Joanna James
Mirissa, a sleepy little fishing village on the south-west coast of sunny Sri Lanka, is most popular for whale and dolphin watching safaris. Chilling, dining and surfing are some of its other allures.
Chilling on the beach is a must; no self-respecting sun worshiper can ignore the gorgeous sandy embankments which make up Mirissa Beach. Located on the eastern edge of beautiful Weligama Bay, Mirissa is a crescent-shaped beach. Lying on the beach one can see the rest of the coast curving around the Indian Ocean, perfect for that deserted island castaway feel. Make sure to take along your favourite book or music, for the shady sections of the beach home to swaying coconut palms are ideal for relaxing in. Book yourself a Mirissa beach hotel located on the beach and enjoy endless hours of seaside bliss, right at your doorstep.
Once you are able to tear yourself away from blissful days on the beach, put on those walking shoes and get set to explore the countryside areas in and around the coast. Not too far from seaside resorts such as Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, the sleepy interiors of Mirissa are verdant environs made up of charming villages and farmlands. If you fancy an early start head off towards the port and watch as fresh catches are brought in.
The waters off the coast of Mirissa are home to a variety of whale and dolphin species; hence, these tours are extremely popular and well worth the effort. Make sure to book your tour via the Mirissa beach resort you are staying at, or look for a reputed and recommended tour operator. Check that all safety equipment is provided, and you are accompanied by an experienced guide. The tours are most often successful with participants coming across varied species of both dolphins and whales.
The east coast of Sri Lanka experiences a rainy season from November to March; this, in turn, makes conditions around Mirissa and Weligama ideal for surfing. You will find a number of surf schools located along the beaches of Weligama and Mirissa, renting out boards and teaching novices about the intricacies of balancing on the surf-board. The shallow waters are ideal for beginners to get the hang of surfing, while body-boarding is another favoured sport around these areas.
Surfing and body-boarding are by far the most popular water sports around Mirissa; if you are hankering for more, head over to the resort towns of Bentota or Galle; roughly an hour away from your Mirissa hotel. In Bentota, you can indulge in the latest water sports such as skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, banana boat rides, jet skiing and much more. In Galle, you can explore the many colonial relics, the most prominent being the Old Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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