Kirinda is a picturesque coastal village located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, known for its stunning beaches, fishing community, and historical significance. Nestled close to the town of Tissamaharama in the Hambantota District, Kirinda offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The village is famed for its long stretch of golden sandy beach bordered by turquoise waters, making it a peaceful escape for those seeking tranquility away from busy tourist areas. Fishing is a major livelihood here, and the sight of brightly painted fishing boats returning from the sea at dawn adds to the charm of this coastal settlement. One of the most iconic landmarks in Kirinda is the Kirinda Rajamaha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean. The temple not only offers breathtaking panoramic views but also carries a fascinating legend connected to Sri Lanka’s ancient history, believed to be associated with Queen Viharamaha Devi, who was said to have landed here after being set adrift as a sacrifice to calm the seas. The village’s location also makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as Yala National Park, renowned for its wildlife including leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Additionally, the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse, situated offshore, is an intriguing spot for adventurous travelers interested in diving or boating. Kirinda’s warm and welcoming community, coupled with its relatively untouched natural beauty, gives visitors a chance to experience authentic coastal life in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s watching the waves crash against the rocks near the temple, enjoying fresh seafood from the local catch, or taking in a mesmerizing sunset over the Indian Ocean, Kirinda offers a serene yet captivating experience that lingers in the hearts of those who visit.
Total Population
20,291
GN Divisions
25
🌊 Why is Kirinda – Sri Lanka Special?
Kirinda, a picturesque coastal village in the Hambantota District of Sri Lanka, is celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant fishing community, and deep historical roots. This charming seaside destination offers a peaceful atmosphere where the golden sands meet the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
🏛 Cultural and Historical Legacy
Kirinda is home to the iconic Kirinda Rajamaha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. It is linked to the legendary story of Queen Viharamaha Devi, making it an important cultural and historical landmark.
🚤 Gateway to Adventures
Located close to Yala National Park and the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse, Kirinda is an ideal base for wildlife safaris, diving, and exploring coastal wonders.
🐟 Thriving Fishing Culture
Fishing is the lifeblood of Kirinda’s economy. Colorful fishing boats and fresh seafood are a daily part of life, adding to the village’s charm.
🤝 Warm and Welcoming Community
The people of Kirinda are known for their hospitality, making visitors feel at home while sharing their traditions and coastal lifestyle.
🏖 Natural Beauty
From serene sunsets to the rhythmic sound of waves, Kirinda’s untouched beauty offers a tranquil escape for those seeking relaxation and connection with nature.
| Year | Area | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Kirinda–Puhulwella | 20,291 | Based on national census records |
| 2024 | Southern Province coastal region (includes Kirinda) | Latest available estimate | GN-level data for Kirinda is not yet released |
📞 Kirinda Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| 🚓 Kirinda Police Station | 0473 489 722 |
| 🏥 Kirinda Divisional Hospital | 0473 488 371 |
Best Time to Visit Kirinda, Sri Lanka
Kirinda, a charming coastal village in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, is known for its scenic beaches, vibrant fishing culture, and historical significance. Choosing the right time to visit ensures you can experience its natural beauty, cultural richness, and peaceful seaside atmosphere at its best.
The best time to visit Kirinda is during the dry season from December to March. This period offers sunny weather, calm seas, and minimal rainfall, perfect for beach walks, temple visits, and wildlife tours at nearby Yala National Park. Average temperatures range between 26°C and 31°C.
The monsoon months from May to September bring regular rainfall and cooler breezes. While some outdoor activities may be limited, the surroundings become lush and green, creating picturesque coastal and countryside views.
The shoulder months of April and November offer mild weather and fewer tourists. This is an excellent time to enjoy the beach, local markets, and quiet temple visits without the peak-season crowds.
Kirinda comes alive during Avurudu (Sinhala New Year in April) and Vesak (May), with vibrant cultural celebrations, traditional games, and religious observances that reflect the local community’s warmth and hospitality.
Kirinda offers breathtaking sunrise views over the Indian Ocean and stunning sunsets across its coastal horizon. Early mornings are ideal for fishing village photography, while evenings are perfect for relaxing by the beach.
