The mesmerizing blue seas around the island of Sri Lanka hold many wonders, so many that during certain times of the year they provide a home to the biggest animal on earth! Yes, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see the beautiful and majestic Blue Whale!
Now, there are quite a few spots around the island that you can set out to see the blue giants. There’s Kalpitiya in the North West, Trincomalee in the north east and Arugam Bay in the South East. But it is Mirissa and Dondra Point in down south that is considered to be the best place to go whale watching in Sri Lanka. The celebrated marine biologist Charles Anderson travelled Sri Lanka in the year of 2007 as part of his scientific research on the migration of whales. On climbing atop the 176-foot Dondra lighthouse he had his theory confirmed- that the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, where the continental shelf is narrow with the sea being more than a half-mile deep, provides a better passage for migrating whales than the strait separating Sri Lanka from the tip of India, which he reckoned, was too shallow for the passage of such huge creatures. Thus, there onwards Dondra Point became famous the world over for being one of the best places to spot whales. So make sure to include whale watching in your itinerary of things to do. Tangalle is a town close to Mirissa where you can find first-rate accommodation as the premier global hospitality brand operates their first Sri Lankan property, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, here.
The best time to see the whales is between December to January at the peak season. These magnificent creatures are routinely sighted in the three-mile stretch of ocean between Mirissa and Dondra Head. And another great thing about going whale watching in Sri Lanka, especially in Mirissa is that during you voyage you will not only be able to see Blue Whales, but 65-foot sperm whales and somersaulting dolphins as well!
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+