Location

Located 260 kms from Colombo, Kataragama is enroute from the southern highlands to the south coast. It can also be approached along the south coast via Galle.

The sacred jungle shrine of Kataragama, a pilgrimage site that has great religious and historical significance, is located just five minutes away. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians throng to this sacred jungle shrine, built by the warrior King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C. to pay homage to God Kataragama. Each day at specific times, the shrines come alive when poojas (devotions) are presented to the Gods.

Tissamaharama's ancient reservoirs attract many species of water birds including cormorant, purple heron, Caspian tern and the painted stork. Several ancient Buddhist temples are nearby as well as an archeological Museum that provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom.