Places to visit in mirissa

4. Weligama

Weligama is a small beach town that’s widely known as the capital of surfing. Surfers flock here from all over the world to enjoy the fantastic waves and beautiful white-sand beaches. Because of this, there’s also excellent tourism infrastructure, with plenty of 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 lining the shore. After your ocean adventure, eat some delicious and nutritious food or take a local cooking class.

Getting there: Mirissa to Weligama is only a 15-minute drive. Simply rent a motorbike or pay for a tuk-tuk to drive you there.

5. Whale Watching, Mirissa

Mirissa has some of the best marine life in the whole of Sri Lanka. It’s especially famous for its whale population, which can be seen from the end of November until March. This is the period when whales migrate from further south. Join a whale watching tour, many of which you’ll find at the beach, and a guide will take you out into the deep blue Indian Ocean to see whales, dolphins, and turtles. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a big blue whale – the largest animal on the planet! (Book a whale watching tour here)

Please research your tour carefully and make sure the company you are using respects international whale watching rules, and works to protect these beautiful creatures. Sustainable and ethical companies will be passionate about conservation and never allow the boat to get too close to the whales.

6. Unawatuna & Galle Fort Day Trip

Unawatuna is one of the most popular beach towns on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It’s famous for its sandy beaches, hipster restaurants, and lively nightlife. As it’s only a short 50-minute drive from Mirissa, it’s the perfect place to visit on a day trip.

Hire a motorbike and drive along the coastline to spend the morning in Unawatuna. Swim at the beaches, enjoy the famous Dalawella beach swing, or snap some photos of the ocean views from the Japanese Peace Pagoda. It’s also a great place to hire a board and learn to surf, as it’s known for its beginner-sized waves.

Galle Fort

Galle Fort is a 15-minute drive from Unawatuna and a must-see on your day trip! The ancient fort town is a melting pot of culture, having survived the Portuguese, Dutch and British invasions. It’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon, shopping at the cute boutique shops and admiring the charming, traditional buildings. Make sure to watch the sunset from the Galle Fort wall – the perfect way to end the day!

7. Surfing

Sri Lanka is known as a surfing hotspot, and Mirissa Beach is no exception! It is known for its waves which attract both beginners and intermediates. Beginners can enjoy the mellow waves off the main beach, and intermediates can look for one of the reef breaks off the headland.

In the right season (October to March), you can find ideal surfing conditions, and it’s one of the top things to do in Mirissa. Plus, after burning all that energy surfing, you’ll be able to take advantage of the delicious food at one of the many beachside restaurants and cafes!

8. Mirissa Beach

Mirissa Beach is also exceptionally popular for holidaymakers who are simply looking to relax and swim. Although it can get crowded, the sandy bay sandwiched between coconut palms and rocky headland is still very peaceful. It’s also not super busy with surf schools, unlike some other locations on the southern coast, so it’s easy to enjoy a refreshing dip.

A handful of excellent restaurants are located on the edge of the beach, all offering different kinds of foods. Spending an afternoon here soaking up the chilled Sri Lankan way of life is a top thing to do in Mirissa.

9. Matara

Experience real Sri Lankan local life in Matara. The busy commercial town is not known as a vacation destination so there’s very little tourism. Because of this, the town is a true representation of beautiful Sri Lankan culture. Wander the streets, doing as the locals do: hanging around on the peaceful, sandy beach or playing sports inside Matara Fort.

To get to Matara, follow the coastline east from Mirissa by motorbike or tuk-tuk. The journey takes 30-minutes.

One of the top things to see in Matara is the stunning Paravi Duwa Temple. This traditional Buddhist temple sits on an island surrounded by the beautiful blue Indian Ocean. Most unique of all is that the temple is connected to the town by a steel bridge.

Tip: Remember to cover your head, arms, and legs as a sign of respect, as this is a sacred place of worship for the local people.