Stop for a swim, take a juice in a hotel, chill on the sand. Up to you what you want to do. Just know you’ll probably be all alone on your own stretch of paradise.
You can hop up and down this part of the coast and even over the lagoon to Rakawa Beach, known for it’s giant leatherback turtles, until you’re bored and want to head home.
On the way back, maybe you want to stop in Tangalle centre to see the fishing town, or for a drink in one of the little coves. If you’re hungry, we suggest Tangalle Rice & Curry, which is an all-you-can-eat buffet with over 25 options!
But for sure, one thing you can’t miss on the drive home is Silent Beach. This is probably our favourite beach in Sri Lanka. The sand is so fluffy and white with hidden patches of purple, and there’s a group of the tallest palm trees we’ve ever seen. It’s so peaceful, it’s not to be missed.
At a glance:
Safari at Udawalawe or Yala National Park
Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocs, and buffalo. I count at least five reasons why you can’t skip a safari in Sri Lanka, and there are many more reasons too!
Sri Lanka is arguably the second-best place in the world to go on safari after Africa. They’re easily accessible, quick, and much much cheaper.
It’s a great way to see some exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. We highly recommend it.
Most travellers in Sri Lanka do safaris wrong. They spend a few nights near the park in overpriced hotels and locations with not much going on.
We only recommend this if the safari is your main focus. If not, it’s better to spend more time on the beach or in the mountains, and see the wildlife on a half-day trip.
Hiriketiya is probably the best town for this. Both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks are less than 2 hours away, meaning you can do a sunrise safari and be back for a lunchtime beer, or hit that morning surf then spot Elephants in the afternoon. It really is that easy.
Yala is the famous park where you’ll find the most diversity and have the best chance of seeing leopards. However, this park gets extremely busy, so we often avoid it. Queuing up to see wildlife kind of takes the spark out of the experience.
We only recommend Yala if you’re desperate to see the big cats.
Udawalawe is all about Elephants! There are 600-700 that call this park home and you’re almost guaranteed to see them – we saw herds everywhere, big solo bulls, and so many baby Elephants trundling around and falling over in the mud.
It was an unbelievable experience. If you just want to casually see wildlife, we always recommend Udawalawe.
It’s possible to book safari trips through your hotel. But we find they always inflate the price and we end up overpaying. These days we go through getyourguide, you end up getting the best drivers, a cheaper price, and they include pickup too, simple.
Book Yala: Private jeep & transfer from $83 per person
Book Udawalwa: Private jeep & transfer from $75 per person
At a glance:
Shop the backstreet boutiques
If you ever get a bit bored of the beach, cafe, bar routine, it’s worth strolling and exploring the backstreets where you’ll find some amazing boutique stores.
Handloom sarongs, natural essential oils, local scents, island-produced body butters, and of course, the Tales of the Tropics manifestation journal.
Hiriketiya is full of local creatives and brave western world escapees trying to turn Sri Lanka’s amazing local produce into must-have tropical products.
Here are a few of our favourite stores to check out:
- Le Ketiya – ethically sourced custom clothes and unique small items
- Kosha – swimwear and surf gear
- Hela Concept – sri lanka / indian minimalist one off items
All these shops are about handcrafted goods, sustainable materials, and a relaxed, ethical vibe. It’s a great place to support locals and find something truly special.
We have our own Tales of the Tropics manifestation journal stocked in La Ketiya. A journal designed to help write your dreams into reality and bring them to life. If you’ve got a spare moment, check it out, it’s perfect for those lazy afternoons on the beach.
At a glance:
Learn to skate at Locos
Surf-skating must be the most up-and-coming sport right now. It seems every group of young, cool 20-somethings is getting into it.
I’ve even considered getting a Carver Board for my supermarket runs… and, obviously, I’d love to get one of those drone photos skating along a long jungle road with friends, they look epic. But then I realise I’m over 30, my style sucks, and concrete seems a lot more dangerous than waves…
That’s where Locos come in. This part cafe, part hostel, part late-night bar has a giant concrete park where instructors can teach you how to skate safely and with style.
