Best things to do in Mirissa
1. Visit Secret Beach in Mirissa
Just a short walk from Mirissa beach, you’ll find a beautiful spot with crystal clear waters and soft sandy shores. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
The beach is no longer a secret, but it remains a stunning spot to visit. Alongside the beach, there is a restaurant and comfortable sunbeds. It’s the perfect place to unwind for a day.
If you rented a tuktuk, it’s recommended to go in the morning since the parking area for tuktuks is small. Additionally, the roads to the secret beach are narrow with ups and downs, making it a bit more challenging if you are not a confident tuktuk driver.
2. Whale and Dolphin Watching, Mirissa
Mirissa is known for its fantastic whale and dolphin watching opportunities. You’ll be able to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, providing a truly unforgettable experience.
Blue whales, the largest creatures on Earth, along with fin whales, sei whales, sperm whales, orcas (killer whales), pilot whales, humpback whales, dolphins, flying fish, turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks can all be spotted during a whale watching excursion.
The optimal period for observing whales and dolphins is during the months of November to April.
3. Visit Coconut Tree Hill
Coconut Tree Hill is arguably the most iconic spot in Mirissa. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean, especially at sunset.
The sunset is the most popular time to visit Coconut Tree Hill. For a quieter experience and better photo opportunities, it’s recommended to go early in the morning.
4. Parrot Rock in Mirissa
Parrot Rock is a small island located just off the coast of Mirissa. It’s accessible by foot during low tide and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
5. Enjoy snorkeling with turtles at Polhena beach
Located just 4km away from Matara and approximately 10km from Mirissa, this enchanting spot in Sri Lanka is renowned for its turtle sightings during snorkeling excursions. With its tranquil waters, it provides the perfect setting for both swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts.
After snorkeling, you can enjoy a meal at the doctor’s house, which is conveniently located nearby.
6. Visit the doctor’s house located at Madiha beach
Just a short drive from Mirissa, you’ll find the Doctor’s House.The Doctor’s house is old Ayurvedic hospital located on the stunning Madiha beach and offers stunning views of the ocean. It’s a popular spot for tourists to relax, enjoy some delicious food and drinks, and take in the picturesque surroundings. Additionally, they have a surf shop and host weekly parties.
7. Workout at the beach gym called ‘Muscle Mirissa’
For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a unique beach gym located in Mirissa called ‘Muscle Mirissa’. It offers an outdoor workout experience with stunning ocean views. The gym is equipped with wooden weights, benches, and other equipment for a full-body workout while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.
A gym session costs $5 for an individual or $8 for a couple.
8. Mulkirigala rock temple
Located in the Hambantota District, Mulkirigala Rock Temple is a popular religious site for both locals and tourists. Its unique location on a large rock makes it a spectacular sight to see.
The journey from Mirissa takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car.
Climb 500 steps to reach the temple and admire the detailed paintings and statues inside its caves. The views from the top are stunning, providing a panoramic vista of the surrounding countryside.
Make sure to dress modestly and respect the temple’s religious significance while visiting this beautiful and culturally significant site.
Tip! If you’re heading from Mirissa to Udawalawe for an afternoon safari, we recommend taking a detour to Mulkirigala along the way. It’s definitely worth considering, as it adds an extra touch of adventure and exploration to your journey.
9. Discover the beaches nearby
Weligama : 10-15 minutes by car. Weligama is a popular spot for surfing and offers beautiful stretches of sand to relax on.
Unawatuna : 50 minutes by car.
Galle : 1 hour by car. Galle is a must-visit for its historic Dutch Fort and charming streets filled with local art galleries, shops and restaurants.
Ahangama: 30 minutes by car.
Hiriketiya: 1 hour by car. Hiriketiya is a hidden gem, with its crescent-shaped bay and crystal-clear waters.
10. Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes with a cooking class in Mirissa. You’ll get to taste and learn about the local flavors while also supporting the community.
Where to stay in Mirissa?
