19 INCREDIBLE Things To Do In Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka

Nestled on a small, leafy green bay in southern Sri Lanka, lies the magical surf town of Hiriketiya. Hiriketiya is one of the south coast’s best-kept secrets, but not for long, the town is becoming increasingly popular, and for very good reason. 

Whether you want to unwind with some yoga and meditation, learn how to surf, or simply party the night away, there are lots of wonderful things to do in Hiriketiya for you to choose from. 

I found out about Hiritkeya through an Instagram post, and thankfully it was one of those situations where Instagram truly did match up to reality.

When I first laid my eyes on Hiriketiya Beach, I instantly felt relaxed and at home, and immediately knew that there was something special about this town. 

The chilled-out and relaxed vibes that you can find in Hiriketiya will draw you in, so much so, you’ll never want to leave.

Take it from me I loved Hiriketiya so much that I went back twice in the space of a month, and very nearly went again for a 3rd time. 

So, what are the best things to do in Hiriketiya? Read on below to find out.

If you’re not ready to commit to a surf camp and just want to test out whether you’ll actually enjoy surfing, then booking a one-off surf lesson is a great idea.

Hiriketiya’s shoreline is lined with plenty of stalls offering surfboard lessons and rentals making it easy to find an option that suits you. Most lessons start in the early morning hours, typically around 8 am proving the perfect conditions for beginners.

With prices starting from 4000 LKR, it’s an affordable and low-pressure way to try out surfing.

Feeling sore from all the surfing or just in need of some well-deserved relaxation? Treat yourself to one of the best ways to unwind in Hiriketiya by enjoying a massage.

The area is home to several massage parlours, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. For a budget-friendly, no-frills experience, “The Massage Shed” is a great choice, offering affordable treatments that get the job done.

If you’re craving something a bit more indulgent, “Tonic Spa” provides a more luxurious atmosphere and premium services to help you truly unwind.

I personally went to The Massage Shed and I can highly recommend them!

If you’re after alternative treatments such as getting your nails done or enjoying a facial, then a visit to the newly opened “Noeline’s” will be perfect for you! They also have 2 other branches in Colombo and Weligama and you can get your nails done for as little as 6000 LKR.

For a beach town so small there are a tonne of incredible restaurants to try. One of my favourite things to do in Hiriketiya was to try out all the local restaurants from the budget-friendly Sri Lankan staples to the indulgent Western-style cuisine and so much coffee in between.

Whether you are craving authentic, affordable eats or you’re looking to treat yourself to an expensive dinner, there is something for every taste and every budget.

Some of the best places to try are: 

• Garlic Cafe 
• Smoke and Bitters 
• Mond 
• Dots 
• Dunis Hoppers 

There are so many more restaurants to try in Hiriketiya and you can read my full list of favourites here.

For the best chance of seeing the turtles head down between 8-9 am when the water is calm and there is fewer people around. This is such a cool experience and from what I can gather, not that well known about. When we visited this spot we were one of the only people on the beach.

Just a short walk from Hiriketiya Bay lies the beautiful Dickwella Beach. This is the best place in Hiriketiya to watch the sunset. The sunset here is absolutely stunning with the orange glow of the sunset shining through the palm-tree-studded coastline.

You’ll find a lot of people tend to stay around Hiriketiya Bay to watch the sunset but they are missing a trick! Grab a drink from one of the local beach bars and watch the sun go down with a nice cold beer (or watermelon juice).

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to relax in Hiriketiya, La Playa is my top pick. This boutique bar and hotel offers everything you need for a laid-back day. It’s one of the only places in town with an accessible pool overlooking the stunning Hiriketiya Bay. All you have to do is order some food or drinks to enjoy it.

The vibe is unbeatable. The stylish decor, great location, and amazing music create the perfect atmosphere. Plus, they serve one of the best cold glasses of wine in Hiriketiya. It’s the ideal place to unwind and it will be hard for you to leave.

I spent so much time in La Playa during my time in Hiriketiya that I almost became part of the furniture!

Visit Ice Hiriketiya

Ice baths are all the craze at the moment and if you want to jump on the bandwagon during your time in Sri Lanka, then Ice Hiriketiya is one of the best places to do it. It’s not just ice baths you can find here, but yoga, sound-healing and breathwork sessions too. The location of Ice Hiriketiya is super dreamy and you’ll be able to indulge in an ice bath whilst you look out over the stunning Hiriketiya Bay.

Every week or so you can also attend their “Sunset Sessions” where you can enjoy live music from some of the best DJs in Sri Lanka whilst you watch the sun go down.

Just a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Hiriketiya lies the stunning Silent Beach. Silent Beach (also known as Amanwella Beach by locals) is a large stretch of bright golden sand next to a long line of lush green palm trees. 

Silent Beach, is well and truly silent with just a handful of small beach bars spread out across the shore. You can spend the day here at one of the local bars, soaking up the sun and drinking fresh coconuts, and truly embracing the silence. 

The waves at Silent Beach can get quite strong, so just be mindful of this if you’re planning on going for a swim. This is certainly one of the best things to do in Hiriketiya, and probably one of the most unique and beautiful beaches I have ever been to.

Do not miss this one.

