Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya is a small bay near Dikwella on the south coast. The beach curves between green headlands, with cafes and places to stay nearby. It is easy to spend a few days here without travelling far, though the beach can be busy at popular times.

Surfing is a big part of life around the bay. You can watch from the shore or ask a local instructor about a lesson suited to your level. Between outings, there are places to stop for breakfast, coffee or a long lunch. Nearby Dikwella offers a change of scene if you want to explore.

The photo from above shows the curved bay and the green headlands on either side. From the beach, you can watch waves roll towards the sand and see where surfers gather. Spend a little time looking before deciding where to swim or take a lesson.

The surfing photo gives a closer view of an active day in the water, while the palm-lined beach offers a quieter option. You can mix the two during your stay. Keep your plans loose enough for a rest between lessons or an afternoon spent entirely on shore.

The bay is shared by swimmers and surfers, so ask where to enter the water and stay clear of surfboards. Conditions vary, even when the beach looks sheltered. Hiriketiya fits well into a south-coast trip alongside Tangalle or other beach towns farther west.