Joanna James
Tissamaharama is a beautiful little town that isn't too busy but with a moderate amount of activity. There is so much to see here. This town is a hidden gem of Sri Lanka and not commonly visited, mainly for the fact that there is less information on the attractions here. Read through a list of things you ought to do if you visit here.
Tissa Wewa translates to Tissa Lake and is a manmade body of water. It is stunning the way the water glitters in the light of the sun. There is a wide walkway at the southern end of the lake where many locals like to take an evening walk. You should try it too! Some locals even swim here, but this isn't advisable as crocodiles have been spotted. The best thing to do here is to take a sunset cruise. This way you can observe the locals and take in the brilliance of nature while marvelling at the various species of birds that visit the area. It is a truly enchanting experience.
This is an ancient Buddhist temple that the locals claim to have been built about 2300 years ago by a King named Mahanaga. History record state that the king escaped assassination on a visit to Anuradhapura and was thankful to God for that. He also was grateful that his son, Yatala Tissa was born to him. Therefore, he built the temple and named it Yatala Wehera in thanksgiving for these blessings. Within the stupa is a moonstone that has been cordoned off by a wall with detailed sculptures of elephant heads. This attraction is tranquil in every sense and worth a visit.
There is a small museum as well close by which shelters some amazing artefacts. One of them is a bidet with images of unpleasant faces painted on it.
This is one of the most sacred places to visit in Sri Lanka. The temple was built in 200 BC and through the years has been restored which is why it still stands. It was built by King Kavantissa, an ancient King of Ruhuna. It is one of the sixteen holiest sites in Sri Lanka. Inside the temple is the forehead bone of Lord Buddha. Right next to the Dagoba is a statue of Queen Viharamahadevie, a queen who is considered a heroine in Sri Lanka. She was the wife of King Kavantissa and bore him 2 sons by the names of Dutugemunu and Saddhatissa. Later, Dutugamunu became king and he too was a great hero in the books of history.
If you are staying at one of the Tissamaharama hotels, then ask the front desk if it is possible to organise a tour of the temples here as there are so many to see. Within the premises of the Tissa Dagoba is the Sandagiri Wehera which is a monastery built by King Mahanaga for the monks to live in the 3rd century BC.
If you love bird watching, then you are in the right part of Sri Lanka and the Wirawila Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit. you'll see various species of migratory birds as well. A few hotels like Kithala Resort offer birdwatching excursions as well.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
