Author : Gargi Guha
Hiriketiya is a surfer’s haven, so booking some morning surf classes and spending the afternoon simply chilling makes for a great combination. You could also take a trip to the nearby nature reserve to see elephants in their natural habitat, as well as a guided tour of the botanical gardens and turtle sanctuary, a short drive away.
But, as with any dreamy spot like Hiriketiya, one must come with time at hand. The waves, gently fanning coconut palms and an easy yoga meets creative vibe will want you to keep the real world waiting on the other side of your dream vacation.
The gentle crash of waves off the Southern coast of Sri Lanka has a meditative cadence and rhythm to it. The water is clean, as wave after wave rolls in. Coconut fronds gently sway as they shade the shore. Yogis and other creative seekers throng the nearby streets, as do a bevy of urban corporate types looking to slow down, on the other side of a burnout and perhaps, some reckoning. Creative mavens in search of deepening their craft have also found themselves at home here, There’s a thriving bustle of café and yoga studios, alongside surf schools.
This is Hiriketiya, perched on the Southern fringes of Sri Lanka. A surfers’ paradise with a generous smattering of the creative arts.
Today, surf tourism has skyrocketed here, bringing with it a spate of opportunities, drawing in large numbers of experts and aspiring surfers. The unique thing about this place is the constancy of waves, totally undisturbed by the changing tides. There is a certain gentleness and natural pace here. ensuring that it’s possible to ride waves all day long.
Affordable surf instructors, delicious food in the nearby cafes, and an all-permeating, golden sunshine that translates into comfortably warm waters (forget those wetsuits) make it attractive as a neo-surfing destination.
This idyllic beach-side paradise is perfect for solo-travellers who are on the lookout for an easy, a laidback charm. ‘The locals are friendly and unobtrusive, with always a helping hand outstretched. Besides, the quaint cafes here are perfect to sit and lounge at, with a book or a sketch-pad,’ iterates Alma P, an artist from Berlin.
When to visit
The best time to visit is from December to March, when the sea is calm and the waves are optimum. The sun is softer during this time, and while many other places across the globe are freezing with the bleak, winter cold, one can expect days of bright sunshine. The prevailing winds create ideal conditions for riding the waves. However, it will be good to remember that this is also the busiest time of the year in Sri Lanka, and a time when many tourists throng the beaches.
Getting here
Hiriketiya Beach, located near Dikwella is about 150 kilometers south of Colombo. The distance between the two towns is 15 kilometers and there are several ways to get from Dikwella to Hiriketiya Beach.
A tuk-tuk ride, with the wind tugging at your hair and an open vista on all sides, is the most convenient and fun mode of transportation. The journey from Dikwella to Hiriketiya by tuk-tuk takes about 10 minutes only. The bus is the cheapest option and takes about 15 minutes. The bus stop is located in the centre of Dikwella, and stops at Hiriketiya. A taxi is the most expensive option, and costs between 14 USD and 20 USD. The journey from Dikwella to Hiriketiya by taxi takes about 10 minutes
From Colombo, a taxi ride is the fastest and most convenient, reaching one well within 2 hours and 45 minutes. Colombo to Dikwella trains are operated by Sri Lanka Railways and depart from Fort Station reaching one within 4-5 hours. The ride is scenic and the trip takes one through lush greenery and tea plantations.
Best Surf Schools
The Kima Surf yoga & fitness resort is in the midst of a lush, green tropical environment. Welcome to a yoga meets surf environment in an eco-friendly resort setting. Daily yoga lessons are included in each of their surf camp packages, and the instructors are all friendly and competent.
The Salty Pelican is a stunning, tropical meeting point, featuring an open living space opening out onto a sprawling pool area surrounded by lush gardens and coconut palms. The cocktail bar serves up delicious home brewed coffee, healthy smoothies and tropical margaritas. Enjoy gentle yoga, surfing or other wellness options while here
Vaayu Surf School has a full range of longboards or foam boards and instructors who can take one on one lessons ranging from a 1-day session to a 3 or 5-day surf courses.
Hiri Surf School offers gentle guidance so one can feel perfectly safe on the waves, even if surfing for the first time. They offer group lessons, private lessons and even kids’ lessons (6years – 15 years old).
The Salt House, having been around for years, is one of the coolest hangout cum stay options if what one wants to do is surf, chill, eat and repeat. The place has some serious chill vibes, with a small pool overlooked by a big yoga shala.
Dots Bay House is a hostel cum surf lodge right in the heart of Hirikeitya offering dorms, doubles, and poolside bungalows to surfers. Their weekend Dots parties always pack in a punch.
Eating and Drinking
From delicious local delights like hoppers and delicious dal to vegan dishes and instagrammable breakfast options, there are so many places to eat in Hiriketiya.
Garlic Café and its sister restaurant Pumpkin Café located near Dikwella Beach are where one could tuck into sumptuous local delights.
Blue Bay Café may be a bit obscure but that’s what adds to the charm. Try any of their flavoursome seafood curries, served alongside nutty and creamy, Sri Lankan style coconut rice.
Mond is a place for people to slow down and connect. This café has some stunning, sweeping views of the ocean, and their coffees are perfectly made, commanding not-so-cheap prices.
Smoke & Bitters, ranked #29 on the list of the “Top 50 bars in Asia” list.is a must-visit. Nestled within a coconut grove near Dikwella Beach, it has a unique concept. All dishes are expertly smoked and all cocktails feature handcrafted bitters. These two elements make for a stellar pairing of flavours and tasting notes.
Hiriketiya is a surfer’s haven, so booking some morning surf classes and spending the afternoon simply chilling makes for a great combination.
You could also take a trip to the nearby nature reserve to see elephants in their natural habitat, as well as a guided tour of the botanical gardens and turtle sanctuary, a short drive away.
But, as with any dreamy spot like Hiriketiya, one must come with time at hand.
The waves, gently fanning coconut palms and an easy yoga meets creative vibe will want you to keep the real world waiting on the other side of your dream vacation.
You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
