SURFERS’ HAVEN

Surf till you drop in Hiriketiya

Ruwandi Perera finds where sun, sea sand and sky are ‘surfection’

It may not seem promising or ‘beachy’ when you drive off the Galle Road onto a dingy tree lined street with a green canopy overhead, and houses located here and there. Yet, the idea that ‘looks can be deceiving’ is never truer than at this hideaway beach destination, which is perhaps the least known although increasingly sought after in Sri Lanka.

Hiriketiya can be called ‘God’s own backyard beach.’ It’s small and cosy, and a textbook horseshoe bay located in Dickwella with a pool-like basin of warm crystal clear water sporting perfect waves for amateurs and professional surfers alike.

Discovered a few years ago and transformed from a lonely bay into an artsy beach, Hiriketiya has the power to transport you to a whole new world!

Time seems to be submerged by the waves here and there’s an undeniably ‘peaceful, easy feeling’ that envelops visitors who set foot on the beach. You can be as lazy or energetic as you like and decide exactly how much – or little – you want to do.

And it’s best not to entertain any agendas when you visit this magical beach; but rather, do what surfers do best… go with the flow!

This hideaway beach is gaining popularity among foreigners and Sri Lankans alike, much to the displeasure of diehard ‘Hiri’ lovers, so head on over before it gets overcrowded.

And let’s hope it never does!