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Things to Do in Mirissa: Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Author : Gargi

The blue upon blue is as soothing as it gets. An occasional glint from the sun above slides off the waters, and creates a gossamer gold tapestry. Coconut palms sway gently by the sides and an occasional surf breaks, marring the pristine beauty of the frame.

We are in Mirissa. Located in the Matara District, and tucked way down in the South West corner of the teardrop island, Mirissa beach and nightlife alternate in varying degrees of energy level, both embraced by visiting tourists. Also, a bustling fishing port, Mirissa has shot into fame in recent years for its whale and dolphin watching locations. These magnificent creatures add their own charm to the beach and have tourists thronging for a sighting.

Mirissa’s cultural heritage is influenced by both Sinhalese and colonial history, with Galle Fort within the vicinity. The town bears a rich history of architecture and traditions, which can be observed at leisure. The unique practice of stilt fishing, an almost meditative way of catching fishes on stilts submerged in the shallow part of the sea, can be seen and framed for beautiful pictures and memories.

Things to do in Mirissa

This beach is a paradise for sun-seekers and those looking for chilled beach vibes. Through the day, Mirissa is a beach town, where one can relax and sip cool coconut water or dip into the sea. But, come evening, and the beach transforms into a vibrant address, where bars whip up exotic cocktails and entertainment in good measure.

If you find the need to step out of that hammock by the beach, consider exploring the serene beauty of Sri Sunandarama Piriven Viharaya, a tranquil Buddhist temple. The temple has a mind boggling array of traditional masks, and on festivals and special occasions, one can witness masked dancers putting on a spectacle of reverence. The temple complex is adorned with colorful paintings and has a stupa as well as a library where one can spend time.

Veer off the main beach and onto a Coconut Tree Hill, which is about a half hour away from the main beach. The hill has an enchanting line-up of coconut trees that make for a picturesque and instagrammable frame. One caveat is to be a little wary of falling coconuts, as that’s the last thing you’d want on a vacation!

Parrot Rock is that famous elevation which provides a unique vantage point and stunning views of Mirissa. Accessible during low tide, this spot offers panoramic views and could be a photographer’s dream come true.

Where to eat

The No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop is a café and guesthouse in the beautiful beach village of Mirissa in Sri Lanka. Family run, and operated by Gayani and her husband Chaminda, the place has a charming garden where one can meet other travellers, and strike a conversation. The pace is always unhurried here at Mirissa. The place has some fabulous variations of roti, the one trending on top is the kottu, a delicious mish mash of vegetables, egg and chicken, all mixed up with shredded bits of handmade bread or roti. Lightly spiced, and fried to perfection, the kottu roti is Sri Lanka’s answer to a fast food like hamburger or kati roll. The name is derived from both Tamil and Sinhalese languages meaning ‘chopped bread. ‘ Another hot favourite is the chocolate and banoffee roti, which is a sweet indulgence. If you’re a hopper fan, just pre-order for the next day and enjoy delicious hoppers made with a fluffy rice batter. Gayani also runs cooking classes where one can pick up a few tips and tricks of local cooking.

Fish Point is a unique experience. One may think it is an ordinary shop selling seafood. However, this sea-facing eatery offers seafood by weight, which means that fresh seafood of choice can be bought and prepared a la minute, either grilled, steamed or fried. Don’t miss the delicious seafood platter, best when washed down with cold, local beers.

For a dose of nightlife, we recommend lounging by the beach, watching the slow transition of day into night, as the tempo goes up a few notches. Zephyr has the perfect beach mood and serves up delectable seafood fare, which one could enjoy with their live music and island-inspired cocktails.

For more laidback vibey places, one could check out Kama Mirissa, or Papa Mango for a romantic beach atmosphere.

Ethical whale watching

Several operators offer whale watching tours in Mirissa, ensuring a comfortable experience. However, it is imperative that we choose operators that adhere to responsible practices. A simple practice of mindfulness will go a long way in ensuring that minimal disturbance to the whales and their environment comes about, during the practice of whale watching.  Boats must make sure to maintain a distance (typically 100-200 meters) to avoid causing disturbance or ruffling the normalcy of these magnificent creatures. The seed as well as number of boats must be both optimum and avoid jerky manoeuvres or loud noises. As with all creatures of the wild, we must respect them in their natural habitat and not chase or heckle them in any way.

Although blue whales are the focal point, one may witness a vast array of enthralling marine life, stepping into a fantasyland of sorts. Other species sometimes seen on these tours include bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whales, turtles and sperm whales.

Mirissa has quickly become a darling beach for tourists, and is no secret anymore. However, its beauty and charm are still intact, not to mention the special draw of whale watching, which lends to the place, a unique charm.

While staying on the beach or simply passing by en route to Galle Fort, perhaps, the magic of Mirissa is not lost to travellers.

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You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!

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