Here’s my traveller’s guide to Mirissa, Sri Lanka’s vibrant beach town, featuring my favourite things to do, including the Coconut tree hill, Secret beach and a few dope surf spots – plus insightful travel essentials.

Mirissa is one of the most popular beach towns on Sri Lanka’s vibrant south coast and, in my opinion, an essential stop on any trip through Sri Lanka.

The lively town has everything a traveller desires, from Whale watching tours to surf lessons, and from trendy cafes to secluded stretches of beach.

Even though Mirissa is developing at a high pace (which brings more travellers), it is still one of my favourite beach destinations down south. This is mainly due to its laidback backpacker vibe and the many interesting things to see and do.

Here’s my detailed traveller’s guide to Mirissa, featuring everything you need – plus insightful travel tips, including where to eat and how to get to Mirissa.

2 | CHILL AT SECRET BEACH

Secret Beach is a small secluded beach where jungle and sea blend together in a paradisiac manner, only just around the corner of Mirissa’s lively main beach.

After a local had praised it as one of the best things to do in Mirissa, I decided to go and see it with my own eyes.

What awaited was a picturesque golden sand beach with perfectly aligned palm trees and only a few people there to enjoy it, which slightly reminded me of Jungle beach in Unawatuna.

A welcome addition to the hidden beach is a small beach bar, which makes Secret beach the perfect place for an afternoon of sunbathing, swimming and eventually a sundowner.

While Secret Beach isn’t as secret as the name might suggest, it’s notably more peaceful than Mirissa beach, and therefore definitely worthy of your visit.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Secret Beach, Mirissa

How to get to Secret Beach | Grab a short tuk tuk ride from Mirissa beach, followed by a 200-metre hike to the entrance of Mirissa’s secluded stretch of beach.

3 | HAVE BRUNCH AT ALOHA COFFEE GALLERY

Located just a stone’s throw from Mirissa’s lively main street, Aloha Coffee Gallery is a trendy cafe that’s excellent for healthy breakfast, brunch and coffee breaks.

For those that like to indulge fresh, nourishing and contemporary food, look no further, you just found yourself a new happy place along the palm-fringed shores of Mirissa.

Eating here feels like the perfect treat, as Aloha serves delicious smashed avocado toast (ask for their local one), nutritious smoothie bowls and lovely chia puddings. Not to mention the coffee they made for me, which was unquestionably the best I’ve had in Sri Lanka.

For me, Aloha easily was one of my greatest finds down south. The artistic interior, relaxing ambience, and excellent wifi, make it an excellent workspace for digital nomads.

Aloha Coffee Gallery also puts significant focus on sustainability, mitigating plastic waste, and the help of Sri Lanka’s stray dogs, which I deeply admire.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Aloha Coffee Gallery

Opening hours | Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 15:00, Sunday closed

4 | LEARN TO SURF AT WELIGAMA BEACH

Mirissa is easily one of the leading surf destinations on Sri Lanka’s spirited south coast, and therefore perfect for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers.

With decent waves rolling in year-round, a handful of excellent surf spots, and plenty of surf schools to chose from, Mirissa sounded like the perfect place for me to learn to surf.

If you’re a beginner like me, it is the Weligama Beach Break where you want to start your exciting new surf journey.

The two-kilometre long crescent-shaped bay is home to several excellent surfing schools, which provide lessons and board rental – plus the waves that break here, are commonly easy to learn on.

If you’re more advanced, head over to Mirissa beach, where you’ll encounter challenging left and right-handers. Do keep in mind that this break is mostly for intermediate and advanced surfers.

No matter what bay you plan to go, from my experience, it is best to surf first thing in the morning, as the waves can get pretty busy throughout the day.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Beginners om Weligama Beach, intermediate and advanced om Mirissa Beach

A 1-hour lesson | 2.000 – 3.000 LKR, ($11 – 16)

Board rental | 300 – 500 LKR, ($1.65 – 2.75) per hour

Surfing season in Mirissa | Although the waves tend to be good year-round, the surf season in Sri Lanka moves from coast to coast. The season on the south coast runs from November till May, while the seasons on the east coast runs from April to October.

5 | ADMIRE THE VIEWS FROM PARROT ROCK

Set right on Mirissa beach, Parrot Rock is a small secluded rock island that provides the most dazzling views of Mirissa’s entire golden sanded shoreline.

The viewpoint at the summit is the quiet getaway you desired, and that is just 5-minutes away from Mirissa’s beloved main beach. Parrot Rock is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by, especially during golden hour, when the sun gently drops below the horizon.

