What Are The Best Hotels In Galle? Know About The Places To Stay 

BY  Sibashree Mar 23, 2026

Hiriketiya Beach is a place that can disrupt your travel plans completely.  You may arrive with plans for a two-night stay and end up spending 3 weeks developing a routine of mornings spent surfing, drinking coconut coffee, and watching the sun set down on the jungle.  This tucked-away cove in Sri Lanka’s southern coast, nicknamed by its community of surfers and digital nomads as "Hiri", is a textbook example of tropical aesthetics.  The cove is well-formed, with water that is surrounded by palm trees, and has a jungle so dense behind it that you will hear monkeys scurrying through the tree tops of your surfboard as they find their way there.  Hiri feels like a secret to be shared, but is just being revealed to people in the surrounding towns of Weligama and Mirissa.  Hiriketiya has developed to become a more sophisticated version of Weligama and Mirissa. The "vibe" of Hiriketiya is not just another phrase used by hipsters. It is the currency used by locals. Here is more about this beautiful coastal gem in Sri Lanka.  The Evolution Of Hiriketiya Beach: Why You Need To Go Now Hiriketiya has experienced an incredible transformation over the last few years.  Only a few years ago, this sleepy little fishing village had only a few guesthouses and one small roti shop. It is quite similar to the beaches in Jaffna in that way.  Now, it's become a vibrant hub, and even though it has lost some of its "untouched" charm. Moreover, this infusion of new energy has produced world-class specialty coffee shops, beautiful state-of-the-art Yoga studios, and a co-working scene. But despite these rapid changes, the spirit of this village remains.  The Surf At Hirikeya Beach: A Wave For Every Soul The horseshoe shape and the unique geography of the Hirikeya Beach make it ideal for every type of surfer.  Here is a quick breakdown. Surf LocationDetails The Beach Break (Right Side)- Beginner-Friendly- Sandy Bottom- Gentle WavesThe Middle- Ideal for Longboarders- Offers a Mellow RideThe Point Break (Left Side)- Ideal for Professionals- Shallow Reef Board rentals are standardized at 1000 LKR per hour.  If the Hirikeya Beach is very busy, you can go 3.5 km east and find Kudawella Beach.  Where Is Hirikeya Beach? How To Reach It?  Hiriketiya is located off the main highway along the coast, about one mile away from the town of Dickwella.  Since Hiriketiya is not on a major transit route, you will have to use Dickwella as your transit point. 1. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Colombo The best way to get there is by taking the train from Colombo Fort to Matara, which takes approximately four hours.  From Matara, you can take a local bus to Dickwella or take a tuk-tuk taxi. You can also take a highway express bus from Colombo to Matara and arrive in about three hours. 2. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Ella You can catch the #31 bus at the intersection of the Ella-Passara Road as you travel through tea country.  It is approximately four hours to the coast on a winding road. Just tell the conductor you want to go to Dickwella. 3. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Arugam Bay If you are traveling from the East Coast surf to the surf in the South, there is a direct bus leaving from Pottuvil every day around 6:30 AM, arriving at Dickwella approximately six hours later. What Are The Things To Do At Hirikeya Beach? (Beyond Surfing) Hiri has just as much gravitational force to attract chill seekers. So, here are the things to do beyond surfing.  1. Walk To Blue Beach Island If you're looking for a little adventure, try the 2.5km (1.5-mile) walk to Nilwella.  You'll be walking through peaceful local neighborhoods when you find a beautiful natural sandbar that links the mainland with a small island.  Moreover, walking over a sandbar with breaking waves on both sides of you is something you will remember long after leaving Hiri.  Also, it is the best place to watch the sunset. 2. Sip In Style At Smoke And Bitters Believe it or not, one of the 50 Best Bars in Asia is hidden deep in a coconut grove.  Furthermore, the menu at Smoke and Bitters is based on the smokehouse method of cooking, using local Sri Lankan ingredients with cooking methods from around the globe.  Moreover, you must try the smoked harissa pumpkin and the pork ribs as they are WOW!!  Every cocktail created at Smoke and Bitters is a work of art. The price of a drink here, compared to what you would expect to pay in Sri Lanka, may seem high. However, when you want to treat yourself, there is no better place to go. 3. Become A Culinary Master With Rosie Rosie's cooking class experience is the ultimate rite of passage in Hiri.  While she prepares the dishes during your cooking class, you will also hear many personal stories of her life and how she made some special Sri Lankan spice combinations. Moreover, it costs 6000 LKR, and the 4-hour feast is the ultimate attraction.  The Digital Nomad And Yoga Scene At Hirikeya Beach  Hiriketiya has become a cornerstone of the "work-from-anywhere" lifestyle.  