If veneration takes you anywhere in Sri Lanka, then Kataragama should be your
first place to visit. Frequented by thousands of devotees and pilgrims from
various religious backgrounds, particularly Hindus and Buddhists, through the
ages travelling here to receive blessings for a new house, car, children’s
education, good health, and for absolutely anything as a matter fact, Kataragama
is considered the home of true sanctity. Why? Mainly for its many temples and
houses of worship. The shrines and stupas within these temples are timeless pieces of work, dating
as far back as the 1st Century BC. Kirivehera stupa is one such structure. The
Maha Devalaya, just beyond, houses three main shrines, with its dedication being
to a principle deity, god Katharagama. Sella Kataragama is a little town located a few kilometres from the city. It boasts
pleasant walkways and humbly scenic surroundings. It is also recognised as the
place where god Kataragama met one of his partners, Valli Amma, under the
tamarind trees.

• Forest Trails

Besides visiting the sacred sites to re-impose faith on respective religions, many
tourists like to delve into outdoor activities during Kataragama visit in Sri Lanka. Daya Safari Jeep Service is the ultimate choice for this purpose to explore jungles
here. Luxurious safari jeeps and well-informed guides turn jungle tours truly
mesmerizing. Travelers get an opportunity to spend quality time in the popular
tree houses through Daya Safari. One can feel the closeness to nature. Fine dine
facilities and rest comforting options make one’s jungle tour in Sri Lanka once in-a-lifetime experience.

• Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara

Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most famous places to visit in
Kataragama area. Followers of Buddhism religion can’t ignore a visit to the
ancient Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara temple in Tissamaharama nearby
Kataragama in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. Being one of the four ancient
Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka, it is always rushed by devotees. It is believed
that this place was built when Arhant Mahinda Thera’s arrived. Thus, its
importance is best judged by this fact that Lord Buddha himself blessed
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara site during his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka. Since the
3rd century itself, this monastery remained a most popular Buddhist
enlightenment center. Tourists also visit the largest Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka, Tissamaharama Dagoba during a visit to this monastery. Suggested Read: 8 Things To Do In Kataragama To Make The Most Of Your 2022
Sri Lankan Trip

• Tissa Wewa

Nature lovers and especially those willing to spend some time in the parks in the
company of lovely animals can’t miss Tissa Wewa near Kataragama in Sri Lanka. Located near Anuradhapura, this popular artificial lake is worth visiting. The
reservoir is a great spot to come close to nature. Built in the 3rd century by
Devanampiya Tissa, the primary aim of Tissa Wewa was to ease the supply of
water in the nearby region. Current Tissa Wewa embankment boasts of 3.2- kilometer length and 7.6-meter height. The royal gardens in Tissa get water
supplied from this reservoir itself. Visitors witness the presence of several rare
birds at this place while they spend time here. Suggested Read: 10 Best Villas In Mirissa To Soak In A Mesmerizing Sri Lankan
Holiday Like Never Before!

• Sella Kataragama Temple

Out of the many sacred religious places in Sri Lanka which augur hundreds of
thousands of visitors for their arrival to the island nation, Sella Kataragama
Temple has its share of contribution too. Built on the Menik Ganga banks, this
temple in the tiny city appeals all devotees from worldwide locations. The deity
of Kataragama or Skanda Kumaraya is worshipped here by a large chunk of
worshippers. Besides its religious value, monuments and nature’s bounties like
Valli’s Cave in Sella Kataragama, Ganesh shrine, various Kovils and other Hindu
mythological abodes et al make it a sacred temple for the believers of Hinduism. It remains an ultimate place to add in the religious tour itineraries. Suggested Read: 19 Reasons Why I Would Rather Be From Sri Lanka Than
Anywhere Else

• Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

The sacred place of eminence, Sithulpawwa Rock Temple is a big landmark in Sri
Lanka’s Tissamaharama near Kataragama. This ancient Buddhist monastery is
always filled with devotees and is counted among one of the best places to visit
in Kataragama, Sri Lanka. Its presence since the 2nd century has turned South- eastern Sri Lanka’s Hambantota District a popular site for religious exploration. Location of this temple at a distance of mere 18 kilometers from Katharagama
pilgrimage center makes it easily accessible. Ancient King Kavantissa had built
this rock temple on the hills. It today remains one of the popular sites to visit to
know several notable things about Buddhism. The paintings depicting the
Anuradhapura era ruins beside stone idols of Buddha and images of
Bodhisattva etal are worth exploring in this monastery.

• Yala Safari

Nature lovers can hardly miss the Yala Safari to spend good times in and around
the Yala National Park of Sri Lanka nearby Kataragama. An expert team of guides
is involved to make the Yala National Park visit a memorable one for visitors and
to remember their park tour for the lifetime. The safari tour is awesome and best
of an adventure trip while travelers are shown the leopards and several other
beasts such as elephants, sloth bear, wild boar, spotted deer, mongoose, land
monitor, wild buffalo, sambar deer, and jackal to name a few from close
proximity. As Yala National Park is the world’s only park which boasts to have
the highest leopards’ density, tourists enjoy touring here under expert guidance.

•  Lunugamvehera National Park

Tanamalwila based Lunugamvehera National Park is an ultimate place to visit
near Kataragama in Sri Lanka. This park is easily accessible to all major places of
Sri Lanka by roadways. Tourists flock here almost every day. Established in 1995, this park cum sanctuary is home to many wildlife species. Take for example its
elephant corridor, rest habitats and of course the dense evergreen forestry of
Weera, Pallu, Teak, Eucalyptus, Kon which makes it a great location to explore. Different varieties of wildlife animals, as well as birds, are witnessed here.