The park has been specifically designed for beginner and intermediate skaters. There’s a long, wide flat section with two small half-pipes at either end and some small ledges in between. Nothing too vertical or fast, the perfect setup for trying some cruisey turns or to kick the tail out.
Locos has some old, banged-up boards you can use for free if you just want to risk it and try skateboarding. But if you prefer to be a bit safer and learn the fundamentals, a lesson costs 3000 LKR. We personally recommend a lesson, the instructors are great… and skating hurts more than you’d think.
Even if you’re not in the mood for skating, Locos is worth checking out – it’s a great brunch spot and has some amazing cocktails. Some nights they throw parties, and the vibe is good fun. Their hostel is also a great pick if you’re budget travelling and want a lively vibe. Just be warned, it can be loud at night!
At a glance:
Get your sweat on at Fitness Jungle
I know what you’re thinking… the gym, on holiday, really?
We tend to skip it too when we’re on a break. But, we don’t think you should skip Fitness Jungle in Hiriketiya, it’s such a unique gym… You won’t find anything like this in Europe, Australia, or the US.
It’s got all the weights, the barbells, the dumbbells, even a TRX. So what makes it different?
Well, the weights are handmade from local tree stumps, the mirrors are replaced with palm trees, and when it rains, you get wet. It’s a proper jungle gym setup.
This gym really has everything you can think of – punch bags, tractor tires, monkey bars, and high ropes. It’s like a modern CrossFit setup, just with handmade equipment instead.
The group classes are our favourites. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, they host boxing or Muay Thai. And on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, it’s CrossFit. The classes are always small, the energy’s high, and everyone leaves in a good mood… there’s no work afterwards, after all.
If you don’t fancy a class, you can drop in for a workout throughout the day. Whether you come for a class or a solo session, expect to get seriously sweaty – the gym is outside in the tropics with no AC. If you do get a little hot, make sure to take a dip in their ice bath after you’re done. It’s the perfect way to cool off.
At a glance:
Morning Yoga at Arise
Hiriketiya is one of Sri Lanka’s top yoga hubs. The town hosts many of the best teachers, venues, and shalas on the island.
Two minutes from the beach, hidden away in the jungle, you’ll find Arise, our favourite yoga shala in Hiriketiya. The setting alone is worth the early wake-up, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the town with views over a local temple and nothing but the sounds of birds and waves in the background.
So if you like to start the day with some movement and a little more intention, we highly suggest one of the early classes.
Typically they start the day with a Vinyasa Flow, and they also have an indian inspired sound and movement class in the mid-morning.
Arise is very popular and the classes are normally full, so make sure you book in advance. You can book online here.
If Arise is fully booked or it’s not your vibe, you can also check out Salt House and the Salty Pelican, both are also great places to practice.
At a glance:
Swim, snorkel, and explore Blue Beach
This part of Sri Lanka really is blessed with some unbelievable beaches. So maybe you won’t be that surprised that there’s another absolutely stunning not-so-secret beach a 10-minute tuk tuk ride away from Hiriketiya… Blue Beach, Nilwella.
This isn’t the standard shack bar and palm tree-lined stretch. Really, it’s only a small sandbar that joins the mainland to a little island off the coast.
At low tide, the sand rises above the ocean and you can walk across to explore the island.
There’s not much to find on the other side. A few fishing boats and some overgrowth. But it’s nice for a stroll to see the rockpools and glimpse some different perspectives of the coast. You rarely get to look back at the beaches in Sri Lanka!
Blue Beach is so peaceful and relaxed. It’s one of our favourite places to swim and spend a few hours away from other tourists.
The vibe is more local. So grab a coconut from the stalls and just float around in the shallows.
To the left of the island there’s a sunken underwater art gallery – basically a strange statue covered in young coral you can swim and explore.