However, climbing to Parrot Rock’s viewpoint is quite an adventure at times.

To reach the foot of the island’s somewhat sketchy staircase, you’ll have to take a short walk through the water, which can be fairly rough and about knee-deep during high tide.

Even though climbing Parrot Rock is one of the best things to do in Mirissa, bear in mind to be careful of yourself and your belongings.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Parrot Rock, Mirissa

6 | SWIM AND RELAX ON MIRISSA BEACH

Whilst relaxing, swimming, and sipping on a king coconut slowly enhanced my daily ritual, it became clear why nothing equates the palm-fringed coastline of Sri Lanka.

Mirissa beach is said to be one of the best beaches on Sri Lanka’s south coast, and believe me, that’s for a good reason.

Even though Mirissa beach is slightly crowded, it still houses the laidback backpacker vibe that everyone is longing for – especially during golden hour.

As soon as the sunset illuminates the sky, beachside restaurants gradually come to life, more than happy to offer their happy hour deals, which attracts both travellers and locals.

If you’re looking for a day activity on Mirissa beach, a gentle beach stroll towards Parrot Rock and Coconut Tree Hill is your best bet.

So whether it’s a morning stroll or a sunset drink, Mirissa beach is something you can’t miss out on.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Mirissa Beach

7 | WHALE WATCHING IN MIRISSA

Mirissa is a famous Whale watching destination as it’s considered one of the best places to get up close and personal with majestic Blue Whales.

Aside from Blue Whales that migrate in the Indian ocean, you’ll have a great chance of seeing Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Dolphins and Turtles in their natural habitat.

Early mornings during the peak season grants the highest chance for sightings, as the sea is calm in the morning and slowly becomes rougher in the afternoon. For that reason, whale watching tours start just after sunrise (between 06.00 and 07.00).

The whale watching season in Sri Lanka runs from November till April, with March and April as its peak to encounter blue Whales.

Rumour has it that some operators ignore to perform the Whale watching tours in a responsible and ethical manner. That and the fact that I travelled Sri Lanka in the offseason, made me decide not joining a tour.

If you do consider to join a whale watching tour, I’d recommend putting significant importance in finding a tour operator that focuses on responsible whale watching, Raja & the Whales for example.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Raja & the Whales focuses on responsible whale watching.

Cost | Adult 9.800 LKR,  ($54) per person | Children 4.900 LKR,  ($27) per person

Duration of a Whale watching tour | 4 – 5 hours, depending on the sightings

When | Whale watching season in Sri Lanka runs from November till April.

8 | SUNSET DRINKS, BITES AND UPLIFTING BEATS AT PETTI PETTI, MIRISSA

Set right on the beach, Petti Petti is an enchanting hide-out, inviting you to chill the day away.

One afternoon, when I had the good fortune to stumble upon it on my way back from the famous Coconut Tree Hill, the relaxing atmosphere immediately caught my eye.

With an elevated infinity pool, comfortable beanbags, and uplifting tunes, relaxing became the most productive thing I’ve done that entire afternoon.

Although it had only just opened the doors when I visited, Petti Petti had already become a remarkably popular place to sit and watch the world go by.

Petti Petti provides a great view over the Indian Ocean, an eclectic menu of decadent western & Sri Lankan bites, and exquisite tropical cocktails, which makes it also the perfect place for sunset drinks and dinner.

Do keep in mind that this comfort comes with a slightly higher price than you’re familiar with in Sri Lanka. I personally came back twice, which is a good sign right

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Petti Petti Mirissa

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 22:30

WHERE TO EAT IN MIRISSA

Mirissa has no shortage of delicious cafés and restaurants that offer everything a hungry traveller craves, from authentic rice & curry to burgers, and from sushi to nourishing smoothie bowls.

So whether you’re looking for a plant-based café or a local eatery, you’ll find a bunch of interesting options to satisfy your appetite.

I definitely recommend checking out these eateries:

SHADY LANE

Shady Lane is a cosy cafe with an oasis of calm at only a few steps away from Mirissa’s buzzing main street. The cafe is specialised in nourishing smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and smoothies. Besides that, they serve good coffee and a bunch of other vegan options. Shady Lane has an excellent reputation, and that made great sense to me.

Where | Shady Lane Mirissa

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 15:00, Tuesday closed

WOOD SPACE MIRISSA

Wood Space, another outstanding cafe with great vibes and ‘feel-good’ food. Go here for a nourishing brekkie, a late brunch, fresh-pressed juices or a great cup of coffee.

