Mirissa

A small beach paradise, Mirissa is a fishing port located on the southern tip of the island of Sri Lanka. A stunning crescent beach, Mirissa is a visual treat. In recent years Mirissa has developed a reputation as a party destination among young travellers. A perfect place to take a few days and chill right out, Mirissa is a place with less hustle bustle.

History
The largest fishing port on the south coast, Mirissa is famous for its tuna, mullet, snapper and butterfish. The first tourist accommodation in Mirissa was built in the year 1980, but it wasn’t until the mid 1990’s that tourism inflow dramatically increased.

Excursions

Snorkeling ? The waters near the reef makes for an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and surfing. Most guesthouses and accommodations have snorkeling and surfing gear for the guests.

Long Walks ? This one is for the nature enthusiasts to enjoy. The headland serves as a great viewpoint for Weligama Bay and offers a pleasant walk time.

Whale Watching ? If you are in Mirissa, do not miss going on a whale-watching trip. Although not cheap, but it is surely an experience worth remembering.

Climb Parrot Rock ? Another major attraction in Mirissa is the Parrot Rock. Parrot Rock is the little mound you can see overlooking Mirissa Beach. There’s a sign that says private property, but according to the locals the sign can be ignored. Climbing the rock is a fun activity to either do around sunrise or sunset.

Surfing ? The Mirissa Beach serves as the perfect spot to enjoy surfing. The waves look great and since there’s just little crowd, surfers really love being here. October to March offer ideal surfing conditions.

Attractions

Secret Beach ? A tiny secluded beach, the secret beach is not the easiest place to reach. You can enjoy an incredible sunset from the beach. You will need to walk about 10 minutes down the road since this is too steep for the tuk-tuks.

Coconut tree spot ? With a 15 minute distance from Mirissa Beach, there is a small coconut farm on a hilltop. The view or sunset view from here is simply amazing. Be careful with the coconuts, as time and again, the coconuts will fall from trees.

A visit to Unawatuna and Galle Fort ? Unawatuna is one amazing place to spend a few hours at the beach. In the afternoon, one can also head to Galle Fort, which is one of the finest places to go shopping and explore the Old Dutch Fort.

Best time to visit
December to March is the best time to visit Mirissa, as this is the peak season to eye whales. Whales can also be seen on the east coast in Trincomalee between June and September. Alankuda Beach at Kalpitiya is the ideal place to see dolphins in Sri Lanka between December and March.