The back story
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The back story
Mirissa and Weligama, the back story
A wide surf bay and a palm-fringed cove next door: the south coast’s favourite pair of beach towns.
Town guide · the surf and whale coast
Mirissa & Weligama: Our Favourites
Weligama’s beginner surf bay, Mirissa’s palm-fringed cove and Coconut Tree Hill, and the whale-watching boats from Mirissa harbour.
What's onThis week in Sri Lanka
What to see
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December to April
Whale watching from Mirissa
Boat trips from Mirissa harbour to see blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins, best from about December to April.
Beaches
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Whales from November to April
Mirissa
A palm-backed beach and harbour, the main base for whale-watching boats on the south coast.
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Photo spot
Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa
A palm-covered headland at the east end of Mirissa beach, one of the south coast’s best-known photo spots.
Where to eat
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Pizza by the surf
Surfing Wombats
An Italian-run pizzeria at a surf hostel in Midigama, between Ahangama and Weligama.
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On the beach
Serendipity Mirissa
A beachfront restaurant and boutique hotel in Mirissa, with fresh local ingredients and cocktails.
Where to stay
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Villas above the bay
Cape Weligama
A Resplendent Ceylon resort of villas on a headland above the Indian Ocean, near Weligama.
Abimanagama Road, WeligamaExplore View on map
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Surf town
Salthouse Weligama
A relaxed hotel in Weligama, part of the Sri Lanka Rest House Collective.
Getting there
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Colombo to Galle in about 1.5 hours
Expressways
Toll expressways link the airport, Colombo, Galle and the south, and part of the way towards Kandy.
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Hill line partly closed in 2026
Trains & Sri Lanka Railways
The national railway: the coastal line to Galle and Matara, and the hill-country line, whose most scenic stretch runs from Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) to Ella and Badulla.
Share your Mirissa & Weligama tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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