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Mirissa Beach golden sand with palm trees and turquoise water
Beaches

Mirissa Beach

Matara, Southern Province
From Colombo
152 km
3-4 hours
From Airport
177 km
3.5-4.5 hours

Best Time to Visit

November December January February March April

The dry season on the south coast runs from November to April. Whale watching season is December to April, with peak sightings in February and March.

beachwhale watchingsurfingsunsetsnorkellingnightlifeCoconut Tree Hill

Overview

Mirissa is a small but perfectly formed beach town on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Its crescent-shaped bay of golden sand backed by swaying palm trees has made it one of the island’s most beloved destinations. But Mirissa is more than just a beautiful beach — it’s also one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with blue whales and sperm whales regularly spotted just off the coast.

The Beach

Mirissa’s main beach curves gently for about 1.5 km, with calm waters at the western end (perfect for swimming) and better waves at the eastern end (ideal for surfing). The beach is backed by a mix of palm trees, guesthouses, and beach restaurants.

Coconut Tree Hill

This small headland covered in perfectly spaced coconut palms has become Mirissa’s signature viewpoint and one of the most photographed spots in Sri Lanka. It’s a short walk from the main beach and is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Parrot Rock

A small rocky island connected to the eastern end of the beach, accessible at low tide. It offers panoramic views of the entire bay.

Whale Watching

Mirissa is one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world. From November to April, blue whales — the largest animals ever to have lived on Earth — migrate through the waters just 5–10 km off the coast. Sperm whales, fin whales, and dolphins are also regularly sighted.

Whale-watching trips depart early morning (around 6:30 AM) and last 4–5 hours. Prices range from LKR 7,500 to LKR 15,000 depending on the operator and boat type. Choose a responsible operator that follows ethical guidelines for distance from the whales.

Surfing

Mirissa offers beginner to intermediate surf breaks. The main break is a reef break at the eastern end of the beach, best from November to March. Several surf schools operate on the beach offering lessons and board hire.

Tips for Visitors

  • Whale watching: Book a morning trip during February-March for the best chances. Take seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness.
  • Sunset point: Coconut Tree Hill gets crowded at sunset. Arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot.
  • Beach safety: Swim within the flagged areas. Currents can be strong, especially during the monsoon transition.
  • Stay 2–3 nights: Mirissa is perfect for relaxing. Don’t rush through.
  • Fresh seafood: The beach restaurants serve excellent grilled fish — the catch of the day is always the best choice.

Photo Gallery

How to Get There

By Train

LKR 200 - LKR 800
Route: Colombo Fort to Weligama (nearest station), then tuk-tuk to Mirissa
Service: Southern Line coastal train
Duration: 3-4 hours to Weligama, then 15 minutes
Drop-off: Weligama Railway Station

The coastal train journey offers stunning ocean views. From Weligama, a tuk-tuk to Mirissa costs about LKR 300-500.

By Bus

LKR 400 - LKR 1,000
Route: Colombo to Matara via Southern Expressway, then local bus to Mirissa
Service: Bus No. 2 or 32 to Matara, then No. 350 to Mirissa
Duration: 3-5 hours total
Drop-off: Mirissa Junction

Private Vehicle

LKR 10,000 - LKR 16,000
Route: Colombo to Mirissa via Southern Expressway (E01)
Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
Drop-off: Mirissa Beach area

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