Joanna James
As one of Sri Lanka's most popular seaside hamlets, Mirissa is a beach capital of truly epic proportions. Ranked among the island's best whale watching hubs, here are five activities every solo traveller should experience during a getaway to breathtaking Mirissa.
Those who are visiting the beach hub of Mirissa alone should not miss the chance to uncover the breathtaking underwater landscapes off the coast of the area. Teeming with marine life and stunning coral reefs, Polhena Beach is perhaps the best location in Mirissa to engage in this activity. The tranquil and shallow waters of this white, sandy beachfront are the perfect way to spend a morning in Mirissa as the visibility is excellent during most of the year. The visibility is only compromised during the monsoon season when beach holidays in Mirissa are not a good idea anyway due to most outdoor activities being inaccessible.
Tipped to be a must-have experience for all visitors based in Mirissa, whale and dolphin watching tours are the main reason most tourists and locals head to this part of the island in the first place. Those who intend to witness these mammals with their own eyes should visit the area during the whale watching season as the majestic creatures migrate across the Indian Ocean during a specific time period. The months between November and April are generally considered the best time to go on a whale-watching expedition in Mirissa. The peak tourist season for the island which begins in December is considered ideal for this type of excursion as whales and dolphins are spotted more frequently.
Mirissa has been a popular surfer's hotspot since time immemorial and solo travellers can make the most of their time by either engaging in the wave riding activity or by learning how to surf on holiday. It will not prove difficult to find a surfing school or instructor near the Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa or any other boutique hotel in Mirissa as there are countless tour operators offering lessons as well as surfing excursion packages. Surfboard rentals are also freely accessible by the beach.
Often regarded as one of Mirissa's best-kept secrets, the joy of discovering the area's Secret Beach is not only reserved for couples but also for solo travellers. As a secluded and quiet piece of paradise, the beach is ideal for those who wish to escape the more popular beaches of Mirissa and simply escape to a tranquil haven by the water. Easily accessible via tuk-tuk, the Secret Beach is not lined with seafood restaurants and beach bars unlike most other beaches in Sri Lanka but the odd king coconut seller will stroll by occasionally.
Who says captivating sunsets are for couples? Solo travellers can grab a cold beer and head to Mirissa Beach to enjoy this daily miracle by themselves. The afterglow is difficult to capture in words but those who head to the beach early to grab a good viewing spot will get to see for themselves what tourists and locals flock to the beach to see at the end of the day.
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