Wildlife & Nature
Tissamaharama
An ancient capital at the gateway to Yala.
Why Visit
One of southern Sri Lanka's oldest settlements, with its own ancient dagoba and reservoir predating the island's more famous sites further north — and the most convenient base for a Yala safari.
A small town built around the ruins and reservoirs of an ancient Sinhalese kingdom, and today the main base for safaris into nearby Yala and Bundala national parks.
History
Tissamaharama — often shortened to "Tissa" — was the capital of the ancient Ruhuna kingdom, a southern Sinhalese kingdom that maintained its own line of rulers at times when the island's main seat of power lay elsewhere, most notably during periods when Anuradhapura came under South Indian control. The Tissamaharama Dagoba and the adjoining Tissa Wewa reservoir both date to this period, and the wider area contains further ruins and tanks from the same era, though on a smaller and less-visited scale than the Cultural Triangle's main sites. Its proximity to Yala and Bundala National Parks has made it the region's main tourism base in more recent history.
Things to Do
- Visit the Tissamaharama Dagoba
- Walk around the Tissa Wewa reservoir
- Base here for a Yala National Park safari
- Visit nearby Kataragama, a major multi-faith pilgrimage site
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tissamaharama known for?
One of southern Sri Lanka's oldest settlements, with its own ancient dagoba and reservoir predating the island's more famous sites further north — and the most convenient base for a Yala safari.
When is the best time to visit Tissamaharama?
The best time to visit Tissamaharama is May to September, when nearby Yala's dry season draws wildlife toward water.
What can you do in Tissamaharama?
Popular things to do in Tissamaharama include visit the Tissamaharama Dagoba, walk around the Tissa Wewa reservoir and base here for a Yala National Park safari.
Where is Tissamaharama located in Sri Lanka?
Tissamaharama is located in Wildlife & Nature, Sri Lanka.
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