Island & sandbarBlue Beach Island
Nilwella, next to the fishing harbour
A small rocky island joined to the mainland by a sandbar you can walk at low tide – with the sea on both sides.
The Real Nilwella
Know the area before you go.
Sights, beaches, hidden gems and how to get around – with a map of the area.
- 01 / Field notesBlue Beach Island near HiriketiyaWhere it is, how to walk out to it and what to know before you goRead the guide
- 02 / Field notesHiriketiya to Blue Beach IslandGetting there by tuk-tuk, scooter or on footRead the guide
- 03 / Field notesBest beaches near HiriketiyaHiriketiya Bay, Blue Beach Island and the quieter beaches next doorRead the guide
- 04 / Field notesThings to do in HiriketiyaBeyond the bay – and next door in NilwellaRead the guide
- 05 / Field notesHidden gems around HiriketiyaThe quieter side of the coastRead the guide
- 06 / Field notesNilwella BeachThe beach next door to HiriketiyaRead the guide
The area on the map
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- Sights & beaches
- Eat & drink
- Stay
- Experiences
- Property
Approximate locations · Check local conditions
Island & sandbar
Bay & surf beachHiriketiya Bay
Hiriketiya, Dikwella
The horseshoe-shaped surf bay that made the area famous – just west of Nilwella.
Fishing harbour
Blowhole
BeachBuddhist temple
Nilwella Minikirula Viharaya
Nilwella, by Blue Beach Island
A Buddhist temple by the sea, a short walk from Blue Beach Island – not to be confused with Minikirula Raja Maha Viharaya up on the hill. As at any temple in Sri Lanka, cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you go in.
Buddhist temple
Minikirula Raja Maha Viharaya
On the hill above Nilwella
A Buddhist temple on the hill above Nilwella – locals call it the highest point in Nilwella, with a wonderful view over the area. It is a different temple from Nilwella Minikirula Viharaya by Blue Beach Island. Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you go in.
BeachNilwella Beach
Nilwella
The quieter beach on the Nilwella side, also called Blue Beach – by the fishing harbour and the sandbar out to Blue Beach Island, 20–30 minutes on foot from Hiriketiya. Clear water on calm days, but currents and the tide can make swimming tricky.