Places like Dots Bay House and Salty Pelican provide the infrastructure (and the caffeine) needed to hit deadlines. Moreover, when it comes to physical and mental well-being, Arise is unparalleled.  So, they provide a variety of classes to choose from, including Muay Thai, ecstatic dance, and Reiki, as well as many types of Vinyasa yoga.  Additionally, their Salt House location offers stunning rooftop yoga classes where you can do yoga while listening to the waves below. Where to Stay In Hiriketiya? Hiriketiya offers a versatile range of accommodation. Here are some places you can try.  1. Salt House  This upscale beach hotel has a boutique feel.  Located 5 minutes away from the beach, the hotel has spacious, minimalistic rooms opening directly to its central pool and open-air cafe.  Moreover, on-site yoga classes every day attract those interested in wellness. Room rates begin at about 21000 LKD per night. 2. Dots Bay House  Located next to the surfing area, 'Dots', the centre of Hiri's social scene, offers accommodation options ranging from dormitories to high-end private rooms.  Moreover, facilities include an on-site co-working space, swimming pool, and popular bar which features the best live music acts in town. Prices start at approximately 7000 LKD per night. 3. Hiriketiya White House  A charming, family-owned guesthouse hidden away in the jungle, offering an excellent option for visitors who want authentic experiences at affordable prices.  Also, the double rooms come with beautiful contemporary bathrooms and balconies where guests can enjoy watching monkeys play overhead. Moreover, the prices start from about 5500 LKD per night.  When To Visit Hiriketiya Beach? Due to offshore winds and consistent swell during the "High Season", November to April is the best time for surfers to be out on the ocean.  Moreover, December to February is the busiest time of year, with hot and dry weather as well as a lot of activity happening around town.  However, there are two downsides. The first is that accommodation prices rise significantly, and the second is that line-ups at the ocean can be extremely crowded. Where To Eat In Hiriketiya? As an enthusiast of TheLowDownUnder Travel and genuine experiences, I felt compelled to sample the local cuisine at Hirikeya. So, here are a few recommendations for places to check out. 1. Lemon Grass Café Considered the benchmark for rice and curry in Sri Lanka, this family-run establishment is modest yet impactful.  Moreover, for 1000 LKR, you’ll enjoy a generous array of at least four different vegetable curries, rice, and dessert, with unlimited refills. 2. Kingsley’s Kitchen Another gem in the area, Kingsley is a well-known figure in the village who serves outstanding home-cooked meals.  Dinner operates on a pre-order basis, so be sure to stop by during the day to reserve your meal.  Moreover, it’s one of the most budget-friendly spots in the bay, with a vegetarian curry priced at 750 LKR. 3. Dahami Situated at the Dickwella intersection, this is where the locals dine. Furthermore, it’s a straightforward buffet offering a mountain of rice and curry for just 450 LKR. Moreover, for those seeking specialty cafés and a beach atmosphere, options like Duni’s Hoppers Café, MOND Café, and La Playa are worth considering.

BY  Sibashree Sep 23, 2026

I drove through Kekirawa and followed a road along the Kala Wewa Reservoir.  After a few small shops and a car park, I got a glimpse of the 12-meter-long Aukana Buddha statue.  The history of this granite statue dates back to the 5th century, and King Dhatusena had it carved.  Also, Aukana Pilimaya is one of the most significant Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, despite having fewer crowds.  Do you know how the statue got its name? Aukana in Sinhalese means sun-eating, referring to how the first rays of the sun fall on this east-facing statue.  Pilimaya means image or statue.  In this article, I will discuss all the details of the statue, including its history, the timings of the visit, and more.  Aukana Buddha At A Glance DetailWhat to knowLocationNear Kekirawa, Anuradhapura District, North Central Province.It is beside the Kala Wewa reservoir.TypeStanding Buddha carved from a granite rock face.Raised right hand in a variation of the abhaya mudra.HeightAround 12 MetersDate5th century (King Dhatusena) is the usual attribution.However, there are debates about the actual date. Attached to rock?Yes, by a thin strip of stone behind the figure.Managed byCentral Cultural Fund.Time needed30–90 MinutesBest timeDawn or early morning as the statue faces east.  My Drive To Kekirawa And The Kala Wewa Shore I traveled to Aukana from the Dambulla side.  So, I took the A9 road north and turned off at Kekirawa.  Furthermore, the last stretch on the journey ran beside the vast Kala Wewa. It was a tank built by Dhatusena.  The Debates Over Who Made It Are Prominent From The First Sight So, despite the debates, connecting the threads here is easy. The king who built a reservoir here can easily build a Buddha statue here.  