Staying in Mirissa for a few days? Longer? Don’t feel like packing your bag every second day? Base yourself in Mirissa and do these half-day and full-day trips along the South Coast and relax at JJ’s Hostel each night.
Half-Day Activities
Low Budget
Surfing – For beginners, Weligama is your go to beach break. Safe, easy and plenty of white wash giving you ample time to get up and hang ten. Board rental places are plentiful and cheap. Basic surf lessons are also available for Rs.1,500-2,000/class. A tuk to Weligama is ~$3-5.
For more experienced surfers, you have a much greater selection of predominantly reef breaks. Weligama / SK Town / Madihe / Midigama / Ahangama all have waves, some places multiple breaks of varying difficulty. A tuk will cost between $7-12. Buses directly access most of these locations.
Other Beaches – A gentle stroll from Coconut Beach to Midigama Beach in Midigama town makes for a pleasant few hours. The landscape varies from sandy beaches to rocky reef. There are plenty of places to dip in the water. Along the way there are a few restaurants of decent quality.
Relax in the calm waters of Dalawella Beach in Talpe. This long stretch of beach is protected by shallow reef creating large rock pools and sandy waste-high swimming areas where turtles frequent. The beach has rope swings (c.$2) and some restaurants and bars so escape the sun. Only 30-40 mins by bus.
Tea Plantations – If you are not heading into the mountains, then these two low-land tea plantations are an excellent option. Both have extensive tea tasting centres and many teas for sale. Tours are free.
Nandana Organic Tea Factory in Akuressa is 30-40 mins north of Mirissa.
Handunugoda Tea Museum is 10 mins off the main road in Ahangama and makes for a good stop on your way to Galle Fort.
Stilt Fishermen – Whilst this is a dying traditional owing to modern and more effective fishing techniques, some legitimate fishermen still exist between Midigama and Koggala. There are however some locations that are only for tourists and the fishermen charge a fee for taking photos of them. Usually around $2. If you pay some more, you can even sit on their fishing stilt and try fishing yourself! There is no bait on the hook as the fish are attracted to the shiny hook. The best time to visit is between 4-6pm when the light is most beautiful.
Mid Budget
Uda Walawe National Park – This park is full of elephants! It may not have leopards in it like Yala, but the large groups of gentle giants that you can see here will more than make up for it. There are buffalo, crocodiles, deer, monkey and heaps of birds of. The more guests that join your safari, the cheaper it is for everyone. Rounds trips take 8 hours with departure at either 4:30am or 11:30am. We can book your excursion!
Snake Farm – Visit this family owned snake farm that has been producing anti-venom for generations in Henegama, Telijjawila. They have many types of snakes and you can even hold some of them if you wish. A return trip will be around $10 by tuk. There is an entrance fee per person of around $2-3.
Yala National Park – Probably the most well-known park in Sri Lanka owing to its dense leopard population. There is approximately a 25% chance of seeing a leopard and they are quite a sight. Reclusive sloth bears also call Yala home and can be spotted mostly between May-July when their favourite berry ripens. Given its popularity, the park can be inundated with jeeps between Dec-Apr which somewhat detracts from the “safari” experience. Rounds trips take 8 hours with departure at either 4:30am or 11:30am. Let us arrange your trip.
Diving – Weligama Bay Dive Centre is the only certified PADI 5* Dive Centre in the area. They cater for all levels of experience and offer PADI courses. Fish life is plentiful. Best months to dive are Nov-May when the visibility is better. Dives are around US$30-35 each.
Full-Day Trips
Scooter Trip – Got your IDP? Then consider renting a scooter and exploring the coast and inland areas. The coastal route is quite busy however allows you to visit many different beaches in a single day. Inland there are some beautiful lush landscapes and considerably less traffic. Get lost on small rural tracks through rice fields. The locals will greet you with warm welcoming smiles. Always remember though, ride carefully. The roads are dangerous. Scooter rental is usually $5/day.
Galle Fort and Unawatuna – These places make a great day trip. I recommend heading to Unawatuna beach first, catching some sun and having lunch there. Mid afternoon head to World Heritage Galle Fort and explore the historic cobbled streets. Finish by circumnavigating the Fort wall itself at sunset. Return for dinner on the beach in Mirissa. This can be done by bus, tuk or scooter.
Hiriketiya Bay – A perfect horseshoe shaped bay with a surf break and a small (and I mean small) stretch of sand makes for a great day trip. There are a few excellent cafes and restaurants within spitting distance of the water. Around one hour on the bus each way.
A Day at the Cricket – Galle Cricket Stadium is one of the best grounds in the world to watch cricket. It may not be modern, nor comfortable to be honest, but the setting is perfect. The ocean, Galle Fort and the Ground are all visible at the same time. Only Test Matches are played here and general admission tickets are usually dirt cheap. Stand seating is available for a higher price. Ticketing is usually a mess. If England is playing, buy in advance. Otherwise on the day should be fine. If you are wanting to go, ask me, JJ, if I’ll be going (most likely) and I can perhaps get you into the Member’s area.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 2.0-2.5 hours north of Mirissa with incredible diversity of flora and fauna. 60% of the trees are endemic and all of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds and rain-forest species are found here. The vegetation is heavy. Waterfalls and historic ruins abound within the park. Guided hikes of varying length are offered for a fee. Guide mandatory. Park entrance fee payable. Best visited early morning when the wildlife is most active. Public transport is not an option for a day trip.
