bigtravelbuzzMirissa is one of the most popular beach destinations in southern Sri Lanka, and with good reason. The region has it all: Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches, waves perfect for surfing, and oceans teeming with marine life from turtles to giant blue whales. Spend the day relaxing with fresh coconuts in a hammock, dining on delicious food at a beachfront restaurant, or cruising on a motorbike. Four days is the perfect time to soak up the laid-back culture of this sunny seaside town and enjoy all that Mirissa has to offer.
- Secret Beach, Mirissa
Secret Beach may no longer be a secret, but it still feels like a secluded island paradise! Just at the corner from Mirissa’s main beach there is small secluded beach, it is a little difficult to access. Because of this, the beach is less crowded and if you arrive early you can have the whole place to yourself!
This cape has he three beautiful beaches, each with its own character, from rock pools to coconut palms. Spend your days enjoying the crystal clear blue waters, snorkeling among incredible marine life (keep an eye out for turtles!) and enjoy every part of this paradise.
Tips:
There is no admission fee to visit the beach, but please purchase food, drinks, sunbeds and snorkels from the locals who work here to support the economy.
To get there, search for Secret Beach his bar on Google Maps and have a tuk tuk driver take you there. The road is tight for the tuk tuk and you have to walk 10 minutes from the drop off point. 2. Parrot Rock
Parrot Rock is located in front of Mirissa Beach.
A huge red hill rises above the water. The beautiful view of the palm-fringed beach makes him one of the most popular activities in Mirissa.
Parrot Rock is located on the ocean and is safest to cross at low tide, so check the tides (don’t get wet). It is dangerous to cross at high tide, especially during the monsoon season when the waves are high. When you reach the rock, climb the rickety stairs to the top. From here you can have a beautiful view of Mirissa. It’s especially popular at dusk, but it can get crowded. For this reason, it is recommended to wake up early and climb with the sunrise. At this time, you can see the beautiful pinks and oranges of Mirissa’s skyline in the early morning, with light streaming through the green palm trees. 3. Coconut Palm Hill:
Top Activities Mirissa
Coconut Tree Hill is he one of the most Instagrammable spots in Sri Lanka and he one of the most popular activities in Mirissa. Our private coconut farm is just a 15 minute walk from Mirissa Beach and has some of the best views in the area!
Once you reach the top of the hill, the promontory opens up before you, offering spectacular views over the sea through the many winding palm trees. It is recommended to take pictures at sunrise time when there are few people.
You can check the location of Coconut Tree Hill on Google Maps. If the weather is nice and the tide is low, you can take a walk on the beach. Note that you may have to walk through water in some cases. If not, you can walk along the coastal path.
Tips:
As the name suggests, coconut hill trees have coconuts. Do not stand directly under a tree as you may fall.
- Weligama
Weligama is a small seaside town widely known as a surfing mecca. Surfers from all over the world flock here to enjoy the great waves and beautiful white sand beaches. For this reason, it also has an excellent tourist infrastructure with many trendy bars, cafes, restaurants and beach resorts.
Head to Weligama for the day and book a surf lesson at one of the many surf schools along the coast. After your sea adventures, treat yourself to a delicious and nutritious meal or join a local cooking class.
Get there:
From Mirissa, Weligama is just a 15-minute drive. Rent a motorbike or pay for a tuk tuk to drive there. 5. Whale Watching, Mirissa
Mirissa has some of the best marine life in all of Sri Lanka. It is especially famous for its pods of whales, which can be seen from late November through March. This is the time when whales migrate further south. Many of them can be seen on the beach if you take a whale watching tour. Let your guide take you into the deep blue Indian Ocean to see whales, dolphins and turtles. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the world’s largest animal, the blue whale!
Carefully research your tour and make sure the company you hire respects international whale watching regulations and is committed to the conservation of these beautiful creatures. Sustainable and ethical companies are passionate about conservation and never allow their boats to get too close to whales.
Planning a visit this season? In other seasons he is one of Trincomalee’s most popular activities.
