Yala is surrounded by many historical temples including Tissamaharama, Sithulpawwa, Kirinda and Katharagama. Doing a tour to these temples will be very much worth to learn rituals, beliefs and cultural elements of southern Sri Lanka. You will be amazed by some of the architectures and paintings in these historical temples!
You will be picked up from your hotel in selected cities (Yala/Tissamaharama/Hambantota) and then moved to visit Tissamaharama temple.
Arrive Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya. This is one of the major monasteries in Sri Lanka which enshrined the largest stupa in Southern region of the country. It believes that this vihara has been made by Lord Buddha himself with 500 other individuals who reached enlightenment.
When finished exploring the Tissa Vihara, you will be moved to Kirinda.
Arrive Kirinda and start to explore Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple. Kirinda temple which was built by King Kavantissa is located in a rocky hill top in Southern Sri Lanka. This has been built as a tribute to princess Viharamaha Devi’s bravery. There’s a long story behind this temple and you will be able to listen it while you wandering around it. Concisely, princess Viharamaha Devi has sacrificed her life for her country and she is recognized as one of the heroines of our motherland. The temple provides magnificent views of the sand dunes, the Kirinda fishing harbour and the Indian Ocean.
Leave Kirinda and then you will be moved to Tissamaharama.
Once arrived Tissamaharama, have your picnic lunch by a lake enjoying the picturesque views around you.
Following lunch leave to visit Sithulpawwa.
Arrive Sithulpawwa. Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery which dating back to the 2nd century B.C. is located deep within the heart of Yala national park. Frequent leopards; elephants and chatters of birds will give you a gently reminder that you are walking in the wild. The monastery complex holds a cave with paintings over 2000 years old and a temple atop a resident rock that rises above the surrounding wilderness. This temple is also known as “the hill of the quiet mind”, due to its calm spiritual vibe. You are also welcomed to meditate here for a while and sooth your mind.
Leave Sithulpawwa and head to your final stop – Kataragama.
Arrive Kataragama and you will be taken to visit Kiri Vehera. Kiri Vehera is an ancient stupa which dates back to 06th century B.C and believed to be built by King Mahasena. It thought that this has been built in the ground where Lord Buddha meditated.
When finished visiting Kiri Vehera, you will be moved to Kataragama Devala. Kataragama is a multi-religious temple complex which is dedicated to God Kataragama. The history of the Kataragama shrines dates back to 2nd century BC. It contains an Islamic Mosque within its Devala complex as well. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by the Sinhala Buddhists, Hindu Sri Lankan Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors and the Vedda people. God Kataragama furthermore is linked to the Ramayana Trail legend. You will be able to offer a fruit plater for the shrine of God Kataragama at main Devala and get the blessings!
Leave Kataragama Devala and transfer back to your hotel.
Drop-off in your preferred location in Yala / Tissamaharama or Hambantota.
"Our tour of Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Sithulpawwa, and Kataragama with Beyond Escapes was an unforgettable spiritual and cultural journey. Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya's stupa was awe-inspiring. Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple offered stunning views and a touching story of bravery. Sithulpawwa's serene atmosphere and ancient cave paintings were fascinating. Kataragama's multi-religious temple complex was a unique experience, and offering a fruit platter for blessings was a lovely way to end the tour. Highly recommend this enriching experience!"
Each temple we visited, from Tissamaharama to Kirinda, Sithulpawwa, and Kataragama, was unique and enriching. The Tissamaharama stupa's grandeur, the breathtaking views at Kirinda Temple, Sithulpawwa's ancient cave paintings, and the spiritual atmosphere at Kataragama left us in awe. The tour was well-organized and offered a perfect blend of culture, spirituality, and adventure.
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