This beachside town was put on the map by the local marine life, in recent years locals and tourists have been making their way to the south in the hope of seeing blue whales in their natural environment. A two hour drive from Colombo, by way of the Southern Expressway, will take you down to the white sandy beaches of Mirissa Hotels are dotted all along the coast but where you choose to stay can be the difference between a good vacation and a great one. So why not treat yourself? The CASA Colombo Collection Mirissa is the very essence of luxury and it is located right on the beachfront. You can wake up to the sound of the sea, enjoy the freshest seafood and enjoy sweeping views of the Indian Ocean without ever having to leave your hotel room.
If you do decide to venture out, take a stroll along the beach at dawn to see fishermen coming in with the catch of the day. Watch as the local fishing community comes alive and buyers from all over the south arrive to take their pick. Other early morning activities include the famed whale watching boat rides. Several local companies offer whale watching so take a moment to look up a reliable one that not only charges a reasonable price but also provides life jackets and is considerate of the delicate marine ecosystems. Spinner, spotted, bottle-nose and striped dolphins are often seen in the waters surrounding Mirissa and if you are lucky you may even see a blue whale. If a boat ride has weakened your sea legs, unwind at a local spa or explore the town and its quaint little souvenir shops. However if you want to take a closer look at life in the tropical waters or enjoy some spirited water sports take a ten minute drive to Weligama where you will find surf and diving schools.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.