The small beach town of Mirissa on Sri Lanka’s southern shores attracts huge numbers of tourists with its idyllic beaches, world-class surfing, blue whale watching opportunities and vibrant nightlife.
The author’s son lets the water lap his feet on Turtle Beach (Photo: Paul Joseph)
Still a working fishing port, visitors can get a flavour of Mirissa’s bustling commercial activity by heading early morning to Mirissa harbour, where colourful trawlers bring in their overnight catches which are laid out for purchase by local businesses – and for the visual entertainment of tourists. After their fill of freshly caught fish, many make a beeline for Mirissa’s sandy shoreline. Named for the large green turtles that can often be seen in the sea, Turtle Bay is a major draw, with vendors lining the beach renting out snorkels for anyone keen for a closer look at these captivating creatures.
Colourful fishing trawlers in Mirissa Harbour (Photo: Paul Joseph)
Ocean-based adventure in Mirissa extends beyond turtle watching. The town is also a magnet for surfing enthusiasts, with Weligama Bay widely considered one of the world’s finest surf spots. Further out, the azure waters off the coast are also home to a population of blue whales – the largest animal known ever to have existed – which can often be viewed along with dolphins and fin whales during whale-watching boat tours that depart from the harbour on a daily basis.
Dolphins put on a show off the coast of Mirissa (Photo: Paul Joseph)
After a long day’s surfing, sightseeing or soaking up the rays, you might be feeling inclined to kick back, relax and re-energise at one of Mirissa’s many eateries or watering holes. But first, the ultimate bring-your-own sundowner can be enjoyed at Coconut Tree Hill, a breathtakingly beautiful spot perched atop a lush hillside overlooking the ocean and dotted with coconut palms that make it one of the most photographed sites anywhere in Sri Lanka. Sunset can get busy, so arrive early to secure a prime spot on one of the large boulders found over the crest of the hill leading down to the water.
Crowds jostle for position during sunset on Coconut Hill (Photo: Paul Joseph)
Where to stay
One of Mirissa’s most luxurious hotels, Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa (700 Matara Road Pelana, Weligama) is set in picturesque gardens with direct access to Weligama Beach and features three outdoor pools, several restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a coffee shop and a games room. A more boutique experience is offered at Triple O Six (Bandaramulla temple, A2), situated directly opposite Coconut Hill, while further inland D Canal House (Udipilla Road), about 2 kilometres from the coast, is a mid-range option surrounded by lush greenery.
A guest room at Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa (Photo: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa / Courtesy Booking.com)
Eat & Drink
Mirissa offers the best in Sri Lankan cuisine with an international flavour and cool beach vibes. One of the most unique dining experiences in the town can be found at Petti Petti (17 Bandaramulla), set within a boutique container hotel seconds from the shore. Here, guests can enjoy dining and cocktails with picturesque ocean vistas and a regular line-up of DJs providing plenty of ambience. A pebble’s throw away is Turtle Beach Restaurant (48 Bandaramulla), where an enticing menu of fresh seafood and Sri Lankan curries draw hungry diners seeking food with a view.
A delectable dish at Petti Petti (Photo: Petti Petti)
Continuing the up-beat theme, Bay Moon (Mirissa South) on Thalaramba Beach combines a beach party atmosphere with exotic cocktails, local beers and an alluring menu of Sri Lanka and international dishes. At the other end of the hedonism spectrum, No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop (Udupila Road) is a chilled-out eatery renowned as one of Mirissa’s finest purveyors of roti, the famous round flatbread native to the Indian subcontinent. And while Sri Lanka is most famous for tea, they also do a mean cup of home-grown coffee around these parts. For a morning pick-me-up, try Barista (Sri Ramya, Galle Road), a small, no-frills roadside coffee shop that will see you right in no time.