MIRISSA
Mirissa, the most iconic beach destination in Sri Lanka. An ideal beach getaway to get the touristic feel in South Asia. A must do travel for beach relaxation, beach parties, surfing, delicious foods, Whale and dolphin watching and much more!!!
HOW TO GET THERE
If you traveling directly from Colombo airport (Bandaranaike international) the cheapest way to do is to use airport shuttle bus to Colombo city ($0.68) + taking the train from fort railway station to Mirissa ($1.25), but usually express trains won’t stop at Mirissa so you may have to get off from Weligama railway station and can take the public bus ride to Mirissa ($0.11), Buses: Colombo – Matara, Galle – Matara or Weligama – Matara (slow option) and hey it’s Asia, tuk tuk guys available around train stations to bring you to the destination after quick negotiation without the hassle of finding the buses, bus stops.. etc 😉
The second cheapest option is to take the airport shuttle bus to Colombo ($0.68) and take the expressway bus from Colombo to Matara ($3.29) (get off at Nupe junction between last toll gate and Matara city) and yes you may easily catch public bus to Mirissa ($0.11) (Buses: Matara – Galle or Weligama)
The finest and most convenient option is to take a private car from airport to Mirissa directly. ($70/car & $80/van)
Here I am sharing the cost and time comparison for above 03 options, you may decide the best way gonna suite you then.
Option A (Shuttle + train): $2.04 (6-7 hours)
Option B (Shuttle + bus): $4.08 (5-6 hours)
Option C (Private car): $70/$80 (2 h 45 mins)
Book Airport transfer (all inclusive) with Tuktukdude
TOP THINGS TO DO
10. Scooting around
A must do when you’re in Mirissa. If you have a scooter in Mirissa, it means you just got the access for everything!!! (well, apart from Whale & Dolphin watching🙂) The first route is to scooting towards Matara and Dickwella. Our top recommendations in this route are Weherahena Buddhist temple, SK Town surf point, Lighthouse Dondra, Wevrukannala temple, Talalla and Hiriketiya beach.
If you taking the route towards Galle, our top recommendations are Weligama, Ahangama and Unawatuna beach, and the Dutch colonial city Galle for its architecture, shopping, Galle fort, lighthouse and specially Japanese peace temple located near jungle beach Unawatuna, for amazing views 😍😍😍
Scooter rental/day: $6.8 (110cc scooter)
09. Cycling the village
If you are looking for much more relaxing experience, you may stay away from tourist center and its main roads to cycling along the roads surrounded by the paddy Fields, water streams.. etc. This will be an ideal way to experience the village life and also for bird watching. You may simply ask your hotel/hostel for a foot cycle, some places are providing free cycles as well 😉
08. Yala or Udawalawa Safari drive
If you visiting Sri Lanka, this is a thing not to miss. The reason we suggesting Yala or Udawalawa Safari as a thing to do in Mirissa is, a day trip for morning or afternoon Safari from Mirissa will be worth than having a overnight stay near Yala or Udawalawa (Honestly the cities near safari parks have very few attractions other than safaris) Also instead of doing a return trip from/to Mirissa, you have the option to do it along the way from Mirissa to Ella, since it’s quite easy to access both safari parks on the way. In this case, you will save an extra night + it will be a value addition to boring intercity transfer 😍
(Day trip from/to Mirissa inclusive of picnic Hotel pickup/drop, Safari drive and breakfast)
Book Mirissa from/to Ella shuttle service (Inclusive of Yala Safari drive/breakfast)
07. Parrot rock
Parrot rock is located right away on the Mirissa main tourist beach. This is a small rock you can access by a little walk through sea water and you may able to have a decent view of Mirissa beach from here. But be careful about the water level and the tides. Sometimes it may not advisable to walk through.
06. Coconut tree hill
Hey it’s on google maps so you are not gonna miss this place! Its a hill with coconut trees and believe me it’s highly Instagrammable and one of the best way to enjoy the sunset in Mirissa. You can access this place by a little walk from the water or can have the access from restaurants near by.
05. Beach break or partying & the secret beach
Well. This is for everyone. If you looking to laying on the beach and enjoy the sun or if you looking for the beach party things till late night, Mirissa will be an ideal option for both. Also if you’re curious about secrets, shhhh!! I am gonna tell you about the secret beach which is not accessible by vehicles/scooters. But again it’s on google maps (no longer a secret 😉)and you will have to 10 mins walk from main road to access this beautiful place, recommended!!!
