Best of Mirissa

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Mirissa

One of Sri Lanka’s most enticing seaside destinations stretches along the south coast between Galle and Tangalle. The beach is the big draw of this former fishing village turned holiday resort, though travelers also come for the outdoor activities, seaside restaurants, and tropical-infused nightlife. Accommodation covers all price points here with a mix of hostels, simple family-run guesthouses, and colonial style guesthouses with hilltop views of the ocean.

The teeming marine life just offshore from Mirissa brings blue whales to the area. Wildlife watching excursions take you out in search of these gentle giants, with the chance to see them throughout the year (especially from November through April). You might also spot other species such as humpback whales, Bryde’s whales and sperm whales, as well as dolphins. There are plenty of other ways to spend a sun-drenched day here, from hiring a motorbike for a drive along the coast to taking a surf lesson (or improving your skills if you’ve mastered the basics).

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Beaches of Sri Lanka: Mirissa & Bentota - 7 Days

Sri Lanka's magnificent coastline has plenty to offer, whether you're in the mood to relax under a palm tree or engage in active pursuits. This 7-day Mirissa and Bentota beach tour provides both. You'll spot blue whales on a whale-watching excursion off the coast of Mirissa and spend a whole day cycling around Galle, exploring a 17th-century Dutch fort, and learning how tea is produced at a tea factory. But the itinerary also features several days to relax on the sandy shores of Bentota and Mirissa, trying water sports, or dozing on a beach blanket.

Learn how to ride the waves on Weligama Beach

Coastal Wonders & Cultural Highlights of Southern Sri Lanka - 8 Days

This eight-day itinerary perfectly blends relaxation, cultural exploration, and adventure along Sri Lanka's picturesque southern coast. Start in Bentota with a boat safari on the Madu River and a visit to a turtle hatchery in nearby Kosgoda. Go on a guided tour of Galle's UNESCO-listed fort, and then it's on to Mirissa, where you'll cruise in search of whales, take a surf lesson, and enjoy free time on the beach. End your trip with a tea tasting and tour of the Handunugoda Tea Estate, known for its prized white tea.

Sri Lanka Beach Getaway: Tangalle & Mirissa - 5 Days

The beaches of Sri Lanka have so much to offer. This relaxing 5-day trip takes you around to key coastal destinations, including Tangalle and Mirissa, for snorkeling, swimming, whale-watching, and the chance to observe turtles laying their eggs on the sand at night. You'll also view an incredible variety of birds on a boat tour through Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and squeeze in some cultural sightseeing at the Dutch-style old city in Galle before catching a flight out from the capital city of Colombo.

Highlights of Sri Lanka - 10 Days

Ancient rock temples, wild elephants and whales, sloping hills planted with tea: this 10-day tour of Sri Lanka takes you to the country's incredibly diverse highlights. Go on a Jeep safari, taste tea where it's harvested, and scan the ocean's surface for whales. With a mix of cultural sites and outdoor adventures, plus time to relax on the idyllic beaches of Mirissa, this sweeping itinerary has something for everyone.

This seven-day tour of Sri Lanka takes you to epic sights like the Nine Arches Bridge between Ella and Kandy

Nature, Culture & Adventure in Sri Lanka - 7 Days

This compact weeklong trip to Sri Lanka gives you a taste of the country's culture, history, and nature, all with a side of adventure. See the Royal Palace in Hill Country's Kandy, then take the world-famous rail trip to the misty hills of Ella. Swim in waterfalls, climb peaks, and zipline over the scenery before transferring to Yala National Park to see jaguars and elephants. In Mirissa, board a boat tour to see blue whales and spend an afternoon touring the colonial city of Galle on Unawatuna Bay.

Best of Sri Lanka's Wildlife - 7 Days

From elephants to leopards to whales, the wildlife of Sri Lanka awaits as you embark on this weeklong adventure around the country. You'll go on Jeep safaris in national parks, spotting magnificent animals and birds along the journey. Then you'll continue onward to the coast, where you'll see blue whales during a boat tour off the coast of Mirissa. Rounding out the itinerary are a handful of cultural experiences, including a cooking class at a safari camp and time for sightseeing in the capital city of Colombo.

A leopard in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Wildlife & Beaches of Sri Lanka - 5 Days

This five-day tour highlights the remarkable wildlife and pristine beaches of Sri Lanka's central and southern provinces. Start your adventure with safari tours in Udawalawe and Yala National Parks, where you'll spot elephants and leopards in the wild. Next, you'll head down the coast to the golden sands and turquoise waters of Mirissa and Bentota before spending your final day in the vibrant capital city of Colombo.

Other popular travel destinations in Sri Lanka
Kandy · Sigiriya · Negombo · Colombo · Ella · Nuwara Eliya · Yala National Park · Galle · Udawalawe · Tangalle · Wilpattu · Anuradhapura · Pasikudah · Dambulla · Bentota · Habarana

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