Travellers in Sri Lanka looking for a coastal paradise shouldn’t miss out on a few days at Mirissa, a small fishing village located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Here’s a quick guide to exploring the wonders and adventures within this easy-going town.
How to Reach Mirissa
An easy option is to hop on a train from Colombo to Mirissa. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, and the coastal views are beautiful throughout. You can choose between a first-class train to Matara, followed by a short tuk-tuk ride to Mirissa, or a local second-class train directly to the town.
The Best Time to Visit
The period from December through March is usually the best time of year to head to Mirissa. The shoulder season during November and April is also a great choice, although you might encounter some rain from the monsoon season.
Top Things to Do
For the best views at sunset, head to Coconut Tree Hill, a small hill lined with massive coconut palm trees, which provide the perfect photography backdrop. Whale watching is another popular excursion often available through independent operators or resorts like Muthu Nila Villas. Meanwhile, surfing and snorkelling with turtles are also perfect for marine enthusiasts.
The Best Beaches
Mirissa Beach is undoubtedly the main attraction for those staying at one of the Mirissa villas with pool. But other great alternatives include Secret Beach, with its hidden location, and Thalaramba Beach, where sea turtles have been known to crawl ashore to feed on the grass on the rock.
