While not as developed as the west coast of Sri Lanka with its high-end social life and scenic night view that resembles a miniature New York, the southern coast of the island offers more peace and tranquillity and a chance for the visitor to blend with nature. Out of the many popular tourist destinations in the southern region of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is a small coastal town that was under the shadow of southern giants like Galle until recent times.
Mirissa is becoming rapidly popular as a hub for whale watching in Sri Lanka. The relatively secluded beaches and the presence of high cultural influences that are – for the most part – untainted by tourism makes it a hotspot for visitors to the island. The area is dotted with many boutique hotels. In Sri Lanka, one city is in theextreme vicinity of the other, ensuring that you can even take up lodgings at one of the reputed Mosvold hotels in Ahangama, and make your way to Mirissa for the day in less than half an hour. This flexibility of the southern coast makes it a convenient destination for many.
Mirissa is the place to go if you are seeking an isolated beach experience. The numerous hotels and restaurants that dot the coastline are established further in, giving you the impression of completesolitude as you lounge on the beach. This locality is also very well known for some spectacular sunsets, with the fiery ball of a tropical sun taking the day’s ablutions by dipping in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. You can sit under a coconut tree – simply look out for a ripe coconut falling on your head – and live the life of a true islander. If it so moves you, you will be able to witness the hustle associated with the bringing in of the haul of the day by fishermen; and pay your tributes to the lives lost during 2004 tsunami, when Mirissa was among the most affected regions of the island.
Rich in beauty, culture, and history, mark down Mirissa in your itinerary if you are looking for seclusion on your tropical vacation.