How to Reach Kirinda
Kirinda, located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque coastal village famous for its golden beaches, fishing community, and the historic Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple. Whether you're visiting for its serene seaside charm, fishing harbour, or nearby Yala National Park, here’s how to reach Kirinda from major cities.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hambantota | 38 km | 40 – 50 mins | |
| Tissamaharama | 10 km | 15 – 20 mins | |
| Matara | 126 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | |
| Colombo | 280 km | 5.5 – 6 hrs | |
| Galle | 200 km | 4 – 4.5 hrs |
🗺️ Interactive Route Map
Geographical Overview of Kirinda, Sri Lanka
Kirinda is a picturesque coastal village in the Hambantota District of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. Famous for its golden beaches, fishing heritage, and religious landmarks, it offers visitors a blend of scenic beauty, local traditions, and historical significance.
Kirinda lies along Sri Lanka’s southeastern coastline, featuring sandy beaches, fishing harbours, and small rocky outcrops. The surrounding environment includes coastal scrublands, coconut palms, and lagoons, making it a unique combination of marine and rural charm.
The area experiences a tropical dry zone climate, with average temperatures ranging from 27°C to 34°C. The **best travel period** is from **May to September** when the weather is dry and sunny. The **northeast monsoon** (November–February) brings occasional showers but also cooler breezes along the coast.
Kirinda is located approximately **10 km from Tissamaharama**, **37 km from Hambantota**, and about **280 km from Colombo**. The area is accessible via the Tissamaharama–Kirinda Road and is a popular stop for travelers heading to **Yala National Park**.
The region’s natural resources include productive fishing grounds, coconut plantations, and fertile land for small-scale farming. Coastal ecosystems such as lagoons and mangroves support rich biodiversity, including migratory birds and marine life.
Nearby attractions include the **Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple**, **Kirinda Beach**, and **Yala National Park**. Visitors can enjoy whale and dolphin watching, fishing activities, or explore the cultural heritage linked to Queen Vihara Maha Devi’s legendary landing in the area.
Local Economy and Agriculture – Kirinda
Kirinda, located in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota District, has a vibrant coastal economy driven by fishing, agriculture, and tourism. This seaside village is known for its rich seafood harvests, coconut cultivation, and services catering to both locals and visitors heading to nearby attractions like Yala National Park and Tissamaharama.
While fishing dominates, agriculture still plays an important role in Kirinda’s livelihood. Farmers grow paddy, chillies, brinjals, and various vegetables in inland fields. Seasonal rains and irrigation canals sustain these crops throughout the year.
Coconut palms thrive along the coastline and inland areas, contributing to food and income. Other fruits such as bananas, papayas, and mangoes are grown in home gardens and sold in local markets, often supplementing family incomes.
Fishing is at the heart of Kirinda’s economy. Local fishermen bring in daily catches of tuna, sardines, crabs, and prawns. Fresh seafood is sold in Kirinda’s fish market, supplied to nearby towns, and even transported to urban markets across Sri Lanka.
Kirinda has small shops, seafood stalls, and handicraft sellers catering to residents and visitors. Tourism boosts economic activity with guesthouses, beach cafés, and guided safari services for those visiting Yala and other local attractions.
Better road links to Tissamaharama and Hambantota have improved trade and tourism. Many families are diversifying into eco-tourism, seafood processing, and home-based businesses, creating new sustainable income streams for the community.
Education and Public Facilities – Kirinda
Kirinda, located in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota District, offers a blend of educational, healthcare, and public services that support both its fishing and agricultural communities. These facilities help improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for the younger generation.
Kirinda has several **Sinhala-medium government schools**, including **Kirinda Primary School** and nearby secondary schools that cater to students from surrounding villages. These schools provide free education and have strong community involvement in school development activities.
Many students attend **private tuition classes** in subjects such as mathematics, science, and English. For advanced studies or vocational training, students typically travel to **Tissamaharama**, **Hambantota**, or **Matara**.
The **Kirinda Rural Hospital** offers outpatient treatment, maternal care, and basic medical services. For specialized healthcare, residents visit **Tissamaharama Base Hospital** or **Hambantota General Hospital**.
Public health campaigns, often organized by local authorities and NGOs, raise awareness on dengue prevention, nutrition, and general sanitation.
Most households in Kirinda have access to **pipe-borne water**, while some rely on **wells** or **tube wells**. Community water supply projects have improved public health and school sanitation facilities.
Waste management is gradually improving, with local authorities promoting proper disposal methods and composting to reduce environmental impact.
Kirinda is well connected by roads to **Tissamaharama**, **Hambantota**, and **Matara**. Transportation options include **private buses**, **three-wheelers**, and **motorcycles**. Public buses operate frequently, ensuring access to schools, markets, and healthcare centers.
