Author : Gargi Guha
Hiriketiya is a surfer’s haven. Therefore, booking morning surf classes and spending the afternoon chilling makes for a great combination. You can also visit the nearby nature reserve to see elephants. In addition, a guided tour of the botanical gardens and turtle sanctuary is just a short drive away.
However, like any dreamy spot, you must come to Hiriketiya with time to spare. The waves and swaying coconut palms create a unique vibe. It’s a mix of easy yoga and creative energy. This atmosphere will make you want to leave the real world behind.
An Unforgettable Vibe
The gentle crash of waves on the Southern coast has a meditative rhythm. Here, the water is clean as wave after wave rolls in. Coconut fronds gently sway and shade the shore. The streets are full of yogis and other creative seekers. You’ll also find many urban professionals looking to slow down. They often come here to recover from burnout and do some soul-searching. Consequently, creative mavens in search of deepening their craft have also found a home here. You’ll find a thriving bustle of cafés and yoga studios alongside surf schools.
This is Hiriketiya, perched on Sri Lanka’s southern fringes. It is, in essence, a surfer’s paradise with a generous smattering of the creative arts.
Why Surfers Love Hiriketiya
Today, surf tourism has skyrocketed here. This has brought a spate of opportunities and drawn in many experts and aspiring surfers. The unique thing about this place is the constancy of the waves, which are undisturbed by changing tides. There is a certain gentleness and natural pace here. As a result, it’s possible to ride waves all day long.
The area is very attractive as a new surfing destination for several reasons. For instance, you will find affordable surf instructors and delicious food in nearby cafes. The golden sunshine also means the water is comfortably warm, so you can forget about wetsuits.
Furthermore, this idyllic paradise is perfect for solo travellers seeking a laidback charm. “The locals are friendly and unobtrusive, always with a helping hand outstretched,” says Alma P, an artist from Berlin. “Besides, the quaint cafes here are perfect to sit and lounge at with a book or a sketch-pad.”
When to Visit
The best time to visit is from December to March. During this period, the sea is calm, and the waves are optimum. The sun is also softer at this time. While many other places across the globe are freezing, you can expect days of bright sunshine here. The prevailing winds create ideal conditions for riding the waves. However, remember that this is also the busiest time of the year in Sri Lanka. It’s a time when many tourists throng the beaches.
Getting Here
Hiriketiya Beach is located near Dikwella, about 150 kilometers south of Colombo. The distance between the two towns is 15 kilometers. There are several ways to get from Dikwella to Hiriketiya Beach.
A tuk-tuk ride is the most convenient and fun mode of transportation. You’ll feel the wind in your hair with an open vista on all sides. The journey from Dikwella to Hiriketiya by tuk-tuk takes only about 10 minutes. The bus is the cheapest option and takes about 15 minutes. The bus stop is in the center of Dikwella and stops at Hiriketiya. A taxi is the most expensive option, costing between $14 and $20 USD. This journey also takes about 10 minutes.
From Colombo, a taxi is the fastest and most convenient option. You can reach Dikwella in about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train. Trains are operated by Sri Lanka Railways and depart from Fort Station. This journey, however, takes 4-5 hours. The ride is very scenic, taking you through lush greenery and tea plantations.
Best Surf Schools
The Kima Surf yoga & fitness resort is in a lush, green tropical environment. It offers a yoga-meets-surf experience in an eco-friendly setting. In fact, daily yoga lessons are included in each of their surf camp packages. The instructors are also friendly and competent.
The Salty Pelican is a stunning, tropical meeting point. It features an open living space that opens onto a sprawling pool area. This space is surrounded by lush gardens and coconut palms. Furthermore, the cocktail bar serves delicious coffee, healthy smoothies, and tropical margaritas. You can enjoy gentle yoga, surfing, or other wellness options here.
Vaayu Surf School has a full range of longboards and foam boards. Its instructors can also take you for one-on-one lessons. These can range from a single-day session to 3 or 5-day surf courses.
More Great Spots for Surfing
Hiri Surf School offers gentle guidance. Consequently, you can feel perfectly safe on the waves, even if it’s your first time. They offer group lessons, private lessons, and even kids’ lessons (for ages 6–15).
The Salt House has been around for years. It is one of the coolest hangout and stay options available. It’s perfect if you just want to surf, chill, eat, and repeat. The place has serious chill vibes, with a small pool overlooked by a big yoga shala.
Dots Bay House is a hostel and surf lodge in the heart of Hiriketiya. It offers dorms, doubles, and poolside bungalows to surfers. Moreover, their weekend Dots parties always pack a punch.
Eating and Drinking
From local delights like hoppers and delicious dal to vegan dishes, there are many places to eat in Hiriketiya. You will also find plenty of instagrammable breakfast options.
Garlic Café and its sister restaurant Pumpkin Café are located near Dikwella Beach. Here, you can tuck into sumptuous local delights.
Blue Bay Café may be a bit obscure, but that’s what adds to its charm. Try any of their flavoursome seafood curries. They are served alongside nutty and creamy, Sri Lankan-style coconut rice.
Mond is a place for people to slow down and connect. This café has stunning, sweeping views of the ocean. Their coffees are perfectly made and command not-so-cheap prices.
Smoke & Bitters is a must-visit. In fact, it’s ranked #29 on the “Top 50 Bars in Asia” list. Nestled within a coconut grove near Dikwella Beach, it has a unique concept. All dishes are expertly smoked, and all cocktails feature handcrafted bitters. As a result, these two elements make for a stellar pairing of flavors.
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!
