Hiriketiya

A bohemian surf-bay on Sri Lanka’s south coast where palm trees, waves, and laid-back energy are the real attractions.

A Beach Town with Soul

Hiriketiya is a small horseshoe-shaped bay on the southern coastline near the town of Dikwella, known for its relaxed vibe and tropical charm. Once a quieter surf village, it has grown naturally into a laid-back coastal hub where surfers, travellers, yoga enthusiasts and digital nomads all mingle. The bay is framed by curved palm trees, warm turquoise water, and a sandy beach that invites you to slow down, breathe freely, and simply enjoy the rhythm of the sea.

Surf Culture & The Bay

The heart of Hiriketiya is its beach — a crescent-shaped bay that offers waves for every level of surfer. Beginners gather near the gentler beach break, while more experienced riders find their groove at the reef break toward the edges of the bay. Board rentals and lessons are easy to find right on the sand, and conversing with fellow wave riders feels as natural as watching the sunset melt into the ocean.

Beyond the Breaks

There’s more to Hiriketiya than surfboards and sea. The town’s laid-back culture extends into small cafés, yoga spots, and local eateries that line the roads just behind the beach. Yoga classes in jungle-backed shalas, healthy brunch spots, and sunset lounges offer calm pockets of experience when you’re not on the water, letting you find your own rhythm between movement and stillness.

Nearby Beaches & Hidden Corners

Just beyond Hiriketiya, the south coast unfolds with other treasures. Nilwella and Blue Beach Island offer quieter sands and scenic walks along narrow sandbanks, while Silent Beach rewards early risers with serenity under swaying palms. Days here can be as easy or as explorative as you wish — wander a little, find a hidden stretch of sand, and let the ocean guide your pace.

The Feeling You Take With You

Hiriketiya isn’t about ticking off sights. It’s about mornings spent on soft sand with salt on your lips, afternoons sipping slow coffee in shaded cafés, and evenings where the surf’s hum fades into laughter and music. Whether you come for the waves, the yoga, the food, or simply the ocean breeze, Hiriketiya stays with you because it invites you to live within the moment, not chase it.