While there is no train station in Kirinda, the nearest stations in **Matara** and **Beliatta** provide access to the Southern Railway line connecting to Colombo and other major cities.
Transportation and Accessibility – Kirinda
Kirinda, located in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota District, is a coastal fishing village with growing access to transport infrastructure. Well-connected to nearby towns like **Tissamaharama** and **Hambantota**, the area supports both local travel and tourism to attractions such as **Yala National Park**.
Kirinda is linked to the main **Tissamaharama–Hambantota** road via well-paved routes. Residents and visitors commonly use **three-wheelers**, **motorcycles**, **private vans**, and **CTB/private buses**. Road conditions are generally good, with recent upgrades under coastal development projects.
Frequent **bus services** operate to and from **Tissamaharama**, **Hambantota**, and nearby rural areas, connecting locals to schools, hospitals, and markets.
Kirinda does not have a railway station. The nearest station is **Beliatta**, located about 80 km away, which connects to **Matara**, **Galle**, and **Colombo** via the Southern Railway Line.
Public buses, **shared tuk-tuks**, and **private vans** are the most common ways for residents to travel locally. Fishermen and traders also rely on these services to transport goods to markets in nearby towns.
The nearest major airport is **Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA)**, about 40 km from Kirinda, offering domestic and limited international flights. For more frequent international travel, residents use **Bandaranaike International Airport** via the Southern Expressway.
Being a coastal fishing village, Kirinda has a **fishing harbor** that supports local fishermen. While primarily for fishing, the harbor also accommodates small-scale boat tours for tourists visiting nearby beaches and **Yala National Park**.
Kirinda enjoys good **4G mobile coverage**, electricity, and internet access. Infrastructure improvements include **street lighting**, **paved coastal roads**, and upgrades to drainage systems, making the area safer and more accessible for both locals and tourists.
Emerging Rural Enterprises – Kirinda
Kirinda, a vibrant coastal fishing village in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota District, is seeing a steady rise in rural entrepreneurship. Driven by fishing families, youth initiatives, and women's groups, these enterprises are boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and encouraging sustainable community-led growth.
Local fishermen engage in **deep-sea fishing**, **lobster and crab harvesting**, and **dry fish processing**. Many have also diversified into producing **value-added seafood products** such as dried prawns and tuna, sold in local markets and to coastal tourist resorts.
Coastal households rear **chickens, ducks, and goats**, producing **eggs, milk, and dairy products**. Women-led businesses prepare **curd**, **ghee**, and **dried fish snacks**, catering to both locals and visiting tourists.
Kirinda artisans produce **shell-based crafts**, **woven mats**, and **hand-painted souvenirs** for the tourism market. These items are often sold at **beachfront stalls** and during **temple fairs**, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors.
Some families offer **guided boat tours**, **birdwatching experiences**, and **seafood cooking classes** for visitors. These ventures connect tourists with the village’s fishing culture while providing sustainable income for local youth.
Young entrepreneurs in Kirinda operate **motorbike repair shops**, **mobile seafood delivery services**, **tailoring businesses**, and **digital design services**. Some also rent **boats and fishing equipment** to locals and tourists.
**Fishermen’s cooperatives**, **women’s societies**, and **youth clubs** receive assistance from **government livelihood programs** and **NGO-led microfinance schemes**. These platforms provide training, access to markets, and startup capital for small-scale enterprises.
🛏️ Search Places to Stay in Kirinda
📸 Why Visit or Invest in Kirinda
Kirinda, located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, is a charming fishing village with stunning coastal beauty and growing opportunities. Its rich history, thriving fishing community, and proximity to major attractions make it perfect for tourism, eco-business, and cultural experiences.
- 🚗 Strategic Location: Close to Tissamaharama, Yala National Park, and Bundala National Park—ideal for tourism ventures, eco-resorts, and coastal retreats.
- 🌊 Coastal Beauty & Marine Life: Famous for sandy beaches, vibrant fishing culture, and whale-watching opportunities, perfect for marine tourism.
- 🐟 Fishing & Seafood Enterprise: A hub for fresh seafood supply and fish processing businesses, attracting both local and international demand.
- 🏛 Cultural & Historical Significance: Home to Kirinda Temple and historical ruins, offering unique opportunities for cultural tourism and storytelling.
Whether you're a traveler seeking coastal charm or an investor eyeing tourism and seafood ventures, Kirinda welcomes you to explore, invest, and thrive in this scenic coastal haven.