11 Awesome Things To Do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Palm trees swaying, golden sands glistening, and turquoise waters lapping at your feet, welcome to Mirissa! There are so many fun things to do in Mirissa, and this southern Sri Lankan beach community caters to almost any type of vacationer. 

Want to learn to surf Mirissa Beach in beginner-sized waves? Read a book at a local jungle cafe or treat yourself to a traditional Sri Lankan massage? Want to be centrally located for day trips to Udawalawe National Park to see Asian elephants or venture over to Hiriketiya beach along the coast for a sleepy afternoon in the lagoon? Mirissa things to do are plentiful. 

Want to know what to do in Mirissa? Follow my essential Mirissa guide below.

Ensure you spend at least 2 days here to make the most of all the best places to visit in Mirissa!

READ MORE | A 3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: The Ideal Route Guide

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Where is Mirissa, Sri Lanka?

Set on the easternmost peninsula of Weligama Bay on Sri Lanka’s central south coast, Mirissa is located about four hours southeast of the capital of Colombo. 

Mirissa Sri Lanka, with a population of around 5,000 people, sits among some of the best and quaintest surf villages in Sri Lanka and is central to communities like Weligama, Galle Fort, Matara, and Dikwella. Mirissa Beach is favoured as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Best Time to Visit Mirissa

Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons, each striking the northeast and southwest coasts at opposite times of the year. The best time to visit Mirissa is during the driest months of December to March. Be aware that December is the busiest month as international and domestic tourists flock to the south coast on various holidays regardless of the weather in Mirissa. 

Weather in the south of Sri Lanka fluctuates only a couple of degrees (roughly between 29 and 31 celsius), so the shoulder months of April and November will still see some sun and are pleasant in regards to temperature (albeit will be slightly rainier). These months offer the perk of lower accommodation prices.

September and October are the wettest months in this area.

Check out these Sri Lanka travel tips before visiting the teardrop island

How to get Around Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Walking

What I consider to be the best way to see all the best Mirissa places to visit, walking can enhance your experience with a combination of exercise and time to notice the details. Due to the size of Mirissa, it maintains high walkability. Most of the Mirissa attractions can be reached by walking a mere 25 minutes.

Tuk-tuk

If you decide to enjoy the outlying communities of Weligama, Midigama, or Ahangama (and I highly suggest you do), hailing a tuk-tuk is your best bet. Costing approximately 500 LKR each way, a tuk-tuk ride is super fun and can provide you a chance to chat with a local. 

Haggling is a must and makes sure you stick to your guns as there is a tuk-tuk mafia operating in this area. Some prices will be firm as the demand for transportation is high between places like Weligama and Mirissa, but make sure to finalize the price before getting into the tuk-tuk.

Local Bus

Sri Lanka’s local bus system is one of the most economical ways to get around the island. On the south coast, the buses are great for day trips to places like Hiriketiya or Galle Fort. Costing a mere $0.50 USD, the #2 and #32 buses run every 15 minutes and will take you down the main coastal road which gives a great view of the Indian Ocean.

TIP | Make sure you have small denominations of Sri Lankan rupees available as the bus driver will not give you change until the end of your bus ride

Where to Stay in Mirissa

The touristy culture of Mirissa lends to a full range of accommodation in Mirissa, from minimalist rooms to luxury suites.

I’ve recommended three hotels in Mirissa below, but you can also search for all hotels in Mirissa Sri Lanka using Booking.com.

PEACOCK VILLA | MID-RANGE

Located on the backroads of Mirissa, this mid-range villa Peacock Mirissa complex comes complete with colonial Sri Lankan architecture, a large clean pool, and great staff. It is about a 10-minute walk to Mirissa Beach. This is one of the top-booked villas in Mirissa.

LANTERN BOUTIQUE HOTEL | LUXURY

Located on a quiet stretch of the idyllic golden sand of Mirissa Beach Sri Lanka, this modern boutique hotel in Mirissa comes complete with a beautiful outdoor pool with views of the ocean, spa and restaurant. Great for couples as one of the best beach hotels in Mirissa.

JJ’s HOSTEL | BUDGET

A quiet guest house Mirissa can sometimes be hard to find. JJ’s Hostel is a great place to stay in Mirrisa if you want to meet new people but still remain in solitude if you’d like. They offer very clean shared and solo rooms and onsite yoga. Considered one of the best hostels in Mirissa.

The Best Things To Do In Mirissa – Sri Lanka’s South Coast Gem

#1 Surfing in Mirissa

One of the top things to do Mirissa is rent a surfboard and hit the waves. Surfing in Mirissa Beach is one of the best places to do this in Sri Lanka, especially for intermediates. The surf here is a point break and experiences only the rare onshore wind making the waves here glassy and smooth. 

