7 x Things To Do in Mirissa

Last Updated On June 18, 2023

Mirissa, the island's whale-watching site, is sure to be a wonderful experience, with its stunning beaches and various tourist attractions.
It is around 240 kilometers from Colombo's central business district. There are numerous surf-worthy beaches, waves, restaurants, and pubs. It is excellent for travelers who wish to relax and spend a couple of days sunbathing and enjoying a few activities.

Coconut Tree Hill Rd, Mirissa, Sri Lanka, View from the top of Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa

Photo by Dinuka Lankaloka on Unsplash

Mirissa has become a top-rated destination in recent years, as it has grown steadily over time, bringing more and more visitors each year. There are a few things to see and do, so there is never a dull time. Mirissa as a town is quite exciting, and the locals are all very kind, despite the increasing number of visitors.

One of the main attractions in Mirissa is whale watching, which begins at 4 a.m., or occasionally 7 a.m., with a couple of boats gathering the requisite number of people to head out to sea. It will take up to 2 hours to arrive at the deep water end, where most of the whales are, and it's quite a sight to spot them. Even though it is early in the morning, there are usually large crowds, demonstrating everyone's enthusiasm. 

Everyone will be thrilled to catch a sight of these magnificent beasts. When the boats return to shore, they provide a full course breakfast and lunch. Whale and dolphin experts will explain the behaviors and ways of these beautiful mammals in their natural habitat, so everything will be pretty exciting to hear and witness. Epic Sri Lanka Holidays can arrange various packages, particularly for you.

1. Whale and Dolphin Watching in Mirissa

Mirissa features some of the best marine life in the entire country. It is particularly well-known for its whale population. The whale watching season lasts from late November to early March. This is the time of year when whales migrate from the south.

Join a whale watching tour, which many can be found on the beach, and a guide will take you into the deep blue Indian Ocean to witness whales, dolphins, and turtles. You might even see a gigantic blue whale, the world's largest animal, if you're lucky.

2. Mirissa Beach

3. Surfing in Mirissa

Mirissa beach is ideal for playing in the waves, whether you prefer surfing or running head first into them. The waves are moderate in size and ideal for beginning surfers. The most fabulous months for surfing are October through March, giving you nearly half the year to get your surf on.

4. Parrot Rock

Parrot Rock, a massive red-colored hill looms over the water, is located just in front of Mirissa Beach. It has become one of the top things to do in Mirissa because of the stunning views of the palm-lined beaches below.

Because Parrot Rock lies out at sea, you'll need to check the tides because crossing during low tide is the safest option. Crossing during high tide can be risky, especially during the monsoon season when the waves are high.

5. The Dondra Head Lighthouse

6. Coconut tree Hill

Coconut Tree Hill has to be the most popular Instagram destination in Mirissa. This little slope is covered in coconut trees and makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. The climb to the summit takes around 2 minutes, and there is a tiny parking area at the bottom for tuk-tuks and scooters.

Of course, like any popular destination, it gets very crowded, especially during the day. Coconut Hill is a great place to watch the sunset in Mirrisa, but it can get very crowded at this time of year.

7. Matara Paravi Duwa Temple

8. Food culture of Mirissa