Hiriketiya beach
Hiriketiya is located in the south of Sri Lanka between two small villages - Nivella and Dickwella. The small horseshoe-shaped bay is surrounded by coconut palms and protected from east and west winds. Strong seasonal storms are a rarity thanks to that, and the low waves are perfect even for beginner surfers.
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Beach description
Despite its relatively long distance from the popular tourist areas, Hiriketiya has quite crowded and lively. The coastline is narrow, so it's recommended to come early to find a good spot. Small restaurants where you can eat and wait until the heat stops while watching surfers are situated along the whole beach. And the surfers are plenty, especially beginners who want to gain experience from the local instructors. There's an equipment rental store here, and prices are lower than on popular resorts.
You can get to Hiriketiya by bus that circulates from Mirissa to Dickwella. A picturesque pathway leads from the bus stop to the beach through the jungle, and you can encounter peacocks and wild monkeys along the way.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is the period from November to April, when the weather is dry. In summer, the rainy season takes place in Sri Lanka, however, the prices this season are much lower. So if you are not afraid of rainfalls (which commonly take place at night, and by morning the ground dries up), a trip in the summer can be a great option for a budget holiday.