If you are just out to have some fun and consider yourself a beginner, you can opt for a surf school Mirissa or hit up Weligama Beach, located an 8KM tuk-tuk ride west of Mirissa. Surfboard rentals can be easily found at either beach.

If surfing isn’t your thing, snorkeling in Mirissa is also a blast.

COST | Surfboard rentals are 200LKR ($1 USD)

#2 Catch some rays at Mirissa Beach

Mirissa Beach is one of the best all-rounder beaches in Sri Lanka. This crescent-shaped beach offers immaculate golden sands, splashy turquoise waves to play in, scrumptious eats, and refreshing drinks. The clean sand offers a great place to sit and relax, and people watch or read a book.

With the good comes the bad, unfortunately, this beach also has a lot of tourists that set up camp on the sands each day. When I went in January of 2020, the beach was busy, but not solidly packed, and I had plenty of space to walk the span of the beach near the water’s edge. For this reason, it’s still a fabulous place to visit in Mirissa.

WHERE | Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka 

TIP | As with most tourist attractions, arrive early to get the best spot on the beach.

#3 Perch on Parrot Rock Mirissa

Located at the far east end of Mirissa Beach is Parrot Rock. This iconic rock formation is connected to the beach by a ‘land bridge’ and can be accessed by a makeshift stairway to the top, What makes this a great place to visit in Mirissa is the views from the top.

The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the golden Sri Lankan coastline and the hubbub of the beach can make for spectacular views. You can take photos or just hang out enjoying the sun.

#4 Coconut Hill Mirissa

Coconut Tree Hill is one of the top places to visit in Mirissa. Tall palm trees loaded with coconuts shoot out of the sparse red earth. Located on a hilled peninsula east of Mirissa, the grove backs right up to the Indian Ocean on three sides, making it a picturesque spot for tourists. 

If you choose to go at sunset, beware it can get busy and can have upwards of 50 people perusing the area. Make sure to take some time and have a cocktail or fresh coconut at Sunset Bar to watch the surfers in the distance and perhaps spot the odd turtle.

WHERE | How to get to Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa | There are 2 simple ways to get to Coconut Tree Hill. You can either walk along Mirissa Beach east past parrot rock and the next 2 harbours or follow Matara Road and turn down Coconut Tree Hill Road. To get to the hill, you will pass through Sunset Bar and up the steep dirt path. Voila! 

TIP | Go at sunrise to avoid waiting in line or having people in your shot.

TIP | Say no to single-use plastic and ask for no straw in your drink at Sunset Bar. Most establishments in this area provide coconut or bamboo straws, but unfortunately, this place doesn’t.

#5 Day Trip to Galle Fort

The great thing about Mirissa, is its central location. A very easy place to do a myriad of day trips from. But, what is one of the best things to do in Mirissa, is to take a morning and explore the historic Galle Fort. 

The city of Galle features a fortified peninsula that was created by the Dutch and Portuguese in colonial times. Now, the fort has built up boutique shops and trendy restaurants. When you arrive in Galle Fort, take a walking tour to discover all the history this place has to offer. 

WHERE | Galle Fort, Sri Lanka

BOOK | Full Day Tour of Galle Fort and Surrounding Area

#6 Whale Watching in Mirissa

Mirissa is known for having the best whale watching in Sri Lanka and is definitely one of the most awesome things to do in Mirissa. Do note, that whale watching in Mirissa is only good between November to March (the southern coast’s dry season). 

There will be a few different companies selling whales watching in Mirissa, and they can be caught at the Mirissa Fisheries Harbour. Make sure to keep an eye out for not only giant blue whales, but for dolphins and turtles too!

WHERE | Mirissa Fisheries Harbour, Sri Lanka

BOOK | Dolphin + Whale Watching Mirissa Tour

#7 Breakfast or Lunch at Shady Lane, Mirissa 

A two-story modern concrete building surrounded by palm trees, Shady Lane is the destination for new-age health food and vibes and what I consider to be one of the best restaurants in Mirissa. Tucked back in the jungle away from the main road of Mirissa, this hipster spot offers tropical fruit smoothie bowls, loaded avocado toasts, veggie burgers, and a few sweet treats.

Very vegan and gluten-free friendly, their coffee drinks come with the option of traditional dairy milk or coconut milk. 

Make sure to check out their small shop on the second floor that features local products, clothing, and artisans.

WHERE | Shady Lane Mirissa, Sri Lanka

COST | Smoothie bowls will run you 700 LKR and coffee approximately 400 LKR

TIP | The second floor seating gives the best view of the jungle and provides a quieter space if you are looking for some peace.

