Wet Zone
Mirissa Hills
The Mirissa Hills property is still a working cinnamon estate but offers superb exclusive and quiet accommodation despite being only a short drive from the main town and beaches of Weligama.
Accommodation is in Mount Cinnamon, a contemporary house set high on the summit of the estates hill with extensive 360 degree views to Weligama Bay and the Denipitiya Hills. The service provided is first class and there are amenities such as a large swimming pool, three communal lounges, drawing room, bar and a restaurant serving divine local cuisine but also caters for more international pallets. The management prides itself on its cooking using locally sourced and estate-produced ingredients. There is also a small museum on site dedicated to the history of cinnamon production.
The resort is an ideal base for whale and dolphin watching trips. The sea between Mirissa and Dondra Head has become the most reliable area in the world to observe the largest animal to have ever lived; the blue whale. Between November and April the calm weather enables excellent sightings of blues and sperm whale and long-beaked spinner dolphin schools are also a common sight.
The clear and calm waters close to shore offer good snorkelling which can also be arranged from the hotel.
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, lounge, 24-hr room service, swimming pool, laundry service, Wi-Fi (public areas) and shop.
Local Wildlife
The whale-watching season starts in November and continues into April, but the peak months for activity are between December and March. At this time blue whale, sperm whale and huge schools of long-beaked spinner dolphins can be seen on most boat trips. There is also a chance of encountering the Bryde’s whale and even a turtle as well as several species of sea bird. Studies have found this area to offer the most reliable blue whale watching in the world.
Optional Activities
Whale and dolphin watching trips, snorkelling, and water sports.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
The peak whale-watching season is between December and March.
If you have any questions regarding our Sri Lanka tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Our guide was excellent being knowledgeable, interesting, trustworthy and a good travel companion. I would unhesitatingly recommend him to your future clients. Yala was undoubtedly the highlight of the tour and from a wildlife point of view exceeded our expectations. My wife and I have had a thoroughly enjoyable two weeks in Sri Lanka. Everything ran smoothly and there were no major faults. Astounding scenery and wildlife, friendly people and delicious food.
We will certainly consider using Reef and Rainforest again. Thank you for putting together a wonderful itinerary which covered all our needs in the time available. A return visit to see other parts of the island will be on our list!