Go for a sunset Kayak in Tangalle

Whilst you’re in the Tangalle area I highly recommend going for a sunset Kayak with Kayak Journey Rekawa. This is the perfect and peaceful way to end the evening as you kayak through mangroves and watch the sun go down. Your guide is also super knowledgeable as well, and he will be able to tell you lots about the local area and wildlife.

Visit Kudawella Beach and Calma Cafe

Located just a short 10-minute drive from Hiriketiya is the tranquil Kudawella Beach. This is the perfect spot to visit if you want to escape some of the crowds and enjoy a bit of relaxation. At Kudawella Beach you will also find the stunning Calma Kudawella which is a cafe, yoga studio, surf school and hotel all rolled into one.

Calma really lives up to its name as it genuinely is such a calming place to chill and listen to the waves crash against the shore whilst you enjoy a coffee and one of their delicious homemade pastries.

Go on a safari at Udawalawe National Park 

Ready to escape the beach for the day? Then a trip to Udawalawe National Park is in order. Udawalawe National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Hiriketiya.

It’s the perfect opportunity to see some of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife, including elephants crocodiles, water buffalos, and if you’re super lucky, even leopards! If you are planning a day trip from Hiriketiya then you can book your half-day safari tour here which is one of the best ones to do from Hiriketiya.

⭐MY TOP PICK TOUR⭐

THIS TOUR AT A GLANCE
⭐STAR RATING: 4.8/5
💰PRICE: $90
⏰DURATION: 7 HOURS
✅INCLUDES: ROUNDTRIP TRANSPORT & PARK ENTRY
🧡IDEAL FOR: EVERYONE

BOOK HERE

However, if you would prefer to stay in the area for the night then I would recommend getting a taxi to Udawalawe and staying the night at  Lizard Safari Point.

You can book a Safari tour directly through the hotel for just £40 and also get a 3-bed treehouse for just £15 per night (with a huge breakfast included). This is the option I went and it was such an incredible experience and I recommend it to anyone who will listen.

Book on a cooking class

For a deeper connection to Sri Lankan culture then I really recommend booking on to this cooking class. It’s the perfect way to learn the secrets behind iconic dishes like dhal, kottu rotti, and string hoppers while creating them yourself.

If you’re after something truly unique to do in Hiriketiya, Rosie’s cooking class is the thing to do. Not only will you leave with a full stomach and some new cooking skills, but you’ll also gain a firsthand appreciation of Sri Lanka’s rich flavours and traditions.

If you are the type of person who likes to keep up with their fitness whilst they are travelling, then you will be pleased to know that Hiriketiya is home to a super cool gym. Fitness Jungle Hiriketiya is an outdoor gym with wooden weights that very much gives a Flinstones vibe.

The team here are super nice, and they’ll let you play your workout playlist through the speakers if the gym isn’t busy. The gym is fairly small so I would recommend coming before 8 am or before 5/6 pm to avoid the crowd

The gym costs around 1400lkr for 1 session for 8000lkr for the week.

Party at Dots

If you’re up for a party then make to check out Dots. On a Tuesday and a Saturday, Dots is the place to be. The nights are a mix of wholesome live music evenings and DJ events with parties that go on until the early hours of the morning.

Please note that Dots charge an entry fee for these events. If you are a guest at their hotel/hostel, then it is free of charge

The digital nomad scene in Sri Lanka is on the rise and Hiriketiya is a great spot to come if you’re looking to meet fellow digital nomads, and of course, get some work done.

There are 3 dedicated co-working spaces in Hiriketiya. All of which I have tried and tested and can definitely recommend. 

These are: 

• Clics Co-Living 
• Dots 
• Verse Collective 
• Voulez-Vous
• Homebase Hiriketiya

My personal favourite was Clics Co-living as it had the best Wi-Fi. However, if you want a space that also provides food then Dots and Verse Collective will be the best options for you. You can read my complete guide to the best co-working spots in Hiriketiya here.

Visit Blue Beach Island

Blue Beach Island is a great option if you are looking for a change of scenery from the usual Hiriketiya Bay. You can either catch a 10-minute tuk-tuk or if you prefer to get your legs moving, a 30-minute walk.

Blue Beach Island is attached to the mainland by a small sand bar, giving it that private island feel. The water here is super clear (and blue) hence the name Blue Beach Island. You can spend the day here chilling, swimming and snorkelling.

If you are after a bit more adventure you can also scuba dive here, as well as book an overnight camping experience.

Dickwella is a small village in which Hiriketiya Bay is located. Hiriketiya is the most popular part of Dickwella, simply because this is where you’ll find some of the best restaurants, bars and parties.

If you’re ever confused about the difference between Hiriketiya/Dickwella just know they are pretty much the same place.

How many days in Hiriketiya?

I would probably say that 3 days in Hiriketiya is enough to see what this town has to offer. However, as I have mentioned a lot during this blog post, you’ll probably want to extend your stay.

I spent 2 weeks here in 2023 and 4 weeks in 2024 and could have spent much longer if my schedule allowed. As you can see I just keep going back, and I have already made arrangements for my 2025 trip!

Some of the best hotels and hostels in Hiriketiya include: 

• Dots Bay House
• Jasper House
• Verse Collective
• The Salt House

Alternatively, you can read my complete guide to the best hostels and hotels in Hiriketiya here.

🛏️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget then make sure to check out Hostelworld.

✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!

🚆Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.

🚗Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.

🎟️Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100’s of activities whilst travelling.

🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.

📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download sims from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.