Top 7 Things To Do In Mirissa, Sri Lanka

things to do in Mirissa Sri Lanka
Joyce
Joyce 
Published
| 4 min read

Mirissa is a small and humble town located just on the coast of Sri Lanka. Because of its location and amazing weather, Mirissa offers numerous activities that appeal to both local and international tourists. The beaches, the nightlife, and the food are all waiting for you to book that trip to Mirissa. While booking this trip can be exciting and rewarding, there are a lot of times when tourists fail to plan effectively. To help you ensure that your Mirissa trip is going to be successful, read on as we list down some of the top things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka.

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Lahiru

Lahiru
Mirissa

Mirissa Bay Coconut tree hill Sunset in Mirissa

Mirissa is a small town situated on the south coast of Sri Lanka, located in the Matara district of the Southern Province. This small but very attractive coastal city is approximately 150 km away from Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 4 meters above sea level. The stunning Mirissa Beach and vibrant nightlife make it a very popular tourist destination. A large number of backpackers visit this city throughout the year. Mirissa is also famous for whale watching, which is just an hour's boat ride away from the shore.

1. Appreciate the abundance of wildlife at Secret Beach Mirissa

Mirissa beach Sri Lanka (29959458812)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user dronepicr used under CC BY 2.0

Wondering why it’s called Secret Beach? Well, this is because only the locals know about this haven until they eventually couldn’t keep it secret. Now, it is one of the go-to tourist destinations in all of Sri Lanka. Aside from the amazingly blue waters and its beautiful surroundings, Secret Beach Mirissa is also home to various kinds of animals. The abundance of wildlife here is so incredible that it houses five out of the seven species of turtles in the entire world. You can also expect to see squirrels, black monkeys, peacocks, birds, and fruit bats whenever you go exploring the area.

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2. Admire the majestic view from Parrot Rock Bridge


If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, then it is a must to see Parrot Rock Bridge. This is located near Mirissa Beach and it’s one of the most serene places in the area. Aside from vibrant sunsets and perfect surf waves, Parrot Rock Bridge also offers various activities for both local and international tourists, one of which is snorkeling. After this, if you’re feeling famished, you’ll be happy to know that the locals have set up a number of restaurants nearby to satisfy your hunger.

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3. Indulge in Mirissa's amazing dishes at Secret Beach Bar


If there is a common theme here, it is that the locals take pride in keeping this haven secret! While Google may have already put Mirissa on the map, this doesn’t mean that it’s no longer worth visiting. Secret Beach Bar is the place to be after a long day lounging under the sun or snorkeling in the deep blue water. When you arrive at Mirissa, Sri Lanka, the locals won’t charge you with an entrance fee. Instead, they would sell you products, such as snorkeling gear, beds, tents, and of course, food! At night, you can enjoy a lively celebration and an active nightlife. You can start the fun here at Secret Beach Bar.

Secret Beach Bar

Address: Mirissa Beach, Mirissa, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 2am; Sun: 7am - 12am

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4. Watch the sunrise from Coconut Tree Hill


Coconut Tree Hill is probably the most famous spot in all of Mirissa. From Mirissa Beach, you would have to walk up the hill or you can access it via Bandaramulla Temple. If you plan on walking, then do note that it will take you about 10 to 15 minutes. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be greeted with a majestic view of Mirissa Bay, as well as an abundance of coconut palm trees. Locals would recommend you to visit Coconut Tree Hill in the morning or just before sunrise. Moreover, it is also advisable to bring a bag with you to keep all of your rubbish.

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Mirissa Tour Guide

Lahiru Mihiran

Lahiru Mihiran

Welcome to my tour page, where I extend a heartfelt "Ayubowan" to you, wishing you a long and prosperous life. I am Mihi, a native Sri Lankan from the southern region, passionate about showcasing the beauty of our island nation to travelers worldwide. With over a decade of experience in tourism, I have crafted exceptional tour experiences for international visitors, exceeding expectations ever... Read more

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5. Enjoy a nice cup of joe at No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop

things to do in mirissa sri lanka | enjoy a nice cup of joe at no. 1 dewmini roti shop
Source: instagram

Alongside the tropical vibe that comes with being at Mirissa, Sri Lanka, there’s also a number of artsy and quaint little coffee shops near the beach. The No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop is arguably the most common among them all. This café-guesthouse establishment is situated in a beach village in Mirissa. They offer a wide range of breakfast items, curries, and Kottus. This place has been so successful in the past years that the owners, Chaminda and her wife, Gayani, now hosts some excellent local cooking classes. If you want to know what Sri Lanka cuisine is truly like, then the No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop should be your first stop.

No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop

Address: Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Website: No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop

Opening hours: 8:30am - 10pm (daily)

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6. Go whale-watching with Whale Horizon


Mirissa, Sri Lanka is home to an abundance of wildlife. In fact, some of the country’s most amazing spots to watch whales are in Mirissa. These gentle giants are such majestic creatures that rule the ocean. Whale-watching with Whale Horizon is definitely a must on your to-do list. We advise that you visit anytime between the months of November and April every year. Moreover, whales aren’t the only loveable creatures you’ll be seeing here. You can also expect to see a number of dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as get to enjoy gorgeous views of the ocean.

Whale Horizon

Address: Harbour Road, Mirissa 81740, Sri Lanka

Website: Whale Horizon

Opening hours: 5am - 6pm (daily)

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7. Tap into your inner adventurer by visiting Jungle Playground Mirissa


Firstly, do note that Jungle Playground Mirissa is more than just your average adventure park. Whatever your age may be, this place is a must-see when you visit Mirissa, Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, this park offers you a wide range of activities that are all family-friendly. From rock climbing to miniature golf, be sure to expect several surprises when you explore Jungle Playground Mirissa. This park gives you a one-of-a-kind feeling of being at the heart of Mirissa. Here, you can explore both its fauna and flora, as well as meet creatures from both the land and the sea.

Jungle Playground Mirissa

Address: Temple Road, Mirissa 81740, Sri Lanka

Website: Jungle Playground Mirissa

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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See what Mirissa, Sri Lanka has to offer

Despite being a small town in one of the most majestic countries in Asia, Mirissa offers you an array of nature-based activities. Not only will these make for perfect family trips during the summer, but you’ll also feel detached from the buzz of the city life. From watching the whales and the dolphins to admiring the beautiful sunrise, Mirissa, Sri Lanka is your home away from home.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Joyce Gonzales has always had the case of wanderlust. She was a former financial analyst who took a leap of faith and started writing about her travels. She is intrigued by the existence of...Read more

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