Mirissa

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It has a broad sand beach set against an inland backdrop of palm trees, paddy fields and jungle. There’s a rocky, forest-swathed headland towering above the western end of the beach, separating it from Weligama Bay.

If this sounds like an idyllic tropical paradise, that’s a mistake. Tourism has developed there independently but, unlike the more pleasant Unawatuna, is brash and in-your-face. The place is popular with young backpackers of limited means and manners, and this is reflected in the attitude of the locals to visitors. So if you fancy a basic resort, with a good beach and surfing, with an edgy sense of raffishness, it’s for you – but not if you want a carefree family holiday in a hospitable, friendly Sri Lankan community.

In keeping with the pandering – and lack of respect – for tourists, Mirissa’s attractions are heavily promoted by people you encounter, but such people are professionals, living off commissions, and most likely not from Mirissa at all, so they don’t care much about creating a good impression or to give Mirissa some charm.

As such, Mirissa has become known for its weekend parties, yoga and massage – all of which take place on the beach. It is also Sri Lanka’s base for chartering a boat to go whale watching.

To cater for its youthful visitors, there are plenty of budget rooms to rent, and even dormitory beds. Unless it’s peak holiday season, you could just turn up and find accommodation.

MIRISSA WEATHER
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Best time to visit Mirissa

The “peak” time to visit Mirissa is from October to May, that’s the surfing season as well.
The whale watching season of December, January and April – are the best months for sightings.

Nightlife and drinks

During the season there are parties on the beachfront that go on until morning, organised and catered for by the bars and restaurants that line the beach. Best nights are Friday and Saturday.

Not all restaurants are noisy, some are quiet with good vibes, food and beer. Either way, there are plenty of options

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Train

It takes at least four hours from Colombo Fort Station to Mirissa by train.
The train travels along the coast providing a, good view of the sea and the backsides of village houses. Railway station to the town centre is a walk of about 10 minutes.

There are no trains from the main airport to Mirissa. You could also get a train from Galle if you’re touring the south.

Train shedule

Express train, daily: Leaving Colombo fort at 06:35 arriving at Mirissa at 10:25
Galu Kumari train, daily: Leaving Colombo Fort at 14:19 arriving at Mirissa at 17:35

View train timetable

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Road

Bus is the best way to get to Mirissa. The easiest way to get to Mirissa from Colombo by bus is to take Bus No 2 (Starts from the private bus stand at Bastian Mawatha Colombo – Map) This goes direct to Mirissa. There are air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned busses. Expect loud music and speeding if you’re going by bus.

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Important Contacts

Mirissa tourist Police – 0412261122

Matara Railway Station – 0412222271

Free Ambulance – 1990 (toll-free)

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40m from Mirissa
Foot / Vehicle
Before sunset
Free
Beach Private
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100m from Mirissa
Foot
Before and for sun-down
Free
Beach
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5m from Mirissa beach
Foot
Before and for sunset
Free
Beach[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”mob-city-p” width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1565850358698{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2358″ img_size=”full” el_class=”city-places-see” css=”.vc_custom_1566286245995{margin-bottom: 12px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”city-places-to-see” css=”.vc_custom_1569505317882{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

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1.5km from Mirissa beach
Foot / Vehicle
Before and for sunset
Free
Sightseeing[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1566289647616{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”mob-city-p” width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1565850367538{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2367″ img_size=”full” el_class=”city-places-see” css=”.vc_custom_1566289500287{margin-bottom: 12px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”city-places-to-see” css=”.vc_custom_1569505514154{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

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2m from Coconut Tree Hill
By foot
Before sunset
$20 per person
Snorkeling
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3.9km from Mirissa town
Tuk-tuk/ Public transport
Early morning hours
$60 per person
Whale watching
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Mirissa
Before sunset
Surfing Boogie boarding
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Yoga lessons and Yoga