- Day trip to Unawatuna and Fort Galle
Unawatuna is one of the most popular beach he resorts on Sri Lanka’s south coast. It’s popular for its hipster restaurants, sandy beaches and lively nightlife. It’s just a 50-minute drive from Mirissa, making it a great place for a day trip.
Rent a motorbike and ride along the coast before spending the morning in Unawatuna. Swim on the beach, enjoy Dalawera’s famous beach swings, and take pictures of the ocean views from the Japanese Peace Pagoda. It’s also a great place to rent a board and learn to surf, and is known for its beginner waves.
Galfort
Galle Fort is a 15 minute drive from Unawatuna and is a must for a day trip. The old fortified city is a melting pot of cultures and has survived Portuguese, Dutch and British invasions. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping in cute boutiques and admiring charming traditional buildings. Don’t forget to watch the sunset from the Galle City Walls – a perfect way to end the day!
- Surfing
Mirissa Beach is surfing hotspot of Sri Lanka, famous for its waves that can be enjoyed by any level of riders. Beginners can enjoy the gentle waves of Main Beach, while intermediate surfers can seek out one of the reef breaks off the headland.
In the right season (October to March) you will find ideal surfing conditions and it is one of Mirissa’s most popular activities. Also, after burning your energy with surfing, enjoy delicious food at seaside restaurants and cafes!
- Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach is also popular with vacationers who just want to relax and swim. It can get crowded, but the sandy beach between coconut palms and rocky headlands is very quiet. And unlike other places on the south coast, it’s not overly crowded with surf schools, so it’s easy to take a dip.
At the edge of the beach there are some excellent restaurants serving different types of cuisine. Spending an afternoon here and enjoying the cool Sri Lankan lifestyle is Mirissa’s top draw. - Matara
Experience the real Sri Lankan life in Matara. Tourists are very limited as the bustling commercial city is not known as a vacation destination. Because of this, the city is a true representation of the beautiful Sri Lankan culture.
Relax on a quiet sandy beach or work out at Matara Fort.
To reach Matara, ride a motorbike or tuk-tuk east along the coast from Mirissa. It takes 30 minutes.
One of Matara’s main attractions is the stunning Pallavi Dwa Temple. This traditional Buddhist temple is located on an island surrounded by the beautiful blue Indian Ocean. The most unique thing is that the temple is connected to the city by a steel bridge.
Tip:
Remember to cover your head, arms and legs in respect as this is a sacred place of worship for the locals.
Doctors House (Matara)
The House of Doctors is a must-see, it is famous for afternoon party with surf vibes. Extensive gardens offer the perfect chilled atmosphere, delicious food, drinks and live music, it is on 15-minute drives from Matara.
Getting to Mirissa
One of his best experiences in Sri Lanka is riding a legendary train that zigzags in different directions through the countryside. If you are traveling from Colombo, you can take the train to nearby Weligama or Matara stations. From there take a tuk-tuk to Mirissa.
The following proof of travel must be presented when entering Sri Lanka. However, you can get an onward ticket instead of buying a pricey ticket.
Accommodation in Mirissa
Since Mirissa is relatively small, most guesthouses and hotels are within walking distance of the beach. As with most parts of Sri Lanka, room rates are low and you can find beautiful beachfront hotels overlooking the sea for much less than you might expect!
Best time to go to Mirissa
Sri Lanka has he two rainy seasons on both sides of the island. In the south, the dry season lasts from November to March. However, the low season in October and he in April has some good weather and cheaper lodging.
Best cafes and restaurants in Mirissa
Mirissa and its surroundings are full of delicious restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Southern surf culture has brought an influx of trendy cafés, bars and cafés. So travelers have no choice. In fact, eating may be he one of the best things to do in Mirissa!
small tuna sushi
Shady Lane – Healthy
Ceylon Curry House – Sri Lankan Cuisine
DelTano’s – Pizza & Pasta
Roti Shop Dewmini – Sri Lanka
Tree Room – Health
RISE – Italian in Weligama
Nomad Café – Weligama