Things to Do in Dikwella: The Ultimate Sri Lanka Travel Guide

This blog post is all about things to do in Dikwella Sri Lanka.

If you’re making your way along Sri Lanka’s south coast and feel like hitting pause for a day or two, Dikwella (also spelled Dickwella) is the perfect place to unwind.

This sleepy seaside town is all about switching off. Think wide empty beaches, golden hour coconut swings, and turtles swimming just metres away.

We stopped here after days of travel and movement across the country, and honestly? It was exactly what we needed. A breath of calm.

If you’re backpacking on a budget but fancy a bit of luxury without splurging, Dickwella Resort & Spa is your spot. It’s where we stayed, and it felt like an affordable slice of paradise, right on the ocean.

In this Things to Do in Dikwella blog post, I’ll share how to make the most of 24 hours in Dikwella, from relaxing in comfort to spotting turtles in the wild, and where to head next.

To help plan your trip around Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 84-page eBook giving you all the tips, advice and recommendations that you need for your trip, along with example itineraries.

We spent one month travelling this beautiful island and know you’ll love it just as much as we did!

This blog post is all about things to do in Dikwella.

Where is Dikwella?

Dikwella is a small beach town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, just a few kilometres east of the popular surfing town Hiriketiya.

It’s often skipped by travellers rushing between bigger stops like Mirissa or Tangalle, but it’s a gem if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

There’s not much in the way of nightlife or crowds here, which is exactly the point. Dikwella is about rest. It’s a place where you can slow down, reset, and watch the waves crash in while sipping a Lion beer with no agenda.

You can see everything we got up to during our time in Dikwella in my South Coast of Sri Lanka travel vlog on YouTube as well as a tour of where we stayed (Dickwella Resort & Spa):

How Do I Get to Dikwella?

Depending on where you’re coming from, getting to Dikwella is fairly straightforward from just about anywhere in Sri Lanka:

1. How to Get to Dikwella from Tangalle:

Travel time: 30–40 minutes
Best option: Tuk tuk or local bus along the A2 highway
You can catch a local bus heading east or hire a tuk tuk for a scenic coastal ride.

RELATED blog posts to read:

2. How to Get to Dikwella from Mirissa/Weligama:

Travel time: 1–1.5 hours
Best option: Local bus, private transfer, or train to Matara + tuk tuk

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3. How to Get to Dikwella from Colombo:

Travel time: 4.5–5.5 hours
Best option: Taxi or private car. You can also take the train to Matara and then a tuk tuk.

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Why Visit Dikwella?

Dikwella is one of those underrated places that quietly becomes a favourite. Here’s why it stood out to us:

A peaceful break from the busier surf towns like Ahangama
Budget-friendly luxury accommodation options
Close to attractions like the Twin Coconut Tree Swing and Hiriketiya Beach
Incredible sunsets, empty beaches, and a warm, welcoming local vibe
Turtles swimming next to you – need I say more?!

It’s a perfect place to:

Recharge after a packed Sri Lanka itinerary (you can see our full month-long route here)
Base yourself while exploring nearby Hiriketiya
Enjoy a slower pace while still having access to key south coast spots

Things to Do in Dikwella in 24 Hours

Below are the best things to do in Dikwella, Sri Lanka. For us, the best thing to do here was simply relax on the beach. However, if you’re up for some activities with a side of sunbathing, here are the top things to do in Dikwella.

1. Check into Dickwella Resort & Spa

Let’s start with where we stayed, Dickwella Resort & Spa. If you’ve been bouncing between budget guesthouses and tuk tuk rides, this is your chance to treat yourself without breaking the bank.

Set on a narrow peninsula, the resort has ocean views on both sides, a huge pool, beach access, and an open-air restaurant. Rooms are bright, spacious, and start at surprisingly affordable prices. We used this as our ‘luxury stop’ on the south coast and it was worth every rupee.

See rates for Dickwella Resort & Spa on Booking.com here.

2. Visit the Twin Coconut Tree Swing

Just a short tuk tuk ride away is one of the most Instagrammed spots on the south coast: the Twin Coconut Tree Swing.

Located on a small beach not far from town, these two palm trees are tied together with a handmade swing, perfectly positioned for sunset photos.

It’s usually quiet during the day and gets a little busier in the evening. Go early for photos, then sit back and enjoy the sunset with your feet in the sand.

Dikwella Tree Swing — *It took me way too many attempts to get on this swing*

3. Turtle Point

This was one of the highlights of our time in Dikwella. Turtle Point is exactly what it sounds like: a quiet rocky point where turtles often swim right up to the shore.

You can usually spot them in the early morning or late afternoon.

