Tissamaharama is a town in the southern province of Sri Lanka, known for its rich history, culture, and nature. It is a popular destination for travelers who want to explore the ancient Buddhist temples, the scenic lakes and reservoirs, the diverse wildlife and national parks, and the adventurous activities and experiences that the town and its surroundings offer. In this guide, you will discover the best places to visit and things to do in Tissamaharama, as well as some useful tips and information to help you plan your trip.
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara
One of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara dates back to the 3rd century BC and was built by King Kavantissa. The temple is famous for its stunning architecture, paintings, statues, and relics, especially the large white stupa that dominates the landscape. The temple also houses a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which is believed to have miraculous powers. The temple is a place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists, as well as a cultural and historical attraction for visitors.
To reach the temple, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk from the town center, which is about 2 km away. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and there is no entrance fee. However, you should dress modestly, remove your shoes, and cover your head before entering the temple premises. You can also make a donation or buy a flower offering at the temple. The best time to visit the temple is in the morning or evening, when you can witness the rituals, prayers, and ceremonies of the monks and devotees. You can also enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the temple, as well as the beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
Yala National Park
The most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers. The park covers an area of over 900 square kilometers and boasts a variety of habitats, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and beaches. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds, 44 species of mammals, and many other animals, such as crocodiles, turtles, and fish. The park is especially famous for its population of leopards, which is the highest in the world. You can spot these elusive and majestic cats, as well as other animals, such as elephants, deer, monkeys, and bears, on a safari tour in the park.
To visit the park, you need to book a safari tour with a licensed operator, which you can find online or in the town. The safari tours usually last for 3 to 4 hours and include a guide, a driver, and a vehicle.
The tours are available in the morning or afternoon, and the prices vary depending on the season, the operator, and the number of people. The park is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entrance fee is 15 USD for foreigners and 60 LKR for locals. The best time to visit the park is from February to July, when the weather is dry and the animals are more active and visible. You can also opt for a camping or a glamping experience in the park, where you can stay overnight in a tent or a luxury lodge and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature.
Tissa Wewa
An ancient man-made lake in Tissamaharama, the Tissa Wewa is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit. The lake was built by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BC and is still used for irrigation and fishing. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the town and the mountains. The lake is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it attracts many migratory and resident birds, such as pelicans, herons, egrets, and kingfishers. You can enjoy the scenery, the wildlife, and the tranquility of the lake by taking a boat ride, a bicycle ride, or a walk along the shore.
To reach the lake, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk from the town center, which is about 1 km away. The lake is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and there is no entrance fee.
However, you may have to pay a small fee for renting a boat or a bicycle. The best time to visit the lake is in the morning or evening, when the weather is pleasant and the light is ideal for photography. You can also catch a glimpse of the local fishermen and farmers who work and live around the lake.
Other Places to Visit and Things to Do in Tissamaharama
There are many other places to visit and things to do in Tissamaharama, such as:
Sithulpawwa Rock Temple: A 2,000-year-old rock temple that is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the Yala National Park. The temple is known for its ancient paintings, sculptures, and caves, as well as its resident monkeys. The temple is about 18 km from the town and can be reached by a bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and there is no entrance fee.
Bundala National Park: A smaller and less crowded national park that is famous for its birdlife, especially flamingos. The park also has elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and deer, as well as mangroves, lagoons, and sand dunes. The park is about 20 km from the town and can be reached by a bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk. The park is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entrance fee is 10 USD for foreigners and 30 LKR for locals.
Magul Maha Viharaya: An ancient Buddhist temple that is believed to be the site of the wedding of King Kavantissa and Queen Viharamahadevi, the parents of King Dutugemunu, one of the greatest kings of Sri Lanka. The temple has a large stupa, a moonstone, and a stone pillar, as well as a museum that displays artifacts and relics from the past. The temple is about 22 km from the town and can be reached by a bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and there is no entrance fee.
Kataragama: A sacred town that is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. The town has a temple complex that is dedicated to the god Kataragama, who is believed to grant wishes and blessings to the devotees. The town also has a river, a lake, and a forest, where you can see peacocks, monkeys, and elephants. The town is about 25 km from Tissamaharama and can be reached by a bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk. The town is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and there is no entrance fee.
How to Reach Tissamaharama
There are different ways to reach Tissamaharama from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
By bus and taxi:
You can take a bus from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Embilipitiya, which takes about 3 hours and costs around 200 LKR. From Embilipitiya, you can take a taxi to Tissamaharama, which takes about an hour and costs around 3000 LKR. This is the cheapest and most common way to travel to Tissamaharama.
By train and taxi:
You can take a train from Fort Station in Colombo to Beliatta, which takes about 4 hours and costs around 1000 LKR. From Beliatta, you can take a taxi to Tissamaharama, which takes about an hour and costs around 4000 LKR. This is a scenic and comfortable way to travel to Tissamaharama.
By taxi:
You can hire a taxi from Colombo to Tissamaharama, which takes about 3 hours and costs around 40000 LKR. This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Tissamaharama, but also the most expensive.
By car:
You can drive your own car or rent a car from Colombo to Tissamaharama, which takes about 3 hours and costs around 15000 LKR for fuel and tolls. This is a flexible and adventurous way to travel to Tissamaharama, but you need to have a valid driving license and be familiar with the road conditions.
By train and plane:
You can take a train from Fort Station in Colombo to Koggala, which takes about 3 hours and costs around 1000 LKR. From Koggala, you can take a flight from Koggala Airport to Weerawila Airport, which takes about 15 minutes and costs around 90000 LKR. From Weerawila, you can take a taxi to Tissamaharama, which takes about 15 minutes and costs around 1000 LKR. This is the most luxurious and exclusive way to travel to Tissamaharama, but also the most rare and expensive.
Tissamaharama is a town that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure. You can explore the ancient Buddhist temples, the scenic lakes and reservoirs, the diverse wildlife and national parks, and the adventurous activities and experiences that the town and its surroundings offer.
You can also enjoy the local cuisine, the hospitality, and the culture of the people of Tissamaharama. If you are looking for a memorable and enriching trip in Sri Lanka, you should not miss Tissamaharama.
If you are ready to book your trip to Tissamaharama, you can check out our travel packages and hotel options on our website. You can also contact us for any queries or assistance. We hope you have a wonderful time in Tissamaharama!