You’ll need to bring a snorkel from Hiriketiya, they are not available at Blue Beach. We’ve never tried this, so please tell us if it’s worth doing!
Blue Beach is walkable but takes about an hour from Hiriketiya. We suggest getting a quick tuk-tuk ride over the hill. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can actually camp on the island for 1000 LKR, not sure where you get the tent, or enough bug spray to survive the night… but it is an option.
At a glance:
Evening arracks and dinner at Raa
When you visit Sri Lanka, you have to immerse yourself in the local traditions, and that probably means drinking a little too much of their local liquor one evening.
Arrack is the weapon of choice, a spirit distilled from the sap of the coconut flower and only produced in Sri Lanka. It’s good. Strong but smooth, slightly floral, hints of coconut, and luckily, the hangover isn’t that bad.
One of our favourite spots to grab some good Arrack is Raa. Here they source speciality premium versions from around the island – Dark arrack, white arrack, spiced or infused.
You pick a base and then a mixer. Beth enjoys the pandan and pineapple, and I’m a sucker for the hibiscus and pomegranate.
We didn’t realise there were so many different types of arracks, and Raa is the only bar we’ve found with this many choices. To be honest, Raa has a few surprises, including their name, which is actually the Sinhala word used to describe the mildly fermented sap before it becomes alcohol… clever.
The other surprise is how good the food is. They serve a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry menu, but cooked with some fine dining flair and served on small plates.
The flavours are unbelievable, and it’s a really unique dining concept. When we tried their food for the first time we ended up coming back the following three nights, yep, it’s that good.
Raa is nice and quiet, hidden away on the other side of the bay. It’s a great place to come for sunset where you get the best views of the surf and a unique perspective of the town.
Make sure to look up at the ropes between the palm trees and ask the waiter why they’re there. There’s another surprise story you’ll love to hear, and we don’t want to spoil it for you!
At a glance:
Beach club vibes at La Playa
You might hear and read some reminiscing remarks about the old Hiriketiya from the OGs and traditionalists as you’re planning your visit. Tales about the little bay lined with jungle and palm trees, not a building in sight, only handmade wooden shacks and the brightest turquoise water.
Nothing depicts Hiriketiya’s rapid change more than La Playa.
This once section of thick overgrowth has been swapped for an infinity pool with ocean views, a rooftop bar with fancy cocktails, day beds lining the walls, and wood-fired sourdough pizzas.
We’re not complaining. Sometimes you deserve a bit of luxury, a comfortable place to chill, and someone to bring you good cocktails while you soak up the sun. And La Playa delivers.
This is one of our favourite places to chill out and hang out in Hiriketiya. Rock up for lunchtime and try their amazing food, chill on a sunbed and take in the amazing views, go for a surf or a quick dip in the ocean, and head back for some sunset cocktails. Yep, La Playa is a vibe.
La Playa is always busy, so make sure to book a bed if you don’t want to be disappointed.
The old Hiriketiya was beautiful, and the new one is too. We’re quite glad that there’s now a little comfort to go along with the looks. So if you visit, make sure to check La Playa out, it’s very cool.
At a glance:
Sauna and Ice baths at Maha
A sauna in the tropics might seem like the last thing you’d want, but pair it with an ice bath with views over Hiriketiya Bay, and you’ve got an unforgettable wellness experience.
It’s actually surprising how nice the dry heat feels after spending some time in Sri Lanka’s humidity. Even though the sauna is hotter than outside, it feels more bearable, an escape from the really sweaty days. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment of dryness!
After some time in the sauna, it’s time to brave the ice bath. Plunging into a sub 5°C pool full of ice is a shock to the system. Instantly, my breath was taken away and it took a minute to get back. It takes a while to settle in and become comfortable, and fair play if you’re strong enough to keep your hands under, I couldn’t.
Beth loves an ice bath, for me, I could probably skip it. But as you cycle between ice and heat, your body starts to feel looser, your mind clearer, and by the end, you’ll walk away feeling completely refreshed. It’s the perfect way to recover after a morning surf or just reset your energy. We’re not the biggest wellness enthusiasts, but we did love this.
