The fishing town of Mirissa has so many attractions for its visitors that include a mix of culture, beaches and also religious sites. Some of the attractions to not miss during a trip to Mirissa are the Mirissa Beach, Secret Beach, Coconut Tree Hill, Parrot rock, Snake Farm and Paravi Duwa Temple.
Beach Break Surf Camp
Beach Break Surf Camp is a surf school situated in Weligama. It provides surf lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. The surf school also provides boat tours, surf board rental & repair services and an opportunity to purchase gifts and souvenirs. It is a good surf school with qualified and experienced surfing instructors and quality surf boards.
Ahangama River Tour
Ahangama River Tour is a river safari tour operated by an agency at Ahangama in southern Sri Lanka. The river tour is given in the midst of a wildlife sanctuary and is a tour which everyone should experience. The tour takes visitors in a catamaran along the river in Ahangama.
Mirissa Whale watching
Whale watching is common in the small fisheries town of Mirissa in the southern province. There are many boat operators which go on whale watching tours on a daily basis. Boat tours last 3-5 hours and include food and drinks as well. There are many kinds of whales and dolphins in Sri Lanka including blue whale, bryde whale, sperm whale and spinner dolphins.Whale watching season starts in November and goes until the end of April. The best season to spot the popular blue whale is during March and April. Although whales can be spotted from May to October, the sea is rough during these months and the monsoon hits at it worse from May to June. These months are best avoided for a great whale watching experience. Whale watching tours usually start as early as 6 or 7 in the morning because the sea can get rough in the afternoon.
Aircraft Museum
Aircraft Museum is situated in Koggala in the southern province. It is an old aircraft which has been restored in to a restaurant. The control levers and pedals are still intact in the cockpit of this old aircraft which makes it a fascinating place to be seated at. Tickets to enter the aircraft could be purchased from nearby.
Handunugoda Tea Estate
Handunugoda Tea Estate is a family owned tea plantation situated in Tittagalla, Ahangama. The estate is 200 acres in size and comprises 75 acres of tea. The rest of it consists of coconut, rubber and cinnamon. The tea factory is well equipped with machinery and also functions as a museum. Guests get to tour around the tea estate and factory to get to know the entire process of tea production.
Sri Lanka Diving Academy
Sri Lanka Diving Academy is situated in Bandaramulla, Mirissa. The academy consists of Scuba Diving, Open Water Course, Rescue Diver Course, Diver Master Course and Wreck Diving Specialty Course etc. It consists of a skilled and well-experienced team of instructors to provide excellent training to students. Courses rang from beginner level to expert level.
Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya
Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Weligama. The temple dates back to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa of the Anuradhapura kingdom. The chronicle of the Holy Bodhi Tree, the Bodhivamsa states that the very first of the Bodhi saplings out of the first thirty two saplings from the sacred tree of Sri Maha Bodhi was planted at Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya temple grounds during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. However, the image house of the temple is believed to have been built by the great King Parakramabahu of the Polonnaruwa era. The painting inside the image house if belongs to the Kandyan era. Some folklore also states that the temple was built by King Agrabodhi IV and thus was named after him.
Paradise Diving Center
Paradise Diving Center is a diving center situated in Mirissa. This diving center provides services related to diving and snorkelling, whale and dolphin watching, surfing and river safari etc. Its diving sites include Ethugalapoint point I & II located in front of the Mirissa port, Big rock point located in front of Kaluwallawala and Coral reef point located in front of the Bandaramulla temple.
Rotumba Budugala Rajamaha Viharaya
Rotumba Budugala Rajamaha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple situated in Rotumba in the Matara district. The temple has been built on a rocky outcrop and consists of a number of natural rock caves. This Buddhist temple is believed to have been built by King Walagamba of the Anuradhapura kingdom. Today, the temple has two caves of which a few ruins can be seen including ruins of a reclining Buddha statue. Rotumba Budugala Rajamaha Viharaya is a historic and ancient Buddhist temple located in the southern province of Sri Lanka.
Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya
Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple situated in Matara. It is a very popular Buddhist temple among Buddhist pilgrims and tourists. Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya is said to be the largest and first tunnel temple in the world. The temple is believed to have been built in the 20th century. Japan and China has contributed towards completing the temple. Hence, there are many artifacts belonging to Chinese and Japanese culture at this temple. The temple extends over three acres of land featuring a large Buddha statue and tunnels filled with paintings.
Uthpalawanna Sri Upulvan Devalaya
Uthpalawanna Sri Upulvan Devalaya is a temple situated in Dondra in the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka. This ancient temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century by King Dappula I, also known as King Dappula-sen. However, following the destruction of the temple by the Portuguese, it was rebuilt by King Rajasinghe II of the Kandyan kingdom. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as “Uthpalawanna”, and many devotees from around the island gather here to pay homage. It is a historically popular temple and tourist attractions situated in southern Sri Lanka. People from all religions come to visit this sacred temple in Devinuwara.
Shrine of Our Lady of Matara
The Shrine of Our Lady of Matara is a Roman Catholic church situated in Matara. This Roman Catholic church is devoted to the Virgin Mary. A statue of Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus can be seen at the church which is claimed to be about 400 years old. The church and this statue were damaged by the devastating Tsunami which affected the coastal areas of Sri Lanka in 2004. The Shrine of Our Lady of Matara celebrated its centenary year in 2007.
Paravi Duwa Temple
Paravi Duwa Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Matara. It is a popular Buddhist temple as well as a tourist attraction in Matara. The temple is located in a beautiful island surrounded by the Indian Ocean. A steel bridge connects the island to the land on the other wide and devotees as well as tourists can easily access the temple. The sheer beauty of the temple attracts people of all faiths towards it.
Matara Bodhiya
Matara Bodhiya is one of the most important historic Buddhist temples in the Matara district. Origin of this Buddhist temple can be traced back to the era of King Kumara Dharmasena, the son of King Kashyapa who built the great Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is based on a story where the king’s friend Kalidasa is murdered to obtain rights of a poem written by the latter. Grieved by his friend’s death, the king threw himself into burning flames followed by five of his queens as well. Legend has it that seven Bo trees were planted over the seven tombs which are known to be still surviving around Matara out of which one is the Matara Bodhiya.
Asokaramaya Temple
Asokaramaya Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Matara. It is a popular Buddhist temple in the area and is located in a calm and peaceful environment. Many devotees from the surrounding area come to this temple pay homage to Lord Buddha. The temple also conducts many religious activities annually for its devotees.
Coconut Tree Hill
Coconut Tree Hill is a unique cliff situated in Mirissa. This cliff is located at the end of a beach which is covered in coconut trees. Coconut Tree Hill is a popular tourist attraction in Mirissa and tourists flock here to capture beautiful images of this unique location. The cliff is located 4 m above sea level and is a famous location due to its picturesque beauty on instagram.
Galgodiyana
Galgodiyana is a small island situated in the southern coast of Sri Lanka in the Matara district. It is situated in front of the Polhena Beach, less than 200 m off land and approximately 500 m off the beach. The surrounding water is a popular spot for snorkelling and for watching sea turtles. Visitors can take a boat trip to this island at a very minimal cost. A few ancient ruins can be found on this island which are believed to date back to over a century ago. The island consists of ruins of a stupa built according to Thai architecture and a stone arch
Parrot Rock
Parrot Rock is a small island situated along the Beach in Mirissa. Parrot Rock is situated towards the left of the entrance to the Mirissa Beach and offers amazing panoramic views of the ocean surrounding it. It is situated approximately 50 feet from the beach. It is an amazing place to catch the beautiful sunset and sunrise especially in photographs. Many do come to this point at these times to experience the best of what Parrot Rock has on offer.