04. Snorkeling with sea turtles
Interesting nah! This is for snorkeling and marine life lovers. The turtle point located in famous Polhena beach between Mirissa and Matara city. You can access it by own or here we, Tuktukdude’s trip gonna take you to the location inclusive of masks, fins and guide with the return transfer. Definitely recommend during your stay in Mirissa. Feel free to ask, if required!🙂
Book Snorkeling with sea turtles (inclusive of hotel pickup/drop and equipment)
03. Surfing
If you’re for surfing, here you got one of best option to chill with your favorite sport. Basically for beginners what we suggesting is to start from Weligama beach since it has good waves and bunch of decent surfing lesson providers and for intermediates we are recommending to visit Madiha or SK town surf point. Trying to surf in Sri Lanka is recommended for everyone!😉
02. Explore Sinharaja forest reserve
A must do in Mirissa!!! It’s all about escaping the man-made world and hiding into the Mother Nature. Sinharaja is a world heritage rain forest where you can see various animal, bird and its other endemic nature lives. Also the other main reason is to visit Sinharaja from Mirissa is the non other than kekuna falls. You can have a decent waterfall bath and swimming in pure water streams coming from mountains. Basically it’s a heaven that bringing the peace and motivation to souls and perfect way to refresh the body after few days of travelling. Also I am quite sure that, snaky roads through tea plantations and pure breath will be value adding things for entire journey. Highly recommended!!!
01. Whale and Dolphin watching
The winner! The best place to do Whale and dolphin watching in southern coast is Mirissa, considering as the origin and mostly known location for dolphin and whales in Sri Lanka. You will sail by early in the morning in order to grab the best. The best time to spotting them from November to April and the rest of the months, you may still have the chance but it’s better to check the operator prior to book, in that case they will able to give you the green or red sign accordingly.
Book Whale and Dolphin watching inclusive of picnic breakfast
WHERE TO STAY
Mirissa is for everyone, you may find cheap home stays, hostels, hotels and resorts, private villas.. etc, basically a place for everyone!!!
Here I am sharing few private villas exclusively managing by Tuktukdude, featuring on Airbnb. You may enjoy free Travel credits of $34* for first home or experience booking via this link.
Pool villa in Matara – Airbnb (18 pax maximum: $185 – 269/night)
Riverfront pool villa in Matara – Airbnb (12 pax maximum: $140/night)
Colonial villa in Mirissa – Airbnb (8 pax maximum: $175-185/night)
WHERE TO EAT
There are plenty of decent restaurants and beach food stalls all along the beach in Mirissa, specially in the evening. We are recommending to try Dewmini rotee shop for local cuisine, Little red house for cheap eats and Zephyr restaurant and bar for tranquility experience.
PRIVATE CAR RENTALS (EXCLUSIVELY BY TUKTUKDUDE)
Mirissa from/to Ella shuttle service (with Yala or Udawalawa Safari drive*/breakfast):
Airport transfer (Mirissa):
$70 for private car (03 passengers)
$80 for private van (07 passengers)
Mirissa from/to Intercity transfers
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
ATM:
Supermarket:
Scooter rentals:
Along the main tourist area/almost everywhere.
Foot cycle rentals:
Ask hotel/hostel/villa you staying/most probably you will get a free one depending on the host. 😉
Currency exchange:
OTHER DESTINATIONS TO VISIT
Beaches:
BENTOTA HIKKADUWA GALLE/UNAWATUNA TALALLA DICKWELLA/HIRIKETIYA
TANGALLE TRINCOMALEE PASIKUDA ARUGAM BAY KALPITIYA NEGOMBO
MOUNT LAVINIA
Central/hill country:
ELLA KANDY NUWARA ELIYA DAMBULLA/SIGIRIYA HATTON
Buddhist pilgrim/cultural cities/Ancient ruins:
ANURADHAPURA POLONNARUWA
Capital/city:
COLOMBO JAFFNA
WHO WE ARE?
We Tuktukdude is the prime “All inclusive travel and recreational solution provider” in Sri Lanka. Basically we are focusing on the travelers who looking for “Best prices and Best Holidays!”. Currently we are managing 90+ private villas/bungalows and operating cluster of recreational/experience sharing activities across the Sri Lanka by own.
Featuring on:
AIRBNB, KLOOK, TRIPADVISOR & VIATOR (A TRIPADVISOR COMPANY)
Experience bookings (All destinations Sri Lanka):
Accommodation bookings (private villas – All destinations Sri Lanka):
https://www.airbnb.com/users/34816140/listings
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