A Laid-back Guide to Visiting Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka

Sat at the most southern tip of Sri Lanka is a secret surf haven, an idyllic beach-side paradise for travellers who prefer a laid back approach to holidaying. Welcome to Hiriketiya…

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Where to stay in Hiriketiya

Save: Surf Villa Hiriketiya. Simple but completely adequate accommodation! These beach-side villas have a simple but comfortable bedroom with decent AC and a large wetroom. The location is perfect, you’ll be able to go from bed to surfboard in under 2 minutes! The villas have a garden area too, a great place to watch the macaques!

Spend: Salt House. The place to go for a laid-back stay, especially if you want to meet like-minded people and do a bit of yoga too. There is a pool, shahid lounge area, a place to grab a bite to eat and a drink too. Some rooms have a balcony or patio, but all of it is nestled on the edge of the jungle and a very short walk from the beach.

Splurge: Meda Gedara Villa. This is a short ride or drive from Hiriketiya, but it is a dream of a place to stay if travelling with a group. Highlights include a water flume through the jungle into a pool with a sea view, glorious gardens with tennis court and a yoga shala, your very own private beach, and a wonderful team on hand to make your stay as personalised and memorable as possible. It sleeps as many as 18 people, has a bunk room for the kids, and even a mini villa in the garden for anyone who feels like they need a bit more privacy.

What to do in Hiriketiya

This place is a surfers haven, so book on some morning classes and spend the afternoon honing your skills! There are plenty of tutors and schools to choose from, and many of the local accommodations will be able to arrange lessons on your behalf.

I’d also highly recommend taking a trip to the nearby nature reserve to see the elephants in their natural habitat, as well as a guided tour of the botanical gardens and turtle sanctuary a short drive away.

As goes with the cosmopolitan beachside vibe, there is plenty of yoga on the go, and you’ll nearly always find a retreat in action while you are here.

What I loved about Hiriketiya

The atmosphere was incredible. It felt safe (as a female), unlike some more northern parts of the island; the locals and tourists were friendly, accommodating, and keen to share their experiences. The beachside food shacks served up the freshest food and smoothies imaginable – even on occasion the host would scoot off to get the ingredients as an order was placed. It was at a place on the beach that I hands down had the best squid of my life. And the passion fruit martinis… it felt strange to have a cocktail that feels healthy, made with fruit fresh from the tree!

What I did not love

As wonderful as it feels, the illusion of paradise was the thing I found most difficult here. Sri Lanka is going through some very difficult social and economic times, and the people here are struggling. The jarring difference between being immersed in a privileged bubble vs meeting local people struggling to survive is something I advise people to be aware of before they come here. Some say that Sri Lanka as a destination is “India lite”, nonetheless you will encounter the same issues, but not in the same magnitude.

Top Tips for visiting Sri Lanka

Pack for rain, sun, mosquitos, swimming, hiking… honestly, check out this packing list for what to take, you won’t regret it! The Sri Lanka Ultimate Packing Guide.
Get your visa sorted well in advance and check your vaccination status.
Sri Lanka has a closed currency, so get your travel money there and only use ATMs at a bank or major hotels.
Brush up on etiquette,it is a buddhist nation so certain things are highly taboo! Check out more here: Sri Lanka Travel Advice.
Don’t flash your valuables. People here are in poverty, not only is it disrespectful, but could also attract opportunistic crime.
If you are a female traveller, take extra care and avoid being out after dark on your own.
Get travel insurance! It amazes me how many people don’t take travel insurance seriously. Even something minor such as losing a passport can be costly and time consuming, and who wants that while on holiday?