Taprobane Island
Taprobane Island is a private island situated on southern coast, opposite the village of Weligama. The island is also called “Galduwa” or “Rock Island” and consists of one villa. The island was named by its founder Maurice Talvande who named it based on the Greek word for Sri Lanka. Its ownership went from hand to hand and finally to the Australian businessman Geoffrey Dobbs who is an Anglo-Australian hotelier who founded the Galle Literary Festival.
Jungle Beach
Jungle Beach is situated in Kalukanda Road in Weligama. Tucked away from the main road, Jungle Beach is located overlooked by the super luxury Cape Weligama Hotel. It is a calm beach with white sand and turquoise blue water ideal for surfing. There are quite a few restaurants located surrounding the beach. Jungle beach is rich in corals and marine biodiversity.
Kabalana Beach
Kabalana Beach is situated in Ahangama village in southern Sri Lanka. It is a great beach ideal for surfers, both beginners and experts. There are a few local surf schools around the area as well. There are a few restaurants, some sun beds and quaint surf shacks surrounding the Kabalana Beach. The sandy Kabalana Beach is also suitable for families with kids.
Madiha Beach
Madiha Beach is situated in the Matara district, approximately 4 km away from Matara city. It is one of the hottest surf destinations in the area. Madiha Beach also boasts of a great turtle watching point apart from its waves, ideal for surfing. Madiha Beach consists of beautifully turquoise blue waters with coral reefs within it.
Matara Beach
Matara Beach is a beautiful beach situated in Kotuwegoda in Matara. It is a great place to relax with the sea breeze and waves hitting on. Many locals hang out near the beach. “Pigeon Island Temple” also known as “Paravi Duwa Temple” can also be accessed via a sea bridge located here. The best time to visit the Matara Beach is during sunset to experience the amazing view and natural beauty.
Medawatta Beach
Medawatta Beach is situated in Matara. It is a beautiful sandy beach with excellent waves suitable for surfing. The area with its sandy bottom acts as a base for many surf training camps owned both by locals and foreigners. The waves can be high and rough at particular and visitors need to be mindful of the fact. It is a calm, quiet and clean beach in comparison with the rest of the beaches in the southern part of Sri Lanka.
Midigama Beach
Midigama Beach is a laid back and quiet beach situated in Midigama village in the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Unlike the more popular and packed Mirissa Beach, Midigama Beach is secluded with very few people. Midigama Beach is popular for surfing and is often overlooked by many tourists because it is less popular than the much trendier Mirissa and Polhena beaches. Midigama Beach is popular for water activities such as swimming, surfing and snorkelling. The beach is surrounded by small surf shops and restaurants where locals and tourists gather. It is also a great place to watch fishermen stand on fishing tilts which is an amazing sight to see. Midigama is a host surfing spot in the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Coconuts, Rams, Plantation Point, Lazy Right and Lazy Left are five surf spots in Midigama which are located a short distance from each other.
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach is situated in Mirissa town along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is a laid back beach with clear water in the sea. It is a great place to have a bath and relax which has made it a very popular tourist destination where people come over and over again to enjoy the sea and sun of down south. There are quite a few restaurants along the beach which serve the best food in town.
Polhena Beach
Polhena Beach is situated in Matara town in the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is one of the best beaches in the area with a small sandy cove that is sheltered by a reef offshore. Polhena Beach is a popular area for snorkelling and catching sea turtles in action. There are also many restaurants along the beach with some amazing seafood at affordable prices. Polhena Beach is a popular hangout spot among both locals and tourists.
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is situated about 2 km away from the main beach in Mirissa. It is a great place to explore, bathe and relax among the sun and waves. The beach has a great vibe to it and is also popular for activities such as swimming, snorkelling and surfing. Sea turtles can also be seen in this area of Mirissa.
Weligama Beach
Weligama Beach is situated in the coastal fishing town of Weligama. “Weligama” translates in to “sandy village” and is definitely a village with sandy beaches. Weligama Beach is a great place to learn to surf and has may surf schools in the surrounding area. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the many fishermen fishing in the sea using fishing boats or stilts.
