Joanna James
Sri Lanka is home to many gems most tourists don't know about. Tissamaharama is one such place that holds so many treasures of nature, history, and culture. A visit to this amazing place is a must.
One of the most stunning artificial water reservoirs, Tissa Wewa has a long history. This lake goes back to the 3rd century when Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. Built by King Devanampiyatissa, Tissa Wewa goes to show the ancient ingenuity of Sri Lanka. The initial purpose of the lake was to increase the water supply to the city and also to supply the Royal Gardens of Anuradhapura with water. One of the main draws for tourists is its peaceful surroundings with a rustic and rural undertone. If you are ever in the area or staying at one of the Tissamaharama hotels, you should make time to visit this beautiful historical and natural creation of Sri Lanka.
Located about an hour from Kithala Resort, Sithulpawwa Buddhist Monastery is another free attraction you can enjoy during your vacation. This is one of the oldest temples in the country, and it also brings amazing views of the area. Sitting on a rocky outcrop, the monastery goes back to the 2nd century. Within the complex, there are hundreds of shelters and caves of varying sizes. The best months to visit are April, August, and December, but you should expect crowds during this time as these months coincide with school holidays in the country. Also, make sure to dress modestly, as this is a religious site.
Located at the heart of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is another free, must-visit religious attraction in the country. Throngs of Sri Lankans visit the temple to revel in its religious and historical splendour. Locals believe that Gautama Buddha himself visited the temple. The temple is surrounded by sprawling parkland, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the site.
With a history going back 2,300 years, Yatala Wehera is an important religious and historic site in Sri Lanka. Believed to have been built by King Mahanaga, Yatala Wehera is visited by locals and tourists alike. According to historical accounts, the king built the stupa to celebrate the birth of his son and as a token of gratitude for being able to escape an assassination attempt. The moonstone inside the stupa is a highlight worth noting, and the surrounding wall adorned with elephant head sculptures is another highlight. Sitting beside the stupa is a museum that holds a treasured collection of historical artefacts.
Found within the Tissa Dagoba complex, another free attraction you can visit, Sandagiri Wehera sits about 300 metres from Tissamaharama Temple. As per historians, Sandagiri Wehera was built by King Mahanaga, and in later years, King Kavantissa added his own architectural flair to it.
Located between Koslanda and Wellawaya, Diyaluma Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Hiking to Diyaluma Falls is one of the must-do things for adventurists and nature lovers. You can get here by tuk-tuk, and the ride will cost you about LKR 3,000. The hike isn't that difficult because it involves a downhill slope. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the top of the waterfall. Because the hiking trail isn't laden with many obstacles and challenges, everyone is welcome to hike here. Make sure you have good hiking shoes because the terrain can be a little craggy, and you should bring plenty of water with you. Also, don't forget to wear sunscreen and be sure to protect your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat.
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