Perhaps the most instagrammable spot in Mirissa is Coconut Tree Hill. Of course Sri Lanka is full of swaying palm trees but Coconut Tree Hill is special, the palms sit perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean which provides a naturally stunning background.
We arrived sceptical, as we always do to ‘Instagram’ hotspots and yes we turned up at the exact time a tour bus did, but we actually enjoyed our time visiting Coconut Tree Hill. We snapped some photos with the epic backdrop, clambered down the hill and spotted two turtles plus got some epic drone shots.
This is the perfect spot if you’re into photography, especially at first light when the crowds haven’t yet arrived.
Below we share our experience of Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa, as well as how to get there two different ways, what to expect and tips on how to get the best photos!
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Where Is Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa?
The coastal town of Mirissa is a tourist hotspot and connected by the popular coastal bus and train routes. Coconut Tree Hill is on the eastern side of Mirissa, at the end of Secret Beach.
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How To Get To Coconut Tree Hill?
Beach Route: Low Tide
There are two ways to get to Coconut Tree Hill. The first is to walk along Mirissa Beach, past Secret Beach and to the base of the hill. Then a steep clamber upwards will lead you to the coconut farm. This is only possible at low tide, therefore at high tide follow the instructions below.
Road Route: High Tide
As we wanted to arrive early our visit to Coconut Tree Hill coincided with high tide which meant we couldn’t walk along the beach. Luckily, you can reach Coconut Tree Hill from the road. Park up or get dropped off on Matara Road outside Sunset Bar. A tuk-tuk from the centre of Mirissa should only cost 200-300 LKR or the walk will take 15-minutes.
Walk through the alleyway to Sunset Bar and turn left up a hill which will take you round to the viewpoint. The walk only takes a few minutes.
Our Experience At Coconut Tree Hill
We had planned to arrive early to avoid the crowds but instead ended up visiting in the midday heat! I’m sure we had some great excuse for arriving late but anyway we were joined by a bus load of fellow tourists.
Although the hill was busy we found most people only stayed a few minutes to grab a photo which meant there was an ebb and flow of people allowing for some quieter and less busy moments for us to take some photos of our own.
There’s no denying the hill is the perfect backdrop and we’d recommend you take the time to visit the viewpoint if you’re in Mirissa. If you want to avoid the crowds sunrise is best or if you want to watch the epic sunsets the evening sees people gathering on the hill.
We clambered down the hill to the rocky outcrops below and watched two sea turtles swim by, before we made our way back to Sunset Bar. We wore our flip flops which were manageable however sturdy shoes would have made the descent less daunting! After 7-months in Asia we liked to think we were becoming flip flop pros but we can see trainers here may have been the sensible option.
Sunset At Coconut Tree Hill
Along with Parrot Rock, Coconut Tree Hill faces west meaning it is a prime spot to watch the sunset in Mirissa. The hill does get busy but we think watching the sun go down with strangers from all walks of life is magical.
Tips For Taking Photos At Coconut Tree Hill
Coconut Tree Hill is a dream location for photography lovers. If you’re a solo traveller, you’ll find plenty of fellow visitors happy to take your photo, and it’s common to see people using tripods to capture the perfect shot.
One of the most iconic angles is through the palm trees, with you standing near the edge of the hill and the Indian Ocean as your backdrop. Morning light is ideal, as it beautifully illuminates the scene and tends to attract fewer crowds. That said, Golden Hour can also produce stunning sunset images with soft, warm tones. You also get a great view of Mirissa Beach.
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We used our DJI Mini 2 to take our drone photos, we love it as it’s under 500g and still captures the most beautiful pictures!
During our visit, we also met a local who offered to pose for photos in exchange for a small tip. While we weren’t entirely sure about the ethics of it, he was friendly and respectful, and we decided to pose with him for some fun.
Best Time To Visit Coconut Tree Hill
The best time to visit Coconut Tree Hill is during the dry seasons which run from December to April. During monsoon season the ground can become slippery.
If you want to arrive before the crowds to get some empty photos, sunrise is your best bet although the sunset often puts on a spectacular show. As we mentioned above we visited during midday, something we don’t recommend due the heat, palm trees don’t produce much shade and anyway, you shouldn’t stand under them, just in case!
Coconut Tree Hill Vs Parrot Rock
Alongside Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa has another famous viewpoint, Parrot Rock. We recommend you visit both during your time in Mirissa.
Parrot Rock, unlike Coconut Tree Hill, is only accessible at low tide and is more of an adventure, think clambering over rocks and sketchy bamboo stairs.
Parrot Rock feels more rugged, with spiky wild bushes and dense undergrowth, in contrast to the neatly planted palm trees of Coconut Tree Hill, which are far more structured and picture-perfect.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Coconut Tree Hill Common Questions
Best Places To Stay In Mirissa
$ Budget
JJ’s Hostel
For solo traveller’s looking for a dorm room in Mirissa, the best hostel is JJ’s. Only a 5-minute walk down to the main road and beach, so you’re not far from restaurants and cafes.
$$ Mid-Range
Emerald Bay Resort
Situated right on the beach, so you can wake up to the sound of the waves. Perfect for beachfront views without breaking the bank. Restaurant and bar on site, and steps away from the action.
$$$ High-End
Mandara Resort Mirissa
The place to go if you’re after luxury in Mirissa. Located right on the beach, it offers spacious rooms, with a choice for a private plunge pool or jacuzzi.
Spacing
Top Things To Do In Mirissa Map
Best Mirissa Tours
Final Thoughts On Coconut Tree Hill
Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa is one of the best viewpoints. Yes, it’s crowded and everywhere on Instagram, but there’s a reason; the views are genuinely spectacular and it’s completely free to visit.
Just remember to wear proper shoes (learn from our flip-flop mistake!), arrive early for crowd-free shots, and you can easily combine it with other Mirissa highlights like Parrot Rock and Secret Beach.
