Mirissa – A Traveler’s Guide. Marissa is the idyllic place for beach lovers. A golden slice of heaven located on the Southern tip of Sri Lanka! If you are planning to head down South, be sure you spend a few days in this charming seaside town.
Mirissa is located just a few minutes away from Weligama. Although the vibe is a bit more mellow, we think Mirissa is perfect for anyone looking to spend their days with sandy toes and salty hair.
How to Get There
The best way to get to Mirissa is either by car, Tuk Tuk, or local bus. It is only about 15 minutes drive from Weligama, so if you are coming from that end, any of the above will suffice. If you are headed to Mirissa from Yala National Park, you do have the option of local bus, or car. We took a car, although a bit more expensive, it was easier for us and more comfortable.
Pro Tip
It is important to note, if you are planning on trying to take the local bus in Sri Lanka be aware that they do NOT allow large luggage. If you want to travel with your luggage you will need to book with an ac bus company at the station, or online. The local busses will simply not let you on with large backpacks.
Mirissa – A Traveler’s Guide
Things To Do
Beach Days at Mirissa Beach
The best thing about Mirissa is definitely the beach! We spend two full days beach side soaking up the sun and swimming in the ocean. Unlike Weligama, Mirissa is a better beach for swimming. If you also fancy your hand at surfing, there are plenty of small surf shops along the beach that offer daily lessons for travellers.
Coconut Tree Hill
This is one of the most picturesque spots in Southern Sri Lanka. As you walk along the beach in Mirissa town, you can see the large palm tree hill in the distance. Covered with coconut trees/palms with a gorgeous view of the ocean, this spot is definitely a must if you visit Mirissa.
Parrot Rock
You can walk to Parrot Rock from Mirissa beach. Once there it provides a great view of Mirissa. The best time to visit is either for sunrise, or sunset! Be sure to also check the tides, otherwise you may be walking through water to get there!
Secret Beach
If you are looking for a different beach nearby to spend your time, check out secret beach. Although not necessarily a secret anymore, this is another great beach for sunbathing. They also have fresh coconuts there for you to drink and cool down in the heat! Secret beach is also a great place to watch the sunset!
Mirissa – A Traveler’s Guide
Places to Eat
Number 1 Roti: Dewmini Roti Shop
This place gained its popularity by word of mouth from backpackers. This is a great family run restaurant that serves up some amazing Roti. Our favourites were the avocado and cheese roti and the chocolate banana shakes. You can also order curries for dinner ahead of time and they will prepare it for you! One curry is enough to feed two, so come hungry for dinner if you go with this option!
The Shack
The shack is a delicious place to grab either lunch, or dinner if you are near the beach. Located right along the sand, this trendy restaurant serves up some great dishes. It is a bit more expensive than other spots, but the food was good!
Rumba
This was our favourite spot to spend our beach days. Rumba has dozens of comfy lounge chairs that you can use for free with a purchase of a drink, or food. In our opinion, it was the best spot on the beach! We also had great cocktails here during happy hour! If you want a comfortable spot to post up for the day, read your book, sunbathe and swim, definitely check out Rumba!
Shady Lane
This was a cute organic cafe in town! It reminded us a lot of something you would find in Bali, or Australia. Bright colours, beautifully decorated, this was a great spot for breakfast. They had a killer avocado toast!
Mirissa – A Traveler’s Guide
Where to Stay
Triple O Six
Chic, colourful boutique hotel located right on the water! You can check them out Here.
Hotel Wood Palace
Mid range hotel with comfortable rooms. The complimentary breakfast was a plus and it is in the best location! Just a 2 minute walk to the beach and all the best restaurants. You can check them out Here.
JJ’s hostel
If you are looking for a decent hostel with comfortable beds, book your stay at JJ’s. The staff is friendly and it is a great way to meet fellow travellers. You can check them out Here.
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