There are a variety of accommodations available in Mirissa, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Whether you prefer beachfront bungalows or jungle retreats, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Luxury: Three Gables Boutique Villa
Mid-Range: Mimoza Mirissa
Budget: Maduranga n Guest
Where to eat in Mirissa?
As a coastal town, Mirissa is known for its fresh seafood. You can find many restaurants and cafes along the beach serving up delicious dishes such as grilled fish, prawn curry, and crab. Don’t forget to try out some of the local specialties like hoppers (a type of pancake) and roti (flatbread). There are also plenty of options for vegetarian and vegan travelers.
DelTano’s Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta – Pizza & pasta
We recommend: Spicy ‘DelTano’
Price: Spicy ‘DelTano’ 2800 LKR
BRIZO Beach Restaurant Mirissa
We recommend: Chicken wrap, Fish
Price: Chicken wrap with fries 1800 LKR, Whole fish 2000LKR
Petti Petti Mirissa
We recommend: Herb infused grilled chicken breast, Prawns stuffed roti wrap
Price: Chicken breast 2450 LKR, Avocado toast with poached eggs 1500 LKR
Garlic Mirissa – Local food
We recommend : Chicken curry
Shady Lane Mirissa – Brunch
Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to visit Mirissa, but we did go to their restaurant in Arugam Bay. It’s a fantastic spot for brunch!
Mila Mirissa
Another place we wanted to go but ran out of time. It seemed really good!
When should I visit Mirissa?
The best time to visit Mirissa is from November to April, during the dry season. This is when you’ll find calm seas and clear skies, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and whale watching. However, if you’re looking for cheaper accommodation rates, consider visiting during the monsoon season from May to October.
We visited in mid-October during shoulder season. There were some rainy afternoons and nights, as well as cloudy days, but we also had sunny days. Overall, the weather was nice. It was a good time to visit because October is not yet the peak season. You can find places with cheaper prices and they are not too crowded yet.
How long to stay in Mirissa?
If you only want to visit places in Mirissa and relax at the beach, 2-3 days should suffice. However, if you’re interested in visiting nearby beaches and attractions, you could easily spend 1-2 weeks in Mirissa. It serves as a great base to explore nearby beaches like Weligama, Ahangama, and Madiha.
How to get to Mirissa ?
From Colombo
Train
To get to Mirissa, you can catch a train to Weligama (8km) or Matara (12km). Upon arrival in Weligama or Matara, it’s easy to find a tuktuk that will take you to Mirissa.
Private taxi
The distance from Colombo airport to Mirissa is approximately 180 km, and the estimated travel time by car is around 2h40min.
From Galle
Private taxi
The most efficient and convenient option for traveling from Galle to Mirissa is by taxi. The journey typically takes around 1 hour, subject to traffic and road conditions.
Bus
There are regular buses that operate between Galle and Mirissa.
Train
To reach Mirissa, you can hop on a train to Weligama train station, followed by a short tuk-tuk ride.
From Hiriketiya
Tuktuk
The journey from Hiriketiya to Mirissa takes approximately one hour by tuktuk, and arranging transportation is quite convenient. Make sure to negotiate the price in advance.
Train
You have the option to travel to Matara by tuktuk or by bus (from Dickwella) and then continue your journey to Weligama by train.
Bus
Taking the bus is the most economical choice, although it may not provide the utmost comfort. The majority of buses will take you to Matara, where you will then need to transfer to another bus heading to Weligama.
From Ella
Private transport is the optimal choice for traveling from Ella. It is recommended to make arrangements in advance and agree on the price to avoid any inconvenience.
From Arugam Bay
Private Taxi
Traveling from Arugam Bay to Mirissa, a private taxi is the most convenient and fast option. The journey typically takes around 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. It’s a good idea to confirm the cost in advance to avoid any surprises.
Bus
Although it takes longer, traveling by bus is an economical option.
First, take a bus from Arugam Bay (Pottuvil) to Monaragala. From Monaragala, catch another bus to Matara, then a final bus to Mirissa.
Please note that this can take up to 7 hours, depending on bus schedules and traffic.
