Golden south of Sri Lanka

Mirissa stands 4 meters above sea level, some 150 kilometres south of the hustling capital of Colombo and is a star in the Southern Province, District of Matara, Sri Lanka. Falling under the administration of the Weligama Urban Council, this coastal haven invites tourists for an experience beyond their expectations.

In an oceanside cabana, wake to the first light of dawn with salt-kissed air and the sweet fragrance of araliya in full bloom. The beach is of powdery golden sand, fringed by the luxuriant coconut groves. Further out on the horizon, precarious silhouettes of traditional stilt fishermen balance on wooden poles. Kingfishers dart across in flashes of iridescent blue, and hermit crabs scuttle down the tideline, leaving intricate patterns in the sand. Then, when daytime takes hold, the rhythm of the sea then takes over as your soundtrack of soft waves lapping against the shore.

Mirissa: Every hour is a holiday there.

Whale watching at dawn is one of the crowning jewels of Mirissa. Some of the blue whales that pass are nearly 30 meters in length and surface elegantly, with their large flukes slicing through the air when they go down to great depths. Of course, pods of Spinner dolphins-playing, leaping in acrobatic displays can make any gasp with delight. Guides explain loads of interesting insights into these gentle giants and raise sustainable practices aimed at the conservation of this widely acknowledged hotspot of marine life.

Snorkelling tours available to those more adventurous uncover hidden underwater worlds: vibrant coral reefs teeming with clownfish darting among the anemones, graceful sea turtles munching away at seagrass, schools of tropical fish shimmering in every hue of the rainbow. If surfing is more your thing, then Mirissa's reef breaks have got something for everyone, from soft rollers for beginners through challenging barrels for pros.

But that’s not all Mirissa has to offer! Hike up the emerald slope of Coconut Tree Hill for that panorama gone viral on social media right at the rise of the midday sun. Head toward Parrot Rock, a tidal island at low tide, where you can climb for even more breathtaking perspectives or simply bask in solitude. For a cultural twist, take a walk into the village heart, full of colourfully painted markets full of handicrafts, pungent spices, and fresh tropical fruits like rambutan and mangosteen.

Besides the beaches, there is the silent history of Mirissa: the hotbed of cinnamon trading during the colonial era. Shades of the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British can be seen in the forts and spice plantations dotting the area. A short drive from Weligama exposes one to ancient Buddhist temples that house many interesting stories, among them the Weherahena Raja Maha Viharaya, whose Jataka stories are on murals.

For lovers of the outdoors, this exploration could be taken further afield into the nearby Yala National Park with safaris that include leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. Mirissa offers something for everyone, from the solo backpacker looking forward to tranquillity to the romantic couples and adventure-seeking families.