The first ice baths start at 9am and Maha stays open until sunset. We think it’s best to come late morning or in the early afternoon, before you’ve eaten too much. Firstly, so you can relax, but also because you should stick around after for their toasties, it’s such a good lunch!
At a glance:
Coffee and brunch vibes in the hipster cafes
Hidden away bakeries in the backstreets, bright blue walls in the sun, coconut wire shaded gardens, skateboard ramps facing the ocean, and giant moons hanging from palm trees… yeah, that last one’s a bit out there.
But anyway, Hiriketiya has some amazing brunch and lunch spots. There’s almost too much choice, and the vibes are always on point.
So when your stomach’s rumbling after a big surf or a few hours chilling on the beach, you have to explore the hipster cafes and find a unique lunch spot.
Here are a few of our favourites:
- Verse collective – the Hiriketiya OGs hosting a skatepark on the beach and sharp shadows from the uniquely designed concrete hostel
- Bunch – bright coloured tables in a shaded garden with some of the freshest food
- Locos cafe – a cool cafe and bakery in the backstreets with some of the best bread and bowls
- La Luna – a big chilled boho garden with pink walls and giant moons hanging from the trees, yep, it’s a bit out there
- Duni’s Hoppers – our absolute favourite brunch spot with a modern twist on an authentic Sri Lankan breakfast
- Malu – classic poke bowls done well with views of Hiriketiya bay
- Mond – a concrete minimalist art deco hilltop hotel with great coffee and fancy small plates, super cool style – great for photos
You don’t need an at a glance for brunch 😉
Cooking class at Rosie’s Kitchen
No Sri Lankan adventure is complete without enjoying a traditional cooking class. A lesson in smokey flavours, powerful spices, open-flame cooking, and multi-pan-tasking.
Rosie’s Kitchen is by far the best place to do a cooking class in Hiriketiya. She helps you understand the food and Sri Lankan hospitality. She’s so friendly and welcomes you with open arms, it’s just nice.
And you don’t just watch, it gets hands-on. We were grating coconut by hand, grinding tomatoes into sambol, sprinkling spices in the pan, and trying to understand the difference between clay and aluminium pots.
The whole experience is very laid-back and chill. You can drink chai with other travellers, chat over a couple of beers, and joke with the local family and their kids.
It all ends up with everyone sitting around the table sharing an unbelievably good rice and curry, make sure you come hungry… It’s basically all you can eat.
At a glance:
FAQs
Is Hiriketiya worth visiting?
Absolutely! Hiriketiya is currently the spot on the South Coast. Chilled vibes, fun surf, great food, cool bars, jungle vibes, and holiday feels… it’s got it all. Talk to anyone who’s been, and they’ll tell you the same – Hiriketiya is special.
Planning a trip to Hiriketiya? Check out our custom travel itineraries
How many days should I stay in Hiriketiya?
To really soak in the vibe and explore what Hiriketiya has to offer, we recommend at least 3-4 days.
If you want to learn to surf, or you’re not on a schedule, expect to spend longer. It’s a special place, and very easy to extend.
If you would like help navigating Sri Lanka’s locations, and how long you should spend in each. We can help plan your trip and give advice to help you experience the magic of Sri Lanka. Check out our tailored travel itineraries.
Where should I stay in Hiriketiya?
Hiriketiya is a small town. Almost anywhere you pick will be within walking distance to the beach. However, there are lots are options and the vibe changes slightly depending on where you are on the map. Here’s a quick breakdown of the area:
- Hiriketiya Bay – within minutes of the beach and in the action, this is where the vibe is, but expect higher prices, and it can be loud at night.
- Slightly inland – Quiet vibes, surrounded by jungle and cheaper prices, expect a 10-minute walk to the beach and a lack of amenities around the accommodation.
- Towards Dickwella – if you go up and over the hill towards Dickwella, there are many cheaper stays or amazing boutiques to pick from.
