Located in Matara District of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is a small town on the south coast. Mirissa is nothing short of a tropical paradise and a heaven for the seafood lovers. Being the largest fishing port on the South Coast, Mirissa is popular for its tune, mullet, snapper and butterfish. And with a coastline stretching over 1,585 kilometres, Sri Lanka is home to some of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever visit.
6 Best Places To Visit In Mirissa
Mirissa is a great place if you have a beach holiday in mind. There are many interesting places to visit for shopping, relaxing, sight seeing and eating. Here’s a list of the places to visit in Mirissa:
- Mirissa Beach
- Polhena Beach
- Unawatuna Town
- Galle Fort
- Dewmini Roti Shop
- Weligama Town
1. Mirissa Beach
Mirissa is the land of beaches. Mirissa beach affords a picturesque view of the sunset and you can bask in the sun and watch as the chilled breeze gushes by your side. The beach is usually filled with surfers in the mornings and makes a good place for beginners to start surfing, as well. Once you are done with admiring the beach and the ocean, head to one of the beach bars to refuel yourselves. Mirissa does not have a very buzzing nightlife so you would have all the time in the world to relax.
Must Read: An All Inclusive Guide To Whale Watching In Mirissa
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2. Polhena Beach
Talking about watching blue whales, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous and want to go snorkelling, Polhena Beach is the place for you. You should preferably keep a weekday reserved for Polhena so that you can avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy the beach vibe. To reach Polhena Beach, you would have to take a bus towards Matara.
3. Unawatuna Town
Unawatuna is a small town located a little away from Mirissa, in southern Sri Lanka. One of the most tourist favourite towns, Unawatuna is known for its beach and corals. The Unawatuna beach is a banana-shaped beach straight out of a painting, with glistening sand and turquoise blue water. You can rent out sun-beds and relax on the beach as you people-watch or, you could take a dip in the water. As you walk towards the west end of the beach, youll see a small hill with a pagoda and a Buddha statue that you can climb up to. If you choose to stay here for longer, you can witness the most beautiful sunset in Mirissa.
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4. Galle Fort
Once you are done lounging on the beaches, visit the Galle Fort. The Fort has beautiful architectural structures and souvenir shops. The seaport of Galle is located just 5 kilometres away from the town of Unawatuna. The fort was originally built by the Portuguese in an attempt to defend Galle from colonial attacks. However, as the fort came under the control of the Dutch, they also built 14 bastions to protect it further from other colonial powers. It is the rich history that lies behind the Galle Fort that makes it more interesting to explore.
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5. Dewmini Roti Shop
One of the best places to visit in Mirissa is Dewmini Roti Shop. After all the surfing, snorkelling and strolling on the beach, stop over to eat at the Roti Shop. Run by a small family, Dewmini serves up some of the best foods and has a variety of rotis that you can choose from. Dewmini Roti Shop also doubles up as a guesthouse and has regular cooking classes run by the owners themselves that teach tourists traditional Sri Lankan recipes.
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6. Weligama Town
Weligama town is about 4 kilometres from Mirissa and is the fishing hub of Sri Lanka. You can watch fishermen at work while youre taking a stroll on the beach. You could also shop for souvenirs and gifts from the tiny shops at Weligama. The South Lanka Gems and Jewellery shop sells unique gifting items/ jewellery while another shop called Dylans Surf Company will help you stock up on some surfing supplies that you can use later.
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Where to stay in Mirissa?
1. Low Budget Hotel
Oasis Hotel Mirissa is one of the best budget hotels and one that’s also very close to the beach. You would be paying approximately Rs. 3800/- per night for an air-conditioned double room.
2. Mid Budget Hotel
Randiya Sea View Hotel is a very good option if you’re a little more relaxed on your budget. Check for discounts before you make bookings and you might get a steal of a deal. You would be paying approximately Rs.7500/- per night for an air-conditioned room, which is also inclusive of breakfast.
3. High Budget Hotel
Shri Sharavi Beach Villas and Spa are easily the best hotels you could stay at while in Mirissa. As the resort’s name already suggests, the Villa spells luxury like nothing else. Located a little further away from the main town area, the Villa affords a very relaxing stay-option. It would cost you about 21000/- per night, check for discounts before you book.
Best time to visit Mirissa
The best time to visit Mirissa would be between December to March. Since Mirissa is mainly a beach destination, you would be left with very few things to do if you plan to visit in the monsoon season. Speak to your travel agent or your hotel (if you’re travelling privately) about the best time to visit so they can guide you about the weather conditions.
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Mirissa has some breathtaking views and activities that you must experience at least once in a lifetime. The beach town also has various spa centres that you can visit. You will come back rejuvenated and with lots of memories from this paradise of sorts. So, plan a trip to Sri Lanka and head to Mirissa ASAP. Happy Holidays!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Mirissa
What are the best places to visit in Mirissa for couples?
Some of the best places in Mirissa where couples can enjoy include:
1. Secret Beach
2. Weligambay Beach
3. Matara Beach
4. Parrot Rock Bridge
5. Mirissa Beach
6. Taprobane Island
7. Coconut Tree Hill
What are the most popular activities to enjoy in Mirissa?
Indulge in these exciting activities to make the most of your vacation in Mirissa:
1. Whale & dolphin watching tour
2. Eli Village tour from Ella
3. Deep-sea fishing
4. Day trip to Galle Fort
Can I visit Mirissa during the current Covid situation?
Yes, Mirissa is one of the safest places to visit during the current Covid situation. However, you need to follow government protocols that include wearing a mask when in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining social distance.
Is there an airport in Mirissa?
No, Mirissa does not have its personal airport. The closest one to this destination is Bandaranaike International Airport which is around 177.2 km away from it.
What are the best hotels in Mirissa?
Some of the most luxurious hotels in Mirissa include What are the best hotels in Mirissa, Triple O Six, Number ONE Mirissa, Parrotfish Bay Boutique Villas, Nisala Villas, and more.
Which are the best cafes in Mirissa?
Here are some of the best cafes in Mirissa:
1. Aloha coffee gallery
2. Yallah
3. Squeeze me
4. Cafe Extreme
5. Shady Lane Mirissa
Where can I witness the nightlife of Mirissa?
Following are some of the best clubs, restaurants, and, bars where you can witness the nightlife of Mirissa:
1. Zephyr Restaurant And Bar
2. Central Beach Inn
3. Mirissa Eye
4. Secret Beach Bar
5. Kama Mirissa
6. Barista
7. Papa Mango
8. Palm Villa Restaurant
9. Bay Moon
How do I get from Ella to Mirissa?
You can get to Ella by bus. Just take the train to Fort Station, from where you’ll then need to get to the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal and hop on a bus going to the Matara Bus Station in Mirissa.
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Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
