Bike Rental Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya Beach

A perfect horseshoe of white sand enclosed by rocky headlands with a consistent beach break surf wave running along the left side of the bay. The beach is small enough to feel intimate and large enough to never feel crowded. The collection of exceptional beach cafes and surf schools operating from the sandy strip has become one of the most creatively impressive on the south coast. Sunrise from the eastern headland is one of the great south coast morning experiences.

Hiriketiya Surf Break

One of the most consistent and enjoyable beginner-to-intermediate waves on the south coast. The left-hand wave breaks along the reef at the western end of the bay and the beach break in the centre provides excellent conditions for learners and improvers. The wave works best on south and southwest swell with offshore winds in the early morning. Best November to April when consistent swells reach the south coast. The surf community around Hiriketiya is genuinely welcoming and the atmosphere in the water is relaxed.

Dickwella & Hummanaya Blowhole

The town of Dickwella sits just 2km above Hiriketiya on the A2 coastal highway and is home to the extraordinary Hummanaya Blowhole – the second largest natural blowhole in Asia. Ocean waves are forced through an underground rock channel and explode upward in a spectacular geyser of seawater reaching up to 20 metres above the cliff edge. Most dramatic at high tide with a rough sea running. The surrounding headland offers dramatic views over the open Indian Ocean.

Wewurukannala Vihara (Giant Buddha)

Just 3km north of Dickwella, the Wewurukannala Vihara contains one of the most extraordinary and unusual temple complexes in Sri Lanka – a 50-metre seated Buddha statue visible from the A2 highway, surrounded by a multi-storey temple building that visitors can climb through, floor by floor, past extraordinarily vivid dioramas of scenes from hell and heaven in traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist iconography. An overwhelming and utterly unique cultural experience that most south coast visitors drive past without stopping.

Mirissa Beach

Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beach destination is 20km west of Hiriketiya. Mirissa’s perfect horseshoe bay, whale watching harbour (November to April), and legendary Parrot Rock viewpoint are all within easy reach. The ride west from Hiriketiya along the A2 coastal highway passes through Dickwella, Weligama’s surf bay, and several beautiful fishing villages. A perfect half-day excursion – blue whales before breakfast and surf before lunch.

Weligama Bay & Taprobane Island

Weligama’s wide sheltered bay with its perfect beginner surf waves, the iconic Taprobane Island villa, and the famous stilt fishermen is 15km west of Hiriketiya. The ride west passes through Dickwella and several fishing villages. Weligama is the perfect pit stop between Hiriketiya and Galle – excellent local seafood restaurants, a lively surf community, and genuine south coast charm.

Galle Fort

The finest colonial heritage site in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage destination, Galle Fort is 40km west of Hiriketiya. The 17th-century Dutch fort with its 3km of ancient ramparts, cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, and boutique hotels is one of the most extraordinary places in Sri Lanka. Visit in the early morning before tour buses arrive. Leave Hiriketiya at 7:00 AM, explore the fort from 8:00–10:00 AM, and return to Hiriketiya by 11:00 AM for the afternoon surf session.

Matara Dutch Fort & Star Fort

The city of Matara is 15km east of Hiriketiya and home to the south coast’s second finest Dutch colonial heritage – the Matara Fort and the perfectly preserved Star Fort, a tiny 18th-century fortification surrounded by a moat that rivals Galle’s monuments in historical significance. Matara town has a lively market, excellent local food, and genuine Sri Lankan city character. The Polhena reef beach nearby is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to snorkel with sea turtles from the shore.

Tangalle & Wild East Coast

One of the south coast’s most beautiful and unspoiled towns, Tangalle is 30km east of Hiriketiya and surrounded by some of the finest uncrowded beaches in Sri Lanka. Medaketiya Beach, Marakolliya Beach, and the wild Rekawa turtle nesting beach are all near Tangalle. The ride east from Hiriketiya through Dickwella and Matara becomes increasingly dramatic and wild as you approach Tangalle.