Mirissa
Yoga
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Food and drink” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”city-h2″][vc_column_text el_class=”city-places-to-see”]Home-based restaurants and cafes. To help those suffering from too much fun the night before, breakfast usually is served until 11.00hrs.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1569047503524{margin-top: -25px !important;margin-bottom: 28px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1565843249362{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #f7f7f7 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2369″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text el_class=”city-places-to-see” css=”.vc_custom_1569505837145{margin-top: -15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

The Doctors House and beer garden

Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 24.00
076 642 2734
Signature dish- Pizza
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Kama Mirissa

~~Monday to Sunday 10 .00 to 24.00~~
~~076 977 7565~~
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Salt Mirissa Restaurant & Bar

Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 24.00
077 527 3492
Signature dish- Pizza
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Ahimsa Vegan cafe

Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 24.00
077 102 5527
Signature dish- Poke bowl[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1566300506891{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #f7f7f7 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2381″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text el_class=”city-places-to-see” css=”.vc_custom_1569506106368{margin-top: -15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

Fish Point Weligama (Beer, BYOB)

Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 24.00
077 100 160 – Mama’s Place Seafood
Select your fish, get it cooked the way you like
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Mirissa Scooter Rent

Per day: –
Contact: –[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1565847682767{margin-bottom: 10px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Places to stay in Mirissa” title_align=”separator_align_left” el_class=”city-h2″][vc_column_text el_class=”city-places-to-see”]There is a wide choice of accommodation from hostels to homestay to luxury hotels. In all cases, you get what you pay for so don’t expect much from a “cheapie”[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” gap=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1565846717438{margin-top: -20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1565845051100{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #f7f7f7 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2374″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1566298413489{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” link=”https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/ulugedara-villa-amp-spa.en.html?aid=1702746&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1″][vc_column_text el_class=”city-places-to-see” css=”.vc_custom_1566298237551{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Surf & Yoga Mirissa

Surrounded by calming tropical greenery, Surf & Yoga Mirissa is situated 500 m from Mirissa Beach. It features a restaurant and complimentary Wi-Fi access.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1565845190571{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #f7f7f7 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2376″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1566298737122{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” link=”https://www.booking.com/hotel/lk/banana-garden.en.html?aid=1702746&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1″][vc_column_text el_class=”city-places-to-see” css=”.vc_custom_1566298655861{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]

Banana Garden

Banana Garden is located on the southern shores of Mirissa. Just a few steps away from the beautiful Mirissa Beach, the property provides rustic accommodation with free Wi-Fi access available at all areas.
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Booking.com

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Transportation in Mirissa

Taxi-hailing apps don’t work in Mirissa. There are plenty of tuk-tuks so do a deal on the fare that you’re happy with. But make sure the driver understands where you want to go before you get in.

Tuk-Tuk fare calculation tip – Rs60 for the first kilometre and then Rs45 every additional kilometre. That’s the standard Government approved rate. If the tuk-tuk has a lot of hills to climb, bad roads and a lot of waiting, expect the driver to add extra to the hire cost.

Attire and safety

Mirissa is a tourist town and can be regarded as safe. Just keep your wits about you. Wear comfortable light clothing. Standard beach attire is acceptable on the beach.

+ Read more: Safety in Sri Lanka?

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Things to be aware in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

The self-proclaimed tour guides are freelancers working on commission. Best to deal with the service provider, not the tout. For whale wtaching, go direct to the boat management for the correct price.
Mirissa has some amazing hidden beach spots where you can enjoy the beach in private. However, if it’s not a public area, leave when the sun sets to avoid hassles.
Do your research (ask other people for advice) before booking a Yoga instructor or massage to avoid scams.
Take care of your personal belongings on the beach. Carry only what you need. Beware of monkeys.
Avoid walking along the beach in high winds or rainy days. Coconuts and palm branches could fall and even lightning could strike.
When climbing rocks on the beach, watch your step as the rocks are slippery. As much as it looks beautiful, it’s also is dangerous.
In a restaurant, if there’s no menu with prices, ask the price of the dish you’re offered so you know what you have to pay before ordering.
Be wary of private beach parties, unless they are hosted by a reputable establishment. There are great bars and restaurants in the area so you can make your own party with friends.

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