In Tissamaharama (usually shortened to Tissa), eyes are automatically drawn upwards and
outwards. Upwards to the tip of its huge, snowy-white dagoba and outwards, beyond the
town’s confines, to nearby wildlife reserves crawling with creatures large and small. With
its pretty lakeside location, Tissa is an ideal mellow base for the nearby Yala and Bundala
National Parks.

• Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara

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.

History of the Temple
Considered to be one of the largest and most important Buddhist places of worship in the
entire island, the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is a temple that is hard to miss due to
the gargantuan stupa that stands at a height of 156 feet, easily making it the largest temple
in the southern region. The temple is believed to date back all the way to the 3rd century
BC, during the reign of King Mahanaga of Ruhuna, shortly after Buddhism was established
in the island. However, it was King Kavan Tissa that made the temple to its present state in
the 2nd century BC.

Why You Should Visit
Ancient scripture also states that the very site the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya was
consecrated by the Lord Buddha himself, during his third visit to the island, making it one
of the holiest sites in the Buddhist world. Moreover, this ancient place of worship is
surrounded by lush greenery, which makes it stand out from any other building in the area
of Hambantota. History has shown that this temple is one of the few temples that was
constantly restored by various kings of subsequent kingdoms, even after it was pillaged by
invaders from India in the 13th century AD.

• Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and is one of the most
visited national parks in the country. There are 32 recorded species of reptiles and various
kinds of birds. It gives the tourist a chance to witness the diverse wildlife of Sri-Lanka.
So hop on the jeep and get ready to spot leopards during your safari.

• Diyaluma Falls

Often regarded as Diya Heluma, the Diyaluma Falls is yet another amazing site of attraction
located in close proximity to the A4 road in between Wellawaya and Koslanda. It is
considered to be the second largest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Apart from the waterfall itself, it
does have some accessory sites of attraction around with some small rock water pools and
smaller waterfalls. If your luck is on your side, you may even get to witness some elephants
in the area. It is also often regarded as the fall of smoking water because of the appearance.
The waterfall breaks in the Poonagala Oya.

• Sithulpawwa Buddhist Monastery

It is also one of the ancient Buddhist monasteries. The panoramic view from the monastery
is absolutely breathtaking. It is a religious place with archaeological significance dated to
be centuries old.
The mere journey to this place is filled with excitement as one gets see elephants and other
wild animals on their way.

• Kirinda

Just 10kms away on the southeast coast of Tissa lies the picturesque village of Kirinda. This
village is home to a pristine beach and a Buddhist shrine on the rocks. Alongside its
magnificent beauty, this special diving spot also shelters Little and Great Basses wrecks.
The best time of the year to visit these basses is between March and April. There is no
diving center in Kirinda, but the dive centers in Hikkaduwa and Mirissa can take the
travelers.