Looking for a calm and peaceful place to escape nature? Hirikatu Oya in Belihuloya is a hidden gem where you can swim in clear, cool water straight from Horton Plains.
This isn’t just a place to take a dip—it’s a whole experience. Surrounded by green forest and fresh air, it’s perfect for anyone looking to relax, recharge, and enjoy real nature.
📍 Where Is It?
Hirikatu Oya is located in the Rathnagolla Forest Reserve near Belihuloya, on Nonpareil Road. It’s protected and managed by the Department of Forest, which means we must help keep it clean and safe.
🗺️ Search “Hirikatu Oya Outdoor Bath” on Google Maps to find the exact location. Or check our Travel guide mapof Sri Lanka.
How did I find this place?
I actually camped at Wangedigala the night before. After all the hiking and camping, I really wanted a nice, cool water bath to refresh myself—especially since Wangedigala doesn’t have any good water sources for bathing.
So, once I reached the Kalupahana double bridge area, I found a great spot to take a dip. But unfortunately, it was super crowded at the time. I didn’t feel like staying there, so I decided to look for another place on my way back home.
That’s when I randomly spotted this place on Google Maps—and decided to check it out.
And that’s how I discovered this hidden gem!
🏞️ Why Visit Hirikatu Oya?
- Natural Pool – Fresh, cool water that flows down from Horton Plains
- Fish Therapy – Tiny fish give you a natural foot massage while you sit and relax
- Beautiful Scenery – Lush trees, cool breeze, and birdsong everywhere
- Quick Access – Just a 5-minute walk from the road
- Great for All – Perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families
This place is perfect for an office party or a fun group outing! When I visited, there was a large area of water—ideal for splashing around and enjoying with friends. In fact, there was an office crowd already there, having a great time right in the middle of the Hirikatu Oya. They were swimming, relaxing, and even enjoying a few drinks.
Even with that crowd, we had no trouble finding our own space—because the river is so wide and open, there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy.
Surrounded by lush green jungle and filled with clear, cool water, the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. What I loved most is that it’s safe for everyone—even kids—since the water isn’t deep. It’s just the right level for swimming and playing around, almost like a natural pool.
🛣️ How to Get There
🚗 By Car:
- Drive to Belihuloya
- From town, turn onto Nonpareil Road
- Follow the signboards to Hirikatu Oya Outdoor Bath
- Park your car and walk just 5 minutes to reach the water
🚌 By Public Transport:
- Take a bus to Belihuloya
- From there, hire a tuk-tuk or local taxi to Hirikatu Oya
- Some buses also pass nearby, but confirm schedules with locals
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, ask friendly locals or use Google Maps navigation.
The road from Nonperial Junction to Hirikatu Oya is in good condition, but it’s quite narrow, so make sure to drive carefully. That said, no need to worry too much—even a big Leyland bus can make it there without trouble!
There’s also a large parking area that can fit many vehicles, and the best part? Parking is completely free—how nice is that?
Once you park your vehicle, you’ll need to walk about 200 meters along a small gravel road to reach the Hirikatu Oya outdoor bathing spot. But don’t worry—there are clear signboards to guide you along the way.
Just a brief five-minute walk from the car park, Hirikatu Oya is easily accessible. The scenic view and the comforting shade provided by the trees offer a welcome relief from the sun’s rays, ensuring your visit is both enjoyable and comfortable.
⚠️ Things to Know Before You Go
- Slippery Rocks – Be careful when walking near the water
- Watch Out for Monkeys – They may try to steal your food
- Carry Out Your Trash – Please don’t leave anything behind
- Wear Proper Shoes – The trail is easy, but shoes help with grip
Everything about the place was super cool—except for one little thing. Let me tell you what happened…
When I arrived, I set all my things—clothes, bags, and everything—neatly aside before jumping into the natural pool. Everything seemed fine at first. No leeches around either, which was a relief!
But after a while, while I was enjoying the water, a group of monkeys started approaching my bags. I think they were attracted by the food I had left inside. Then I shouted loudly to scare them off, and luckily, they backed away a bit. I quickly got out of the water, closed up my bag properly, and moved it closer to where I was bathing to keep a better eye on it.
So, just a small heads-up—keep an eye out for monkeys. In some places, they can be aggressive, especially if they sense food. If you’re in a group, they probably won’t come too close. For me, it wasn’t a big issue—just a little moment of chaos!
🌊 What Makes Hirikatu Oya Special?
- Crystal Clear Water – Cool and fresh mountain stream
- Natural Fish Therapy – Tiny fish tickle your feet as they clean your skin!
- Calm & Quiet – Not many tourists, so it feels very private
- Perfect for Photos – Trees, water, and sunlight make every photo beautiful
When I visited, there was no ticket counter or any guards around—it’s completely free and open to the public. But with that freedom comes a big responsibility.
Since there’s no official supervision, it’s up to us to protect and respect this beautiful place. If we don’t take care of it, one day it might be ruined or restricted for everyone.
So please, keep it clean, take your trash with you, and help preserve this natural spot for others to enjoy too!
🍃 More Than Just a Bath
At Hirikatu Oya, you don’t just swim—you feel the freshness, breathe the clean air, and slow down your mind.
Here’s what else you can do:
- 🌿 Go for a Walk – Stroll along Nonpareil Road and enjoy the peaceful landscape
- 🧘 Relax Under the Trees – The shade is cool and refreshing
- 📷 Take Amazing Photos – Nature here is stunning all day long
Before I even stepped fully into the water, I just dipped my feet in—and to my surprise, a bunch of tiny fish swarmed around and started giving me an incredible free fish foot therapy! 🐟💆♂️
So, of course, I had to put both feet in and enjoy the moment. It was such a cool and relaxing experience.
Later, when I jumped into the natural pool, it felt like I was getting a full-body fish therapy session! Don’t worry—they don’t harm you at all. These little fish simply nibble on dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed. It’s completely natural and safe.
Honestly, I’ve never experienced fish therapy like this before—with so many tiny fish in one place. That’s why I say: Hirikatu Oya offers more than just a bath—it’s a full-on nature spa!
🛑 Help Protect This Place
Please remember:
- Do not litter
- Avoid using soap or shampoo in the water
- Take your belongings and trash with you
- Respect the forest and wildlife
Let’s keep this place beautiful for future visitors!
🌟 Final Thoughts
Hirikatu Oya is a true hidden treasure. It’s easy to reach, free to enter, and full of calm natural beauty. Whether you want to bathe, relax, or simply enjoy the view, this spot is a must-visit if you’re travelling through Belihuloya.
Pack your towel, wear good shoes, and get ready to enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural paradise. You won’t want to leave.
Hirikatu Oya live weather update 🛰️
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🗺️ Plan Your Adventure
Want to find more places like Hirikatu Oya? Check out our interactive map with all the hidden gems in Sri Lanka marked just for you.
🚌 Planning to travel by train? Visit Sri Lanka Railways for schedules and info.
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