Joanna James
Kataragama is a pivotal town in Sri Lanka for Hindu and Buddhist worshipers, while other visitors find the place a fascinating attraction full of tradition, culture, and history. A hot spot to visit in Sri Lanka, here is a list of the best things to do in Kataragama.
An important place of worship in Sri Lanka, this shrine is dedicated to the god Kataragama and the war god Murugan, drawing devotees from across Asia. Although predominantly belonging to the Hindu religion, Kataragama is also an important place of worship for Buddhists. The Kataragama Maha Devalaya takes centre stage, and is crowded with worshippers partaking in various rituals. One such tradition is coconut dashing—whole, husked coconuts are lit up using camphor, before being thrown at a special fenced-off boulder inside the temple premises. The throw is meant to shatter and break the coconut, thereby signifying the granting of any request made by the person dashing it.
Regardless of your familiarity with the culture, exploring the temple and the rituals that take place will be fascinating. Just make sure to dress in modest attire, respecting the place as a religious site. If you choose to stay at a nearby hotel like Mandara Rosen Kataragama, located less than 15 minutes from the shrine, you can easily get there to witness the iconic early morning or late night rituals—a breeze while you enjoy a stay at one of the best hotels in Kataragama.
This is a Buddhist shrine that is also found within the same compound as the Kataragama Devalaya. The Kiri Vehera is a historical site home to a white stupa, built by King Mahasen around the 3rd century BC. This king was the brother of King Devanampiyatissa, the first monarch of Sri Lanka to convert to Buddhism. Therefore, this shrine holds a lot of significance for the Buddhist devotees on the island.
Located within easy reach of hotels in Kataragam, this museum is a good place to learn about the rich history of the town and its surrounding region. The museum is home to several religious and historical artefacts, chronicling the rise of Kataragama—from a sleepy jungle village to the iconic pilgrimage site it is today.
Regional food in Sri Lanka can take you on an exciting adventure of flavours. In Kataragama, both Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim dishes are popular. Traditional rice and curry is often served with lots of spice and fragrant herbs, with vegetarian favourites taking centre stage. But that's not all; you will also find dishes closer to home at Kataragama hotels, where a variety of international foods are on the menu.
Kataragama, although a developed town, is still a verdant sanctuary and a good place to explore some of the exotic wildlife in Sri Lanka. Located on the forested Situlpawwa Road, the drive to the Rock Temple is rewarding as you may encounter wildlife along the jungle road. Elephants, leopards, and sloth bears are among the most exotic animals often encountered on the trail, which borders the famous Yala National Park of Sri Lanka. The rock temple itself boasts a history of over 2000 years and is found at the summit of a giant rocky outcrop; it's well worth the visit and less than an hour's drive from top hotels in Kataragama.
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.