Also, Culavamsa, the medieval chronicle of Sri Lanka, has a record of King Dhatusena commissioning a jeweled diadem for the “Kalasela” image. Many interpret it as Avukana.  However, Leelananda Prematilleke, a great scholar of archaeology in Sri Lanka, is of a different opinion.  I am quoting him from Asian Historical Architecture.  “...that the image at Avukana is posterior to the 6th century.”  Moreover, he found certain features of the statue in contrast to the earlier Madavacciya and Veheragala traditions. About the features he found in contrast, he wrote, “stylistic advance indicated by the double chin, the ridge formation of the lips and the eye-brows, the sharp curve of the robe falling over the left wrist." Here, one practical piece of advice I want to add.  You cannot trust Google Maps completely here. Ask locals, especially when moving to the stalls and car park.  The History: Then, Who Carved It, And When? The honest answer is that the date is still debated. The most common attribution is the reign of Dhatusena, but there are competing views, summarised below. Proposed dateAttributed to5th century ADKing Dhatusena5th to 8th century ADBroad range for the colossal Buddha tradition.8th century ADSuggested by Paranavitana, based on a donor inscription on a stone slab.12th century ADA popular belief credits Parakramabahu I. First Sight Of The Statue The standing figure of Lord Buddha here rises from a carved lotus pedestal. The expression on the face is calm, and looking at it instantly takes your weight away.  The figure was tall. So, I went a little farther away and tilted my head back to see the entire statue.  Next, I walked closer to the statue and noticed the detailing, including the folds of the robe that looked fine as fabric.  The Detail I Would Have Missed Without Looking Closely Art historians find the Abhay Mudra hand posture of Lord Buddha influenced by the Amaravati style.  The same style is also visible in the bulging robe near his ankle.  On the other hand, the detailing and the proportions of the body parts show prominent influence of the Gupta era. So, when you take a photograph of this statue, you capture a fusion of notable art styles across various eras.  The Hidden Deities Under The Pedestal The pedestal was separately carved and pushed beneath the figure.  In 1952, during conservation, archaeologists found a small chamber under it. The chamber had five bronze figures.  Among them, Brahma was in the center, with Indra, Kubera, Yama, and Varuna around him.  I found this the most human detail of the site, a small protective offering hidden under a colossal one. Also, as I have seen in Gal Vihara, here also the religious integration of Hinduism and Buddhism is prominent.  The Canopy Controversy In 1976, the Department of Archaeology built a huge brick arch over the statue. Constructed using around a million bricks, it was built as a shelter for the statue.  However, in 1998, the Sunday Times published a report showing how unstable the arch had become due to tree roots penetrating through it and water seepage.  It mentioned,  “The brick arch constructed in the '70s by the Department of Archaeology has been rendered unstable by water seepage and is in imminent danger of collapse, thus threatening the 1521-year-old statue, located in the Anuradhapura District.” However, when I last visited the statue, the canopy was still there.  Latest Updates For 2026 Visitors The Central Cultural Fund (CCF) manages this site, and you can buy the e-ticket for a visit to this heritage site from the CCF.  Sri Lanka received 1,535,122 visitors from January to August 2026. However, Aukana sits off the main circuit and stays quiet. Tickets, Timings And How to Get There Aukana is not part of the Cultural Triangle round ticket. So, buy an e-ticket from the CCF website or pay on site.  ItemDetailEntrance fee (reported)LKR 1,000 per personDressShoulders and knees covered.Take your shoes off near the platform.BusDambulla to Anuradhapura buses stop at Kekirawa.Local bus No. 548 covers the 19 km to Aukana.TrainOnly four daily trains stop at Aukana, and the station is 1 km from the statue.DistanceAbout 30 km northwest of Dambulla.Also, it is roughly an hour from Anuradhapura, Dambulla, or Sigiriya. Tuk-Tuk Charges Kekirawa-to-Aukana tuk-tuk charge is around LKR 900, including waiting time. However, the actual price you need to pay will change based on how much you can negotiate.  The statue is 800 m from Aukana village. A One-Day Itinerary With Aukana Aukana is an ideal mid-morning stop between the Sacred City of Anuradhapura and the cluster of the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  TimeStopNotes7:00 AMDepart AnuradhapuraStart early to beat the heat.8:30 AMAukana BuddhaThe east-facing statue is lit well in the morning.9:30 AMSasseruwa (optional)About 11 KM further.11:00 AMKala Wewa shoreShort stop for views of the reservoir.12:30 PMLunch in Kekirawa or DambullaSimple rice and curry.2:00 PMDambulla Cave TempleContinue along the Cultural Triangle. Nearby Places To Combine With Aukana You can easily pair a visit to the Aukana Buddha Statue with Ras Vehera or Sasseruwa. Ras Vehera has a similar Buddha statue in a standing posture, and it is in a jungle setting near Galnewa.  