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Waves breaking over the rocks on Dickwella beach, beside Hiriketiya

South coast

Hiriketiya

A small horseshoe bay near Dikwella with a gentle surf break, palm-backed sand and a relaxed cafe scene, close to giant Buddhas and a blowhole.

Plan a trip with Hiriketiya
Time to spend
2 to 3 nights
Best months
December to April.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks and scooters. It is about three hours from the airport on the expressway.
Good to know
The bay is shallow over rocks at the edges. Beginners should stay in the sandy middle and take a lesson on the first day.

Hiriketiya is a sheltered, almost circular cove just outside Dikwella on the far south coast. A reef break on one side and a gentle beach break on the other make it popular with surfers of all levels.

The village has grown into a quiet base of guesthouses, yoga shalas and cafes, but the bay is small, so it fills up in high season.

Nearby are the Wewurukannala temple with its 50-metre seated Buddha, the Hummanaya blowhole and the beaches of Tangalle to the east.

What to see and do

  • Hiriketiya bay Must see

    DirectionsOpen in Maps

    The horseshoe bay itself, with a beginner-friendly beach break, a reef break for experienced surfers and calm water for swimming on small days.

    3 hr · MorningFree entryDetails

    Board hire and lessons are extra.

  • Wewurukannala Vihara

    DirectionsOpen in Maps

    A temple with one of the island's largest seated Buddha statues, about 50 metres tall, and a tunnel of painted scenes of the afterlife.

    45 min · AfternoonFee chargedto confirmCover shoulders and kneesDetails

    A small fee is charged for foreign visitors.

  • Hummanaya blowhole

    DirectionsOpen in Maps

    A sea blowhole near Kudawella that sends spray high into the air when the swell is up, reached by steps down the headland.

    45 min · AfternoonLKR 500to confirmDetails

    Reported at about LKR 500 for foreign visitors.

Also consider

Nearby places to stay

Photos

The giant seated Buddha at Wewurukannala Vihara, Dikwella
The giant seated Buddha at Wewurukannala Vihara, Dikwella
A painted reclining Buddha inside Wewurukannala Vihara
A painted reclining Buddha inside Wewurukannala Vihara
Spray rising from the Hummanaya blowhole near Kudawella
Spray rising from the Hummanaya blowhole near Kudawella

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