Mirissa is a crescent shaped palm-fringed beach with golden sand in southern Sri Lanka. Despite its popularity with tourists, it has managed to remain relatively unspoilt and clutter free

I spent a couple of days in Mirissa just after the Christmas break. The drive from Colombo takes only a couple of hours on the Southern Highway and the recently upgraded Paradise Beach Club right at the edge of the surf is a good base. Even if you are not a resident, a beach bed with mat and towel could be had for Rs. 150 ($1) per day and the pool charge is only Rs. 250. Waiters will serve you chilled lion Lager on the beach for Rs.340 per 75 cl bottle. Mirissa isa good surfing location and surfboards are readily available.

Mirissa has the biggest fishing port in Sri Lanka and is a centre for whale watching.

It is one…