But please: observe responsibly. These are wild animals, and while it’s tempting to get close, avoid touching or chasing them. Just stand still in the shallows, and they’ll come to you.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and avoid flippers, which can stir up sediment and harm the reef. Ethical travel means leaving no trace and respecting the wildlife.

4. Surf or Chill in Hiriketiya

Dikwella is just a 5-minute tuk tuk ride from Hiriketiya Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s best surf towns and a total contrast to Dikwella’s sleepy vibe. Head here if you fancy:

A morning surf lesson
Smoothie bowls and great coffee
Beachside cafés with live music

You get the best of both worlds in Dikwella. Surf and scene in Hiriketiya, peace and quiet in Dikwella.

Where to Stay in Dikwella

Below are some accommodation options in Dikwella. We opted for a luxury hotel for one night as we’d been backpacking around Sri Lanka for quite some time at this point.

If you are backpacking around Sri Lanka, I’ve also included some budget options of where to stay in Dikwella to help your trip last longer.

1. Dickwella Resort & Spa

This is the standout option for travellers wanting something a bit more upmarket while still on a budget.

On a private beach with panoramic views
Huge pool, spa, and on-site restaurant
Ideal if you’re travelling as a couple or want some comfort after backpacking

2. Budget Accommodation in Dikwella:

If the resort is out of budget or fully booked, there are a handful of affordable guesthouses nearby. Try:

Jayanthi Guest House – Family-run, clean and simple
Maduwanthi Guest House – Close to the beach with garden views

Dickwella Resort and Spa — *Dinner views at Dickwella Resort & Spa*

Where to Eat in Dikwella

Dikwella’s food scene is quieter than Hiriketiya, but here are a few solid picks:

Verse Collective – Technically in Hiriketiya, this café has good coffee, smoothie bowls, and laptop-friendly seating
Blue Bay Chillout Lounge – Perfect for sunset drinks and seafood by the water
Salt House – A little more upscale, with great vegan and vegetarian options

Many hotels include breakfast, so plan your bigger meals around lunch and dinner.

Local Sri Lanka Dishes to Eat in Dikwella

You can’t go wrong with the Sri Lankan staples:

Rice and curry – Always the go-to. The flavours change daily, depending on the cook!
Kottu roti – A must-try street food dish made with chopped roti, egg, veg, and sometimes chicken
Fresh seafood – You’re by the ocean — grilled fish, prawns, and crab are everywhere
Coconut sambal – Bright, spicy, and served with nearly every meal

RELATED blog post to read: A Complete Guide To The Best Sri Lankan Food To Try

Top Travel Tips for Dikwella

Bring cash – Small eateries and tuk tuks rarely take card
Tuk tuk prices – Always agree on a price beforehand
VPN needed – Some websites and streaming services may be blocked; I use NordVPN to keep my data secure and access content anywhere
Travel insurance is a must – Even in chill places like Dikwella, you never know when you’ll need it. I recommend SafetyWing for flexible, affordable cover while abroad. Get covered here!

Where to Go After Dikwella in Sri Lanka?

Continuing your travels around Sri Lanka after your trip to Dikwella? Below are some options of where to travel to next.

1. Hiriketiya

Literally next door. Great for surf, café culture, and more of a scene if you’re ready to rejoin the crowds.

2. Mirissa

One hour west and perfect for whale watching, surfing and beach bars.

RELATED Mirissa blog posts to read:

3. Yala National Park

Head inland for a safari adventure if you’re going in the opposite direction. Spot leopards, elephants, and more. Probably the highlight of our whole time in Sri Lanka!

RELATED Yala blog posts to read:

4. Tangalle

If you didn’t already visit, Tangalle is another quiet paradise just 40 minutes away.

RELATED Tangalle blog posts to read:

Why Dikwella Deserves a Stop on Your Sri Lanka Route

Dikwella may not make every travel itinerary, and that’s what makes it special. If you’re looking to pause, reset, and enjoy the kind of coastal calm that’s getting harder to find, this is it.

Whether you’re watching turtles at sunset, swinging from a palm tree, or sipping cocktails at Dickwella Resort & Spa, this little town will leave a big impression.

Ready to Explore Sri Lanka?

Download My Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Packed with itineraries, transport tips, packing lists, and food recommendations
Watch My Sri Lanka Vlog Series on YouTube – Get a real feel for each stop, from the beaches to the mountains
Get Travel Insurance with SafetyWing – Reliable, flexible cover, even if you’re already abroad
Stay Secure with NordVPN – Watch shows, book flights cheaper, and keep your data safe

By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and move to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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This blog post is all about things to do in Dikwella.

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