Joanna James
Kataragama is home to numerous fascinating locations, full of history, culture and heritage including lakes, temples, national parks, and monasteries. Here are some great options if you're looking to explore the religious city of Kataragama to see what it is all about!
No visit to Kataragama would be complete without exploring the iconic Kataragama Temple Complex. This religious site holds immense significance for devotees of various faiths, drawing pilgrims from all over the country. The temple complex comprises multiple shrines dedicated to different deities, including Lord Kataragama, revered as a guardian deity of the region. The temple's vibrant atmosphere and colorful rituals offer a unique spiritual experience, especially during the annual Kataragama Esala Perahera, a grand procession attracting thousands of participants and spectators. Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Kataragama as you witness the devotion and rituals that have been upheld for centuries at this sacred site.
Located 18 kilometres away from Kataragama, this is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in the South East part of Sri Lanka. Known locally as Sithulpawwa Rajmaha Viharaya, this religious structure was built all the way back in the 2nd century BC by King Kavantissa. Both a place of prayer for followers and a centre for Buddhist study for Buddhist monks, there is a lot to learn within the walls of the monastery even for ordinary visitors. The monastery grounds are full of Anuradhapura-era paintings and the remains of stone Buddha statues, Bodhisattva statues, image houses, and circular relic houses. Make an early start from Kithala Resort, one of the well-known hotels in Kataragama, in order to avoid the harsh sun rays when it nears 12 noon.
A must-see location close to Kataragama in Sri Lanka is the Lunugamvehera National Park, which is in Tanamalwila. The best part about this national park is that it is conveniently close to all of Sri Lanka's key locations. Numerous wildlife species call this park home, which was founded in 1995. A wide range of animals and plants can be observed during your time here, so a visit to this national park would be ideal if you are an avid lover of nature.
For more nature, you must make time to visit Tissa Wewa, an ideal location to spend some time amidst stunning landscapes filled with greenery. Although this is an artificial lake, it bears the beauty similar to a natural body of water, stretching 3.2 kilometres.
A short ride away, you'll find the popular Yala National Park, occupying a sizeable portion of Sri Lanka's southeast corner. There are five blocks in the park, which extend from the interior woods to the Indian Ocean beaches. In order to protect as much of the natural habitat as possible, only block one and five are accessible to the public. Yala is home to numerous flora and fauna, and some of the animals you'll come across (if you're lucky) are elephants, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, sloth bears, leopards, several types of birds and so much more. The best way to explore the beautiful wildlife in Yala is through a Jeep safari, with an experienced safari guide who will walk you through the process, share their knowledge and take you to the best locations within the national park to spot animals.
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.
