A long time back, Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka was a gentle South Coast beach with minimal activity. Sure, few people such as the fishermen and locals knew about it but that was it as not many tourists heard about it. It was tucked away among the tall palm trees and lush forests that still surround it. Soon, one surfer after another discovered what a pleasant destination it was for surfers and the word got out. Since then, the beach has caught the attention of avid travellers and beach enthusiasts who love the laid-back vibe that has everything you could ask for without the unnecessary cacophony of loud music.
About Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka
Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka, is like a painting you cannot get out of your mind. The horseshoe-shaped bay, with its marvellous turquoise waters, golden sandy shore, and thick foliage, is breathtakingly exquisite. The beach is an eco-tourism hub that is sprinkled with Sri Lankan culture. You can find some shade below the towering palm trees and drink some fresh and sweet coconut water that refreshes you in every way possible. The beach has a tropical vibe that makes you unwind without effort and relaxes you beyond belief. The delicacies by the shore are tantalizing and just hit the right spots.
If you want a beach that does not resemble a ghost town but is not overcrowded, Hiriketiya Beach is it. Somehow, it has maintained the charm it had when only a few tourists frequented its shores. Even though considerable development has occurred since those times, the beach is still tranquil. Anyone who wishes to chill or participate in adventurous watersports simply can do so here without much disturbance. Of course, the mornings are the best times for lesser tourists to visit the beach, but even if you come during peak hours, the beach will captivate all your senses.
Must Read: Things To Do In Matara
What To Do At Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka
From taking a stroll to paddleboarding, enjoy these activities at Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka!
Stroll
The fine sand beneath your feet and the gorgeous sun above is the way to go with breezy waves singing at the Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka. The unique-shaped beach is perfect for strolling as you can enjoy the beach closely. Witness vendors are having the time of their life passionately selling food items, children making sandcastles, surfers looking for the next big wave, and all the fun at the beach! Collect seashells and admire the rock formations too.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is an excellent way to experience marine life closely and the beach provides you with the opportunity to do so! As the water is quite clear you can easily spot fish and sometimes even turtles swimming close to you! You do not need to purchase and bring the gear as you can rent it. While you will not find many coral reefs on the beach, the aquatic life is bustling with vibrant fishes that are swimming in their rhythm!
Surfing
Surfing is how Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka became popular and it still pulls people from all over the globe because of it. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you can enjoy the beach waves to the fullest. The wave heights go up to about 3 metres. If you want to learn surfing, you can also join surfing classes as many experts are more than happy to teach you the basics! The best time to come to the beach for surfing is from November to April.
Photography
Hiriketiya Beach is every photographer’s dream because it is so distinct from the usual clear beaches. The towering palm trees that sway to the winds, the clean waters of the beach, the fishes that sometimes make it towards the shore, and the sparkling sand make for excellent photographs. Every corner of the beach is picturesque and the sunsets provide additional allure you cannot miss at the beautiful beach.
Paddleboarding
Another popular activity at Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka is paddleboarding. The beach generally has calm water which is suitable for paddleboarding. It is one of the best ways to explore the beach area and enjoy the clear waters of the beach. You can rent paddleboards at the beach so no need to carry them with you! You can also find instructors who can teach you how to paddleboard at the beach if you are a beginner.
Best Time To Visit Hiriketiya Beach In Sri Lanka
As Hiriketiya Beach falls on the South Coast, you want to avoid the monsoon season when travelling is a mess and the beaches are not as fun. The heavy rainfall usually occurs in September and October. If you want to happily enjoy all the water activities, then mid-November to April is the best time to do so. The trees and plants are in full bloom and there is lush green around that complements the beach waters. If you must pick a month to travel to the beach on the South Coast, make it February when the weather is pleasant for all outdoor activities.
Suggested Read: Exploring Matara Fort In Sri Lanka
How To Reach Hiriketiya Beach In Sri Lanka
Colombo: You can catch a train from Colombo Fort to Matara Station. The train journey will take around 3 hours or more, depending on the train you catch. Then you can catch a tuk-tuk or a cab from Matara to the beach, which is about 23 km away.
Galle: Many trains are available that frequently run between Galle and Matara. It will take between 1 and a half hours to 2 hours to reach. The other option is to catch a bus from Galle to Matara and then go to the beach via tuk-tuk.
Tips For Visiting Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka
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- Swim with caution because the conditions are not optimal for swimming at the beach.
- Book your accommodation beforehand to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during peak season.
- It can get pretty hot, so wear a water bottle and stay hydrated.
- Sunburn is common here, and the weather can get warm quickly. Therefore, ensure you are always wearing sunscreen when you go to the beach.
- Book surfing lessons in advance if you want to learn surfing.
- The weather can change suddenly in the area, so make sure you check the weather update before going to the beach.
- You will find many food options near the beach which have local and international cuisine.
Further Read: Top Places To Visit In Matara
Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for the beach lover as it is a gorgeous beach with loads of activities to do, has many attractions nearby, and is in a convenient location. Do not forget to add this to your trip to Sri Lanka itinerary especially if you have plans to visit the ravishing South Coast!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka
When to visit the beach?
The best time is from mid-November to April as the climate is great and there is little to no possibility of rainfall.
How much time to spend at the beach?
It depends on what you want to do as Hritiketiya is great for a ton of fun activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, and more.
Is the beach suitable for beginner-level surfers?
The two breaks make the beach beginner-friendly.
Where is Hiriketiya Beach?
It is close to Dickwella which is a popular destination in Sri Lanka that falls in the Matara District. The beach is on the South Coast.
Where to eat at the beach?
You can find many amazing options at the beach. Some of the best ones are Dots Bay House, Malu Poke, and Garlic Café.
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