In this context, it is worth reading what H.C.P. Bell wrote in the “895 edition of the Archaeological Survey of Ceylon.” He excavated Aukana Buddha in 1895.  “This image is of much the same height as its mighty fellow at Seseruwa, but in every respect has the advantage, and impresses the gazer far more strongly.” He further added,  “In contrast the Avukana statue, cut almost in full round from a boulder of about the same height, stands boldly forward, huge, assertive, awe-inspiring.  The features, members, and robe are better chiselled, and the expression is not wanting in placid dignity.  Exclusive of the nimbus (sirespota, 3 ft. 8 in.) and pedestal (3 ft. 10 in. in height, 15 ft. 2 in. in diameter), the figure rises 38 ft. 10 in. The Buddha stands in an attitude of blessing.” Also, the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is around 35 km from Aukana Pilimaya.  Comparing Aukana With Gal Vihara If you are interested in the art history of Sri Lanka, you will find out one fascinating fact.  The colossal Buddhas at Polonnaruwa's Gal Vihara continue the tradition that Aukana represents.  If you plan both, see Aukana first, then Gal Vihara, to follow the style forward in time. 

BY  Sibashree Aug 8, 2026

I got the whiff of Beruwala even before I reached it.  While Bentota is a glossier neighbor in the south, Beruwala seemed more significant to me.  I found it more appealing because it once again highlighted the inclusive nature of Sri Lanka.  If Jaffna is the hub of Hindu temples and Tamil Culture, Beruwala is the place where Islam first took root in Sri Lanka.  Also, as a coastal town, it has been welcoming pilgrims, traders, and sailors for more than a thousand years now.  All these make Beruwala an important spot on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, and in this article, I will discuss my experience there, Beruwala Beach, things to do, and more.  Beruwala: A Harbor With A Long Memory  Beruwala had the first multi-day fishing boat launching yard in Sri Lanka on 11th June, 2026.  It will promote the boat manufacturing industry of Sri Lanka. The boat manufacturing industry will be a leading export sector in the economic development of Sri Lanka in the future.  While this is a new feather added to the crown of Beruwala, it already has a long history as a harbor.  The name Beruwala itself has a Sinhalese origin, meaning “Lowering the Sail.” So, it functioned as a national anchorage since anyone even knew about it.  According to local history, the Arab traders landed here in the 8th century. They used this sheltered bay as a stopover on their trade routes across the Indian Ocean.  They came for gems, spices, and pearls, and some of them stayed. The Settlement Of The Moor Community  The first wave of settlement in Beruwala marked the beginning of the Sri Lankan Moor community. This community, or the Sri Lankan Muslims, can trace back their origin to the early Arab arrivals. Over the centuries, many intermarriages happened, and the community thrived.  Today, Beruwala remains one of the cultural centers of that community, and you feel it the moment you walk through town. You will hear the call to prayer drifting over the harbor, halal eateries lining the main road, and a rhythm of life that is different from most coastal areas in the stretch.  What Are The Things To Do In Beruwala?  I spent my first morning at the fishing harbor, the heart of the town.  If you can be here before 7 AM, you will see outrigger canoes and small trawlers come in loaded with the night's catch. Also, fishermen wearing wide-brimmed hats haul their nets while gulls circle overhead.  Yes, it is chaotic, but nothing is staged here. That authenticity or rawness stays with you.  Furthermore, the harbor of Beruwala is the main supplier of fresh seafood across the region. However, to be that, the fishermen did not have to leave everything old behind.  From the looks of the boats, they look like they have not been changed for generations. So, watching the fishermen sailing or working in the boats felt like being at a museum that preserves the working identity of this coastal town.   While you can spend an entire day at the fishing harbor, there are many attractions in Beruwala. So, let’s discuss the things to do.  1. A Visit To The Kechimalai Mosque And The Headland From the harbor, I took a short walk to Kechimalai Mosque. It is on the northern promontory where the earliest Arab-Muslim settlers first came ashore, according to local traditions.  There is a little confusion, though, about the origin or age of the mosque. Still, the popular opinion is that it was built between the 11th and 13th centuries.  The mosque has a humble architecture with pale walls, a modest dome, and arched windows facing the sea. Some parts of the mosque further reflect later renovations from the colonial period. Even if you do not want to enter the mosque, you can cherish the view of the harbor and open sea beyond it from the headland.  