Mirissa is 30km east of Galle and 150km southeast of Colombo, an attractive bay on the island’s south coast.
Best time to visit Mirissa
Mirissa’s peak season is between December and March as this is generally the driest time of year in the southern province of Sri Lanka. As the main thing to do in Mirissa is enjoy the beach, your options are going to be limited on rainy days. For that reason, you’re definitely best visiting during the peak time of year, in particular, January, February and March which are the driest months.
April and May tend to be the hottest months, but the increase in temperature leads to more rainfall. As well as January-March, the months with the least rainfall are July and August. Even if you visit at that time though, the weather can be unpredictable in both Mirissa and Sri Lanka, as the country has two different monsoon seasons.
1. The Secret Beach in Mirissa
This is named ‘the secret beach’ for a reason. A tiny secluded beach and not the easiest place to reach. It’s not by the side of the main road like Mirissa’s other beaches. The path is difficult to find, and once you do, it’s a 45-minute hilly hike and a quick climb down a somewhat rocky cliff through a village.
Alternatively, you could take a tuk-tuk which will cost Rs500 – 800, and then walk down the hill. Since the gravel road down the hill is too steep for tuk-tuks they don’t go close to the beach. It’s a 10-minute walk.
There is one small bar and a local woman selling king coconut water for refreshments. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the beach to yourself.
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
As the place gets dark (and there are no public lights) after sundown, it’s better to leave when the sun sets. Take care of your personal belongings and beware of monkeys. Better not to go on rainy days.
2. Enjoy the Mirissa beach
Crowded but still, the main Mirissa beach has a very calm and relaxing vibe. There are a few premium priced restaurants on the stretch with OK-ish food and drinks.
3. Parrot Rock
Parrot Rock, called Giragala in Sinhala by locals, is on Mirissa Beach on a small rocky cliff where you can climb up a collapsed pathway and see a bit of the Mirissa stretch.
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
Avoid this place when water is wild. Watch every step as the rocks are very slippery. As much as it looks beautiful, it’s also is very dangerous
Beware of Sea Urchins.
4. The Coconut Tree Hill and snorkelling
The small coconut farm on a hilltop is probably the most popular place in Mirissa. Visitors go there to watch the sunset and take a photo with palms. The view and the sunset from the coconut tree hill is amazing. It’s a 15-minute walk from Mirissa beach. A small shop down the hill sells King Coconut water.
Tourists like to take a swim in the sea from the beach nearby and it’s renowned for sea turtles. There is a traditional catamaran fishing boat that can be hired with a fisherman, to sail into the sea for snorkelling. A life jacket and snorkelling mask are included in the hire fee.
You could call Sandaru in advance on 77 562 7942 for bookings.
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
Be watchful for falling coconuts at Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa. Avoid the hill in heavy rain as lightning could strike.
5. Whale watching
Whale watching in Mirissa is an incredible experience. Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, and so whale watching is one of the must-do things in this area of Sri Lanka.
There is a big chance to see them on a one day trip, as the bay is a migrating path for blue, Bryde sperm and fin whales.
Big Game Camps can arrange a whale-watching expedition while you’re at Mirissa or on the way back from the Yala National Park. All you have to do is let them know in advance. Avoid the local recommendations and follow online reviews and guidebooks for a better experience. And don’t yield to the hustlers’ hype! We have a detailed guide on Whale watching in Mirissa here
6. Surfing, surf lessons or boogie boarding
There are plenty of good surfing places in Mirissa, as well as schools for absolute beginners. The waves are great.
When is the surfing season? Where to Surf? How much does it cost? And for Sri Lanka, Holiday Guru tips read our detailed article here
7. The Doctors House
This is not your usual surgery, nor indoor or beach bar. Doctor’s House is a 200-year-old former Dutch and Ayurvedic hospital converted into a restaurant. They’ve preserved it so much that even the walls are not plastered and covered with a faint layer of paint. Run by a couple of Australian guys who openly admit to having zero hospitality experience.
Great place for afternoon surf vibes with a big garden, good pizza, live music and perfect laid-back vibe. Wood-fired pizzas, snacks, desserts, good cocktails and cool beers are on the menu.
Map to get to The Doctors House
8. Fish Point Weligama
It’s easy to mistake the Fish Point Weligama as an ordinary shop/sales outlet for fresh fish.
But unlike many other restaurants in the village, this seafront eatery charges seafood by weight, allowing customers to choose the fish of their liking from the counter by the entrance.
You can choose the way you’d like the catch to be cooked – steamed, fried or grilled. Fresh, delicious and flavoursome, the seafood is served in tables set up on the beach. You can bring your own Beer or buy Sri Lankan Lion Beer at the venue. Fish Point Weligama is really worth a bite!
Contact : 077 100 160 – Mama’s place Seafood
Map to get to Fish Point Weligama
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
Eat indoors on rainy days. Expect leaky tents and less than quick service as they are too busy cooking that awesome seafood at Fish point Weligama!
9. Learn yoga in Mirissa
There are plenty of places in Mirissa offering yoga lessons. The lessons or meditation could be done in the shade of palm trees, or on a cliff overlooking the sunset and the Indian Ocean. You could even find places like the Surf Yoga Mirissa offering full moon yoga relaxation.
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
Avoid the self-proclaimed Yoga trainers. Read reviews and do your online research before heading to a place. Got questions? ask at the Sri Lanka Holiday Guru forum
10. Nightlife
Mirisa nightlife is calm compared to the party and club scene at Negombo or Colombo.
Kama Mirissa – Ideal place to enjoy a drink, cold beer or a cocktail overlooking the surf breaks with breathtaking sunset views.
Modern and stylish, Kama is a beachfront dining spot. It’s got a modern interior and a cool atmosphere welcoming families with children and is a favourite spot for surfers in Mirissa. Italian cuisine, local food is on the menu.
Salt Mirissa – Stationed at the Mirissa beach is the Salt Restaurant and bar, offering fresh seafood and local dishes. Tables are set up on the beach for a romantic and chill experience.
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
Avoid the private parties and the drugs at the scene.
