Kataragama Temple & Evening PujaCulture & Heritage
Kataragama Temple & Evening Puja
Experience a sacred shrine shared by many faiths.
Southern Province
Kataragama & Tissamaharama
A sacred pilgrimage town and an ancient lakeside city.
Best time: Year-roundStay: Half day (after a Yala safari)
About Kataragama & Tissamaharama
Kataragama is a sacred site for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the indigenous Vedda people. The evening puja at the Kataragama Kovil, with its offerings and drumming, is a vivid experience of living faith.
Nearby Tissamaharama is an ancient city set beside Tissa Wewa lake, with a historic dagoba and a peaceful atmosphere. Both are popular stops after a safari at Yala.
Highlights
Kataragama Kovil
Evening puja ceremony
Tissa Wewa lake
Ancient Tissamaharama dagoba
Things to Do
- Attend the evening puja
- Visit the Tissa temple
- Walk beside Tissa Wewa
Travel Tips
Dress modestly and remove shoes at the shrines
The Esala festival in July or August brings huge pilgrim crowds
Map
Experiences
Things to Do in Kataragama & Tissamaharama
Tours
Package 02
Package 03
Package 04
Packages That Visit Kataragama & Tissamaharama
Package 02Classic 7-Day Sri Lanka Explorer
Highlights
Negombo, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala Safari, Whale Watching in Mirissa.
Includes
Standard BB accommodation, air-conditioned vehicle transport, entrance fees.
Package 037-Day Tea Country, Safari & Whale Watching Tour
Highlights
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth, two days in Nuwara Eliya, Yala Safari, Mirissa Whale Watching and the Madu River.
Includes
Standard BB accommodation, air-conditioned vehicle transport, entrance fees.
Package 047-Day Scenic & Wildlife Highlights
Highlights
Pidurangala Rock hike, cultural dance show in Kandy, Ramboda waterfalls, Yala safari, Madu River boat ride in Bentota.
Includes
Private English-speaking driver, air-conditioned vehicle, airport assistance and cultural dance show.