Experience a fascinating journey through Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage as you explore ancient temples and sacred sites near Hambantota. This tour takes you on a captivating ride to historic places where you'll marvel at age‑old architecture, intricate carvings, and serene surroundings steeped in history and spirituality. Perfect for culture lovers and curious travelers!
Highlights
Includes
-
Transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur
- Hotel pickup & drop-off from/to Hambantota
- 1-Liter of bottled mineral water per person
- All taxes & service charges
Excludes
-
Food or drinks
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Expenses of personal nature
Experience
You will be picked up from your hotel in Hambantota by 0800 hrs. Ensure that you bring a packed breakfast with you if you are unable to have your meal at the hotel.
First, you will visit the ancient Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya. This is one of the four major Buddhist monasteries established in Sri Lanka, after the arrival of Arhant Mahinda Thera to the country. Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara was consecrated by Lord Buddha himself, who spent some time in meditation there with 500 arhats during his third visit to the island.
Your next stop will be Kataragama Maha Devalaya, a popular pilgrimage destination frequented by adherents of all religions in Sri Lanka. The main shrine devoted to Skanda is popularly described in eulogies as God having six faces and twelve arms whose assistance is sought for worldly gain. The history of the shrine dates back to the 2nd century BC.
Afterward, you will visit Kiriwehera Temple. Beyond the Maha Devale is a meeting hall on the north side of the square. From the east gate, a Tulip tree avenue leads 500m past further lines of stalls selling lotus flowers to the Kiri Vehera, dating from the 1st century BC. It is a milk-white large stupa with a well-maintained peaceful courtyard. The temple elephant is often seen shackled to the trees here, being fed a copious diet of palm leaves. Its only unusual feature is the two sets of square walls that enclose it. A modern statue of King Dutugamunu stands behind the dagoba.
Afterward, you will visit the final destination of the day, Sella Kataragama. Located 5km from Kataragama, Sella Kataragama is a small town. The tree-lined, well-sheltered road makes the drive pleasant. Sella Kataragama is the place where god Kataragama first met his first consort, Valli Amma.
At the end of the visit, you will start your return journey back to your hotel.
Additional Note
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged, but only at locations with reasonable parking areas.
