5 best things to do in Mirissa – The beach city that has it all!

Even though you could easily find this beach on a map the less popular beach is quite difficult to reach. You can travel most of the journey by tuk-tuk, but you'll still have to walk for about 10 minutes to reach this hidden treasure as after one-point tuk-tuk's cannot proceed. There is a lady who sells tender coconuts and there is also a small bar where you can quench your thirst while soaking up the beauty of the beach.

Parrot rock is a large grassy outcrop on the Mirissa beach, which is an ideal place for watching the sunset or taking a dip in a secluded part of the beach. You have to paddle through the water before reaching the steep steps that lead to the top of the rock. Upon reaching the top of the rock you'll be greeted with a stunning view of the Mirissa beach stretch. The view of the sunrise and sunset from here parrot rock is truly mesmerizing! Natural crevices formed all over the top of the rock are ideal or enjoying some quiet time. On the other side of the rock, you'll find a rock pool which is great to have a quick dip with complete privacy on a hot day as not many people come here.

Located a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away from the Mirissa town, the Doctor's house is a nice place to have a drink, enjoy a meal and relax. The Doctor's house features a bar, restaurant and a hostel and its main attraction is a building which is over 200 years that was constructed by the Dutch to act as an ayurvedic hospital, hence why it's named the Doctor's house. The property hosts several empty spaces where yoga classes are conducted and later in the night to host live music performances. While the bar offers your standard list of beer and cocktails, a wood-fired pizza oven that cooks up a wide variety of pizzas and other mouth-watering dishes is something worth trying.

Mirissa is one of the world's finest places for whale and dolphin watching which was featured on a documentary filmed by BBC about Whales named "Ocean Giants". The best time to go whale watching is during November – March, where there's a 95% chance that you'll see a whale. Bride whales, Killer whales, Pigmy killer and Sperm whales are some of the types of whales that can you can see in Mirissa. In addition, you can also spot Riso dolphins, Bottled nosed dolphins, Spinner dolphins and other sea life such as flying fish, greenback turtle and tuna fish if you're really lucky.

The Galle Fort is a historical landmark which was built by the Portuguese and later used by the Dutch. Presently the fort is home to an assortment of craft, gem, jewellery and handcraft shops and bars and restaurants along with hostels and cheap motels. Located near Mirissa, it's the ideal place for a day trip. Mirissa is home to some of the finest holiday resorts in Sri Lanka similar to the Mandara Hotels & Resorts which provides class services and even arrange transportation for its guest to visit the Galle Fort.

Unawatuna is another coastal city located near Mirissa, which has a bustling nightlife that features numerous bars and restaurants that have bright neon lights and loud music that give the region a festive and party vibe.