Mirissa is one of the oldest and most legend-filled fishing villages in Sri Lanka. A kilometer long cup shaped beach embraces Giragala(' Parrot' ) Rock on the eastern end , all the way to the Palmy hill of Sunset point on the western. In between is the most intimate and beautiful beach on the island. the surf is big enough to thrill, but not to scare. Off the rock on either end is some of the islands best snorkelling . Untouched corals and rocky pillars lie just under the surface. Through them iridescent schools of fish swim, from tiny little fish tank guppies to angelfish the size of dinner plate and blue fish as fascinated with you as you are with them. Mirissa has it's history too . Near Giragala Rock is a defile between land and sea only a few dozen meters wide. For two thousand years armies passed back and forth as one king rebelled against another. This defile became known as Bandaramulla, "The place of the Heroes" . Today it is sorrounded by a peaceful Buddhist vihara . There the monks will be delighted to talk to you . Located at Giragala Rock on the east end of Mirissa bay , this resort of cabanas and rooms is the finest unobstructed views of the entire harbour , especially the resplendent sunsets to the west. To the left is a sheltered sandy bay perfect for children .