Mirissa

Located 4km southeast of Weligama, Mirissa is a laid-back beach town, stretching along the golden sands that Sri Lanka is famed for.

Its visitors sip on fresh coconut juice directly from the fruit, and rock gently upon a hammock, watching the hours, days and weeks slip calmly by. It is a quickly developing crescent of beach where modest guesthouses, beach huts and simple cafes crop up every so often. So far the government has stopped the kinds of construction which can be found further along the coast at Unawatuna, but as visitor numbers keep growing, only time will tell if this stays the same.

Mirissa is an ideal spot to go whale watching - trust us, witnessing these magnificent creatures leaping in and out of the Indian Ocean really is a sight to behold! You are likely to see pods of dolphins darting through the water around you, too. Rise early in order to set sail just after sunrise, and enjoy a wander through the harbour's bustling fish market, passing friendly locals and vibrant boats as you go. As Mirissa is the largest fishing port on the south coast, the buzzy atmosphere here is palpable. You can choose between an array of other activities and excursions on offer here, from surfing to snorkelling.

Recently, this once-tranquil town has become popular with young travellers in search of the perfect 'Insta-worthy' shots (for instance, Mirissa's coconut grove viewpoint has become somewhat of a 'hotspot'); so we recommend staying at the secluded Pointe Sud hotel away from the crowds, or at one of our favourite properties nearby (both Amangalla and Kahanda Kanda lie just under an hour’s drive away). If you would prefer to stay closer, Cape Weligama hotel is another great option and can be found just along the coast in Weligama in a prime position.

Thanks to its close proximity to Galle (one hour by road), this location fits easily into a tailor-made tour of Sri Lanka. For wildlife lovers and those looking for a bit of an adventure, a visit to Mirissa is bound to be memorable - we cannot stress enough how wonderful it is to see blue whales (and dolphins) in their natural habitat.

I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw