So Sri Lanka Have a whale of a time!

Ruwandi Perera is wowed by the beach and beasts in the hamlet of Mirissa

If there’s one thing Sri Lankans truly excel in, it’s taking a break! And the holiday month of April provides 30 days to do so… because even if you’re at work, it’s almost like you aren’t (ahem!).

For the extremely lucky ones, April translates into a good two weeks of offices and factories being closed; and for those who make their own luck, this is the month that guarantees at least a week of paid leave.

Travelling in April means braving the crowds! Yet, crowds aren’t always a bad thing especially when they unearth a destination’s best offerings. Mirissa offers a smorgasbord of experiences that range from whale watching and surfing, to hard-core partying and food sampling in abundance.

And the more crowds that gather at this beach hamlet, the more eclectic the offering is – thanks to all the small eateries, seaside clubs and activity camps that mushroom out of nowhere for the season.

If you’re into aquatic wildlife, you might need to plan somewhat extensively – so carry an extra camera battery and pack some sun protection gear because it’s sweltering in Mirissa at this time of the year. For those who want an agenda free vacation, this bustling locale is the perfect spot for spur-of-the-moment holidays.

Wake up when your hangover disappears but try and catch a sunrise at least once (you won’t regret it), and enjoy breakfast by the beach. Even the simplest meal of toast and marmalade becomes a king’s feast when you’re eating with a world-class coconut tree framed view of the Indian Ocean.

After breakfast, it’s an unending quest to do nothing but wander along the beach, searching for that perfect little corner to lie down – beer in hand, book by your side, and a spicy roti, or a bucket of freshly grilled prawns or cuttlefish to munch on.

When the sun allows it, it’s time to hit the waves – swim through or surf over them, snorkel on the surface or go deep for a spot of scuba diving. However you experience it, the blue here is unlike any other strip along the coast – it is pristine, clear, full of reef fish and absolutely beautiful.

Try the many varieties of seafood whenever you get a chance because it’s fresh beyond compare since Mirissa is one of the largest fishing ports on the island.

Live the island life you’re meant to in Mirissa – and since time flies when you’re having fun, make the most of it!


Fact File

AQUATIC GIANTS A trip to Mirissa is incomplete if you don’t get to gaze at the largest mammal on the planet: the magnificent blue whale. April is the last month of the Mirissa whale season so you’re in luck’s way. Set off early because there are a few nautical miles to cover before you enter their waters. Make sure you and your boat keep a good distance from them because these beauties are too precious to endanger. And when you see that tail fluke… click, click, click!

SEAFOOD BUFFET Mirissa is known for its abundance of fresh fish (especially tuna). So  sample some of the world’s best seafood that’s cooked to perfection. You don’t have to stick to curry because the restaurant scene is humming in this neck of the woods, and you’ll be spoilt for choice between fast food, and Sri Lankan, Chinese, Italian, English, Japanese and Indian cuisine, along the beach. Every bit of seafood you eat during the day would probably have been caught that morning.

PARROT ISLAND When wandering along the Mirissa coast, you’ll encounter a rocky island jutting out about 15 metres off the shoreline. No one knows why it’s called Parrot Rock since it neither resembles the bird nor does it appear to house parrots. Visit at sunrise and be spellbound by the view of the ocean. Getting to the island is a little tricky but adventurous nevertheless, because you can walk there when the tide is low. Given how unsettled the waters are, you may have to wade back – so wear a bathing suit to avoid messing up your clothes.

COCONUT CLICKS The picture perfect Coconut Tree Hill is definitely one for your Instagram story because of the view. This photo spot is worth a visit – especially at sunrise or sunset – for that perfect picture of slender coconut trees with the blue sea as a backdrop. Picnicking here is fun as long as your food wrappers aren’t blown away by the wind. And make sure you leave the place as you found it… or even cleaner!

Even the simplest meal of toast and marmalade becomes a king’s feast when you’re eating with a world-class coconut tree framed view of the Indian Ocean

 A trip to Mirissa is incomplete if you don’t get to gaze at the largest mammal on the planet: the magnificent blue whale