Where | Wood Space Mirissa

Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 16:00

NO1 DEWMINI ROTI SHOP

If you crave for authentic local flavours, look no further. The food here is not only exceptional but also extremely fresh and cooked with a great amount of passion. However, don’t even think of eating here if you want to miss out on the best Kottu Roti in Mirissa.

Even though there is a lot of hype around this place, it easily lives up to its reputation.

Where | No1 Dewmini Roti Shop

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 22:00

THE ORIGINAL ROCKET BURGER

It often occurs that one needs a short break from local delicacies while travelling, and after rice and curry for over a week, it was about time. This is where The Original Rocket Burger showed up.

I ordered the El Macho, which was absolutely delicious. The location directly at the beach was a welcome addition as well. Worth every rupee and is highly recommended if you’re looking for a good burger in Sri Lanka.

Where | The Original Rocket Burger

Opening hours | Daily 11:00 – 21:00

WHERE TO STAY IN MIRISSA

Mirissa has no shortage of good accommodations, with options that suit every budget.

It can, however, be quite a challenge to find accommodation that fits your travel style during high season and therefore I recommend booking your stay a couple of weeks in advance.

Some of the hotels I recommend include:

Handagedara Colonial Villa | Beautifully decorated rooms, air-conditioning, a fantastic swimming pool and at only a stone throw away from Mirissa beach. More information and availability here.

Satori Beach Hostel | One of the best beachfront hostels in Mirissa. Offers dorms, double rooms, and yoga sessions on the roof. More information and availability here.

Triple O Six | If you’re after a bit more luxury, Triple O Six offers elegant rooms, a swimming pool and the most friendly staff. It’s also located only a few steps from the famous Coconut Tree Hill. More information and availability here.

Mirissa Heights | The perfect option for a budget traveller that wants to stay close to the beach. Clean air-conditioned rooms, a comfortable bed and a good Quality-Price-Ratio. More information and availability here.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Mirissa on booking.com.

WEATHER IN MIRISSA | BEST TIME TO VISIT MIRISSA

It is safe to say that the tropical climate ensures good weather year-round, yet there is a travel period that indicates the high season in Sri Lanka.

It is said that the best time to visit Mirissa is between November and April. The sea is reasonably calm during this period, which provides excellent circumstances for both surf lessons and whale watching.

Even though Mother Nature doesn’t always stick to our calendar, it’s common to expect more rainfall during the southwest monsoon that runs from May till September.

HOW TO GET TO MIRISSA

TRAIN | Going by train is a perfect option if you plan to visit Mirissa after Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Galle or Unawatuna.

A direct train operates frequently between Colombo and Matara. However, make sure to leave the train at Weligama, where you have to change for a local bus or tuk-tuk to Mirissa.

From Colombo to Weligama | Cost 160 – 480 LKR, ($0.85 – 2.55) | Travel time +/- 3.30 hours

From Hikkaduwa to Weligama | Cost 150 – 300 LKR, ($0.80 – 1.60) | Travel time +/- 1.15 minutes

From Galle to Weligama | Cost 150 – 300 LKR, ($0.80 – 1.60) | Travel time +/- 30 minutes

BUS | Mirissa is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is usually visited after Galle and Unawatuna Beach.

Travelling along the southern coast is quite straightforward, as there are good connections and the local busses are extremely cheap. It’s also one of the best ways to experience daily Sri Lankan life, which if you ask me is great entertaining.

If you’re travelling from Colombo, Galle or Unawatuna, I personally recommend taking a local bus, which either stops at Mirissa or at the Matara bus station. From Matara, it’s a short tuk tuk ride to the city centre of Mirissa, which costs around 300 LKR, ($1.60).

Bus from Galle or Unawatuna to Matara

Cost | Around 150 LKR, ($0.80)

Travel time | Around 1 hour

TUK-TUK | Usually, I prefer the use of public transportation in Asia, but for this part of my trip, I grabbed a tuk tuk. This was mainly because of the friendly guesthouse owner, who had an appointment in Mirissa and asked me to join him on his journey to Mirissa.

It turned out to be a win-win in the end.

He even stopped along the way, so that I could see the stilt fisherman in Koggala, which I already intended to visit as a day trip.

Tuk tuk from Unawatuna to Mirissa

Cost | 1,500 LKR, ($8.25)

Travel time | 45 minutes

STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE

Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

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