Rekawa Turtle Beach

Sri Lanka’s most important sea turtle nesting site, Rekawa Beach sees all five nesting turtle species come ashore almost every night of the year. The Rekawa Conservation Project organises responsible guided night watches (depart 7:00 PM). Ride east in the late afternoon (5:00–5:30 PM), arrive at the Conservation Station by 6:30 PM, watch turtles nest by moonlight until 10:00–11:00 PM, and ride back under the stars. One of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka.

Mulgirigala Rock Monastery

One of the most dramatic and least-visited ancient sites in Sri Lanka – a series of ancient Buddhist cave temples carved into a massive granite rock outcrop rising dramatically from the flat coconut palm landscape 25km north of Hiriketiya. Dating to the 1st century BC, the caves contain extraordinary reclining Buddha statues, ancient ceiling frescoes, and 500 ancient steps climbing to a sky dagoba at the summit with panoramic views over the southern plains.

Unawatuna Beach

One of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and famous beaches, Unawatuna is 32km west of Hiriketiya in a perfect sheltered bay with calm swimming water, excellent snorkelling over coral reefs, and a lively beach strip. The ride west passes through Weligama, Ahangama’s stilt fishermen, and Koggala Lake – one of the finest sections of the south coast coastal road. Combine with Galle Fort for a complete west coast day excursion.

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

One of the finest bird sanctuaries on the south coast, the Kalametiya wetland complex is 25km east of Hiriketiya near Tangalle – a mosaic of lagoons, mangroves, and dry zone scrub home to painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills, sea eagles, and dozens of migratory species. Best between October and March when migratory birds augment the resident population. A perfect morning birdwatching ride from Hiriketiya.

Polhena Reef Beach

The Polhena reef beach near Matara is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to snorkel with sea turtles without a boat tour. The sheltered reef lagoon has calm, clear water year-round and sea turtles are regularly seen feeding on the seagrass. Combine with a Matara Dutch Fort visit for a complete east coast morning from Hiriketiya.

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve and home to the world’s highest density of wild leopards, Yala is 80km east of Hiriketiya via Matara, Tangalle, and Hambantota. The ride east crosses from the coastal tourist south to the dramatic dry zone wilderness. Book jeep safaris in advance and consider an overnight stay at Tissamaharama for the 5:30 AM morning safari.

Easy

Hiriketiya to Galle Fort via Coastal Road – 40km West

Ride west from Hiriketiya through Dickwella, Matara outskirts, Weligama, Ahangama stilt fishermen, Koggala, and Unawatuna to reach Galle Fort. One of the great south coast motorcycle routes – the scenery from Hiriketiya west to Galle is consistently spectacular with the ocean in view for most of the journey. Best ridden in the early morning for light and atmosphere.

Easy

Hiriketiya to Tangalle & Rekawa – 30–42km East

Head east from Hiriketiya through Dickwella and Matara to reach Tangalle’s wild beaches and continue to Rekawa turtle nesting beach. The eastern route is one of the finest sections of the south coast – increasingly wild and dramatic with every kilometre. Plan a full day east to include Tangalle town, Mulgirigala monastery, and an evening Rekawa turtle night watch.

Easy

Hiriketiya to Mirissa & Whale Watching – 20km West

Ride west to Mirissa for the 6:00 AM whale watching boat departure (November to April). Return to Hiriketiya for a late morning surf session. This combination is one of the great south coast mornings – blue whales before breakfast and surf before lunch.

Easy

Hiriketiya to Mulgirigala Inland – 25km North

Head north from Hiriketiya through Dickwella on the inland road to reach Mulgirigala Rock Monastery. The inland route from the coast is a beautiful contrast to the coastal highway – quiet roads through rubber and coconut estates to a genuinely extraordinary ancient site visited by very few tourists.

Easy to Moderate

Hiriketiya to Yala National Park – 80km East

The extended east coast ride from Hiriketiya to Yala passes through the full wild eastern south coast – Matara, Tangalle, Rekawa, Hambantota, and Bundala before reaching the Yala park entrance. A magnificent full-day or overnight adventure revealing the complete transition from the tourist south coast to the wild dry zone wilderness.