Mirissa

Sri Lanka, Asia

Mirissa is a picturesque coastal town in Sri Lanka, famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and thrilling whale watching opportunities. Surrounded by lush palm trees, its crescent-shaped beach offers a serene escape and perfect sunsets. Visitors can indulge in water sports, explore local markets and enjoy fresh seafood. With a laid-back vibe, Mirissa is ideal for both adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts, making it a must-visit destination for a tropical getaway.

Quick facts

Target stay

4-6 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Colombo Ratmalana

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Mirissa

1

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Whale Watching

Experience majestic whales in their natural habitat.

Booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax on Mirissa Beach

Unwind on one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful beaches.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Surfing Lessons

Catch waves at a popular surf spot.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Coconut Tree Hill

Snap stunning photos from a scenic viewpoint.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Mirissa Fish Market

Experience local culture and fresh seafood.

No booking required
6

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Snorkeling at Turtle Bay

Discover vibrant marine life just off the shore.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Parrot Rock

Climb to a rock for panoramic ocean views.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Yoga Retreats

Relax and rejuvenate with yoga sessions.

Booking required
9

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the nearby Galle Fort

Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich history.

No booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Boat Tours to Secret Beach

Discover secluded beaches by boat ride.

No booking required
11

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Dolphin Watching

Spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Booking required
12

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Eat at Local Seafood Restaurants

Savor fresh seafood at beachfront eateries.

No booking required
13

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Buddhist Temple

Learn about local spirituality and culture.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-6 (#109 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Sri Lanka Rupee

Majority religion

Buddhist

Language

Sinhala

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Sri Lankan Rice and Curry

VE

Rice served with various curries. (National dish)

Kottu Roti

VE

Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables.

Hoppers (Appa)

VE

Fermented rice flour pancakes.

Pol Sambol

VE

Coconut sambol with chili and onion.

Lamprais

Rice and meat wrapped in banana leaves.

Phrases to learn

English

Sinhala

Hello

Ayubowan

(Ah-yoo-boh-wahn)

Yes/No

Ow / Nae

(Ow / Neh)

Thank you

Sthūti

(S-thoo-tee)

Excuse me

Samāvenda

(Sah-mah-ven-dah)

How much?

Keeyada?

(Kee-ya-da)