We personally prefer staying as close to the bay as possible. It’s just nice being able to hop from the room to the beach to a bar and back again. You’ll appreciate the convenience in Hiriketiya.
Best hostels
- Happy Hammocks – Social hostel with a lively vibe – book hostelworld
- Bappa’s Place – Chilled vibes, great for surfers and yogis in a great location – book hostelworld
- Chill vibes hostel – social atmosphere with comfy beds and nightly events – book hostelworld
Best budget hotels (Under $60)
- Cashew villa – big, clean rooms with a nice garden inland – booking.com
- Sea Port – clean but very budget rooms right on the beachfront – booking.com
- Emma’s Sea View – nice clean rooms with ocean views, make sure to book the AC room! – booking.com
- Ayubowan – nice, clean, super cheap double rooms towards Dickwella – booking.com
Best mid-range hotels ($60-$120)
- The Yard – a stylish boutique hotel near the beach, with a relaxing atmosphere and Exceptional Staff – booking.com
- Waves Hiri – nice beachfront rooms with big balconies overlooking the bay – booking.com
- Atrium – huge rooms, good showers, quiet vibes, and a rooftop pool – booking.com
- Salt House – yoga-focused accommodation with big, clean, stylish rooms – booking.com
- El Destino – stylish rooms at the top of the hill with ocean views – booking.com
Best high-end & luxury hotels ($120+)
- La Playa – the most stylish rooms in Hiriketiya with beachfront balconies, perfection – booking.com
- Belika Beach – barbie vibe pink hotel with the coolest pool in a quiet oceanview spot – booking.com
- Ginger Palm – huge pool, spacious rooms, exceptional staff, and the most comfortable stay in Hiriketiya – booking.com
- Kaas Villa – private two-bed villas with a pool, BBQ, and rooftop views of Dickwella beach – booking.com
What is the best time of year to visit Hiriketiya?
Hiriketiya is an all-year destination. January to March & June to September are the best periods of weather, offering more sun, less rain, and more comfort. With November to April being the best months for surfing, here’s what to expect throughout the year:
- January – March (Best for sunshine & clear skies) – Sunny with clear skies and lower humidity. Great for surfing and chilling on the beach.
- April – May (Hot & humid, with some rain) – Hot and humid, with some rain. It’s the quietest time, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
- June – September (Ok weather and quiet) – A period of dry, cloudy weather with less rain and fewer tourists, there’s no surf, so it’s only ideal for a cheap, relaxed stay.
- October – December (Rainy season, good surf) – Rainy season, but you can still enjoy the surf and quieter crowds. Expect a mix of heavy rain and sunny periods.
Is Hiriketiya good for non-surfers?
Definitely! While surfing put the town on the map and is still a big draw for the crowds, Hiriketiya has plenty to offer non-surfers, and the majority of visitors are now holiday-goers. Chilling on the beach, exploring secret coves, doing yoga, enjoying the food scene, finding monkey’s, partying at night… there’s something for everyone.
Is Hiriketiya a party destination?
Hiriketiya definitely has a party scene, especially on weekends. But it’s not just a party destination. You’ll find a mix of people – surfers, yogis, digital nomads, families – all drawn to the town’s unique vibe. You can party if you want, or just chill.
How do I get to Hiriketiya?
Hiriketiya is easily accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus from other towns along the South Coast. From Colombo, it’s about a 3-4 hour drive along the highway. Trains don’t go directly to Hiriketyia or the nearby town of Dickwella, you need to change at Matara and get a local bus or taxi for the final part of the trip.
Are there ATMs and money exchanges in Hiriketiya?
Five years ago, we’d have told you to bring all the cash! But luckily, times have changed. You’ll now find multiple ATMs within a 30-second stroll from the beach.
There’s also a money exchange at Clear Point Supermarket in town. The rates aren’t amazing, so we’d recommend changing money beforehand or just using your card whenever possible.
