Things to do in and around Mirissa – adventures abound

When searching for places in Sri Lanka for the perfect beach holiday, look no further than the town of Mirissa, ideally placed between the fishing hamlets of Weligama and Matara. Well known for providing thrill-seekers with plenty of leisure and outdoor activities to pick and choose from, one can expect to break free from the mundanity of life back home, no sooner than one steps onto its sunny shores. Though whale watching is unquestionably one of the town's major attractions, the curious may opt for other forms of entertainment as well.

Mirissa affords a wealth of opportunities and prime conditions that would invariably quench the thirst of even the most diehard of adventurers. However should you be heading over to the area in the near future, it is best that you consider places of lodging from where you will be able to plan out your day's activities. If on the lookout for boutique hotels, Sri Lanka has its fair share of such facilities and the CASA Colombo Collection Mirissa is one that comes to mind among several others. Mirissa Beach with its clear and calm waters is a treat for swimmers, while the western portion of the beach is where surfing takes pride of place. Here, lessons are offered by skilled trainers and the period from December to March is when surfers are known to frequent the beach. Coral reefs are common here in this part of the country, and therefore snorkelers would certainly find themselves at home, surrounded by the magic and colour of the waters below.

The seas off Mirissa are where one ought to venture out, in order to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants of the ocean; whales. Also, visitors should be notified of the fact that both the blue and sperm whale can be seen in these waters, along with schools of dolphins who only add to the excitement with their playful antics and tricks. The town has a reputation for being at the heart of whale and dolphin watching excursions in the country, but since these species are migratory, it is preferred that you inquire in advance from the hotel that you may be staying at about a suitable time for trips out to sea. Alternatively, a journey to the Yala National Park which is a 3-hour drive from Mirissa, will bring you up close and personal with herds of elephants, wild buffaloes, birds, and, if lucky, an absorbing encounter with its most elusive species of residents, the leopards. Time permitting, of course, do schedule a day trip to Galle which is bound to have you gazing in awe at its iconic Dutch Fort built during the 18th century.

For the laidback at heart, Mirissa will only be too happy to take care of your every whim. From long walks on the soft, sandy shores along Mirissa Beach in the evening, to settling into a refreshing and rejuvenating Ayurveda treatment at your hotel or resort, the experiences are truly worth their weight in gold. Staying true to the English phrase, "The early bird catches the worm," vacationers wanting their own share of the daily catch would have to be early birds themselves if they are to purchase only the freshest produce at the Mirissa Harbour; where pleasantries can be exchanged with the fishermen who arrive after a busy night at work.