#8 Spend the Morning at Secret Beach 

 Not so secret anymore, but still worth visiting, Secret Beach is a great alternative to the larger Mirissa Beach and is one of the awesome things to do in Mirissa during your stay. A quaint restaurant that also offers snorkel gear rentals is about all there is in terms of amenities.

The restaurant has a toilet, but I’d suggest buying a drink or meal there before using the restroom. Go early and rent a beach lounger for around 500 LKR and spend the day soaking up the sun and snorkeling Mirissa.

WHERE | How to get to Secret Beach, Mirissa, Sri Lanka | This small cove beach at the west end of Mirissa and can be reached by walking or grabbing a tuk-tuk. If you do decide to walk to Secret Beach in Mirissa, make sure to go early as the trail is steep at the end and the heat of the day makes it more difficult.

Why visit Sri Lanka? This Sri Lanka bucket list guide has you covered

#9 Day Trip to Udawalawe National Park

If you haven’t gotten your fill of wildlife yet, opt to take a day trip to Udawalawe National Park. This park is mainly home to large packs of Asian elephants and you’ll likely have the opportunity to watch them playing in the river. Located a 2-hour drive northeast from Mirissa, a day trip will leave around 11 AM to make it there in time for a scenic afternoon safari. Udawalawe to Mirissa distance is around 2 hours drive.

WHERE | Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

BOOK | Undawalawe National Park Safari Experience from Mirissa 

#10 Book an Ayurvedic Massage at Secret Root Spa 

One of my favourite experiences in Mirissa, the Secret Root Spa provides ayurvedic massage packages in a serene and authentic environment. The spa is integrated into nature, with jungle all around you and the sound of wind chimes gently swinging in the breeze. You will make your way from an outdoor building to an outdoor building for each of your treatments across a quaint grassy courtyard. 

I highly recommend going for Ayurvedic Package Three that includes a Secret Roots full body massage, Shirodhara oil treatment and herbal steam bath. This package will cost you 6000 LKR plus tip (around $35USD), but it was well worth it for 2.5 hours of relaxation. Secret Root Spa also offers a la carte experiences, check out their website for more.

WHERE | Secret Root Spa, Mirissa 

BOOK | Make a massage or treatment appointment at this spa Mirissa

COST | Upwards of 6000 LKR

This Sri Lanka packing list will make your trip a breeze!

#11 Day Trip to Hiriketiya Beach

Imagine Bali 30 years ago and that’s the Dikwella community of Hiriketiya Beach for you. Nestled in the eastern corner of the golden southern stretch of Sri Lanka coastline, this up and coming yet sleepy hipster hub, is a great day or overnight trip from Mirissa.  The area near the beach is predominantly run by expats, which features their beachy but modern homestays, health food cafes and even a trendy co-working space. 

Hiriketiya Beach is located in a lagoon making it a great surfing destination for beginners 10 months of the year, and nicely protected for swimming and playing in the waves.

WHERE | How to get from Mirissa to Hiriketiya Beach | Take a cab or private driver to make the one hour journey. The trip will cost approximately 5000 LKR (~$25 USD).
Alternatively, you can take the local bus for 200 LKR, but will add 1.5 hours to your drive.

EAT | I recommend trying a fresh bowl at Malu Poke 

TIP | Make sure to venture out the expat bubble and to the main Matara Road to try some traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

TIP | Surfboard rentals on Hiriketiya Beach are available for as low as 250 LKR! A great spot to continue your surfing pursuits.

MORE ESSENTIAL GUIDES FOR SRI LANKA

Want to continue planning your trip to Sri Lanka?

Check out my 3 WEEK SRI LANKA ITINERARY or if you prefer to determine the route yourself, read the specialized guides below for some of the best experiences in Sri Lanka:

SRI LANKA BUCKET LIST | Get inspired by all that Sri Lanka has to offer. Here are my Sri Lanka highlights.

SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | Prepare for your Sri Lanka trip by reading my 21 top tips on what you should know before visiting the beautiful teardrop isle

KANDY | Bustling market streets, quiet strolls around the lake, lush botanical gardens, and ornate Buddhist temples, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka has it all

ELLA | Nestled in the green centre of Sri Lanka, this hiker’s paradise features trails with panoramic views of jagged green hills, deep valleys and rushing waterfalls.

YALA NATIONAL PARK | Majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a myriad of bird species can all be found in one of the biggest national parks in Sri Lanka.

WELIGAMA | Where surf culture is alive and thriving, this central town is located on the golden south coast of Sri Lanka and offers the best surf beach for beginners, and an abundance of traditional and modern eateries.

GALLE FORT | Fortified stone walls, dutch and Portuguese style architecture, great food and shopping all culminate in this little town that was once a major Sri Lankan trading post.

SRI LANKA PACKING LIST | Take the guesswork out of packing and easily check off my list to all things you will need for Sri Lanka’s warm climate

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