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Offered languages
- English
Yala is surrounded by many historical temples including Tissamaharama, Sithulpawwa, Kirinda and Katharagama. Doing a tour to these temples will be very much worth to learn rituals, beliefs and cultural elements of southern Sri Lanka. You will be amazed by some of the architectures and paintings in these historical temples! This shore excursion will lead to you to explore the hidden cultural sites in southern Sri Lanka.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please be ready and waiting at passenger pier 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time. Round-trip transportation is available from Hambantota harbor.
Itinerary
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1Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the major monasteries in Sri Lanka which enshrined the largest stupa in Southern region of the country. It believes that this vihara has been made by Lord Buddha himself with 500 other individuals who reached enlightenment.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple or Kirinda temple which was built by King Kavantissa is located in a rocky hill top in Southern Sri Lanka. This has been built as a tribute to princess Viharamaha Devi’s bravery. There’s a long story behind this temple and you will be able to listen it while you wandering around it. Concisely, princess Viharamaha Devi has sacrificed her life for her country and she is recognized as one of the heroines of our motherland. The temple provides magnificent views of the sand dunes, the Kirinda fishing harbour and the Indian Ocean.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
3
Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery which dating back to the 2nd century B.C. is located deep within the heart of Yala national park. Frequent leopards; elephants and chatters of birds will give you a gently reminder that you are walking in the wild. The monastery complex holds a cave with paintings over 2000 years old and a temple atop a resident rock that rises above the surrounding wilderness. This temple is also known as “the hill of the quiet mind”, due to its calm spiritual vibe. You are also welcomed to meditate here for a while and sooth your mind.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4
Kiri Vehera is an ancient stupa which dates back to 06th century B.C and believed to be built by King Mahasena. It thought that this has been built in the ground where Lord Buddha meditated.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Kataragama is a multi-religious temple complex which is dedicated to God Kataragama. The history of the Kataragama shrines dates back to 2nd century BC. It contains an Islamic Mosque within its Devala complex as well. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by the Sinhala Buddhists, Hindu Sri Lankan Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors and the Vedda people. God Kataragama furthermore is linked to the Ramayana Trail legend. You will be able to offer a fruit plate for the shrine of God Kataragama at main Devala and get the blessings!
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for visiting sacred or holy places.
- You may wear comfortable walking shoes.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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