I was thrilled to know that it was the same vantage point sailors would have used a thousand years ago to judge the weather before setting out.  Moments like this ground you and help you connect with history.  2. Visiting The Masjid Al Abrar  Masjid Al Abrar is very close to the Kechimalai Mosque, and it is one of the oldest mosques in the country.  These two mosques and the smaller mosques scattered through the town carry an Islamic heritage that few other places on this coast can match,  3. Exploring The Beaches My beach experience in Beruwala started with Moragalla Beach. It was just north of the main town.  It won me over with its calmness, and it was uncrowded. So, I could do what I love the most, watching people.  I saw the fishermen working the shallows in the early morning.  The water here is gentle enough for casual swimming and decent snorkeling if you catch it on a clear day. Closer to the hotel strip, the main Beruwala beach stretches out with the kind of golden sand that made this coast famous in the first place. It is more developed, with resorts backing directly onto the shore, but it's still noticeably quieter than Bentota or Hikkaduwa further south.  Watersports In Beruwala Beach  If you are after watersports, this is also where you'll find operators offering jet skiing, parasailing, and diving trips out toward the reefs.  Beruwala and Bentota together form one of the more established watersports hubs on the southwest coast. Just offshore sits Barberyn Island, marked by its lighthouse, which makes for a nice reference point if you're out on the water or just watching the horizon from a beachfront restaurant at sunset. 4. Exploring The Food, Markets And China Fort Legacy  Beruwala has the best seafood in Sri Lanka, and it is tied to the identity of the town.  I had some of the best deviled prawns of my entire trip at a small place a few minutes' walk from the fish market. Furthermore, the fish curry I had here had a prominent presence of tamarind, and it was very different from what I ate in Jaffna and other parts of the north.  Once again, the prawn fritters or Isso wade was a good street-side snack, and you want to just chill and watch the fishermen in action.  5. Knowing Beruwala As A Gem-Trading Hub Beruwala has a famous history of gem trading. The historical landmark of China Fort here was the place from where the gem traders used to operate.  The China Fort Gem Tower still has many jewelry and handicraft shops. You will also find similar shops around the town.  Even if you are not buying something from these shops, you must browse them.  It will be a great experience to know how central trade once was to the town's economy. Reaching Beruwala And Getting Around  Beruwala is just 60 km south of Colombo, and you will find it along the A2 coastal highway.  If you are traveling from Colombo, you can take a car or taxi or travel by bus and train.  1. Reaching Beruwala By Taxi Or Car Despite a distance of just 60 km, a private car rental or taxi service from Colombo to Beruwala will be around LKR 13000.  The higher range can reach around LKR 22000 based on the type of vehicle you are hiring.  Considering the high cost, it is best to combine a trip to Beruwala with other coastal stops.  How To Combine A Trip To Beruwala From Colombo With Other Coastal Stops? Route SegmentApproximate Driving Time (Coastal Road)Best Known ForColombo ➔ Kalutara1 HourStupas and Historic CastlesKalutara ➔ Beruwala20 MinutesFishing Port and Muslim HeritageBeruwala ➔ Bentota10 MinutesJet Skiing and Mangrove River SafariBentota ➔ Kosgoda15 MinutesSea Turtle HatcheriesKosgoda ➔ Hikkaduwa30 MinutesSnorkelingCoral ReefsNightlifeHikkaduwa ➔ Galle35 MinutesColonial Fort ArchitectureShopping  2. Reaching Beruwala By Train If you are traveling from Colombo Fort to Beruwala by train, the journey of around 54.33 km takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Furthermore, the 1st class ticket costs LKR 500, the second-class ticket costs LKR 300, and the third-class ticket costs LKR 140.  3. Beruwala By Bus  You can get buses from the Bastian Mawatha Terminal of Combo regularly to Galle. These buses run along the A2 Highway.  The buses take around 2 hours to complete the journey. Also, the ticket price for regular bus services is LKR 235, and the ticket prices for AC buses are LKR 390.  4. Getting Around Beruwala  Tuk-tuks are the best option to explore Beruwala and other nearby coastal areas. You can also reserve a tuk-tuk for half-day sightseeing.  The cost is slightly higher here, and the amount will be around LKR 4000.  Why Beruwala Is Absolutely Worth It  A coastal town with a history of 1000 years! If that is the tagline for Beruwala, it is absolutely worth a visit.  Also, it is a working fishing harbor and a stretch of genuinely good beach all sit within walking distance of each other. So, if you are planning a southwest coast itinerary, don't just let Beruwala be the town your bus passes through on the way to Bentota or Galle. Give it a morning, at least.