Tissamaharama, often referred to simply as Tissa, is a historic city nestled in the southern region of Sri Lanka. Steeped in rich cultural heritage and ancient significance, Tissamaharama holds a special place in the island's history.
One of the most notable features of Tissamaharama is its association with Buddhism. The city is home to the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple believed to have been built by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BC. This temple complex, with its stupa and intricate carvings, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
In addition to its religious significance, Tissamaharama is renowned for its archaeological treasures. The city is surrounded by remnants of ancient civilizations, including the Tissa Wewa reservoir, which dates back to the 3rd century BC and serves as a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the time.
Today, Tissamaharama is not only a place of historical interest but also a thriving modern city. Its bustling streets are lined with shops, markets, and restaurants, offering visitors a taste of authentic Sri Lankan culture and cuisine. Moreover, Tissamaharama serves as a gateway to the nearby Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.
In essence, Tissamaharama is a city that seamlessly blends the past with the present, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders. Whether exploring its ancient temples, marveling at its archaeological sites, or embarking on a safari adventure in Yala, Tissamaharama promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture to its storied streets.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park, the second largest in Sri Lanka, is a sanctuary of unparalleled biodiversity, where leopards roam freely alongside herds of elephants, deer, and wild buffalo. The park comes alive during dry spells, drawing animals to dwindling waterholes, offering visitors an exceptional wildlife viewing experience.
Situated in southeast Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean, Yala National Park spans approximately 305km from Colombo, tracing the western and southern coastline. Accessible routes include the scenic journey through Ratnapura and Embilipitiya, passing Udawalawa, or via Ella and Wellawaya, ideal for travelers venturing from the hill country.
Established in 1938, Yala is one of Sri Lanka's oldest parks, encompassing five blocks across 125,000 hectares, including a strict nature reserve. Block 1, boasting the highest density of large animals and birds, is open to visitors and is renowned worldwide for its leopard population, offering exceptional opportunities for spotting and photographing these elusive predators. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including herds of elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, crocodiles, and wild boar.
Beyond its iconic inhabitants, Yala is a haven for bird enthusiasts, designated as one of Sri Lanka's 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) with over 140 species recorded within the park. Changeable Hawk Eagles, Crested Serpent Eagles, and Malabar Pied Hornbills are among the many avian species that call Yala home.
Visitors to Yala can embark on full-day or split-day jeep safaris, with the best chances of wildlife sightings occurring during the early morning and late afternoon. Inside the park, accommodation options include seven bungalows and several campsites, offering standard or luxury camping experiences facilitated by experienced providers.
In essence, Yala National Park offers an immersive journey into the heart of Sri Lanka's wilderness, where nature thrives and wildlife roams freely, promising an unforgettable safari adventure for all who venture within its boundaries.
Tissa Wewa
Built by the very King Devanampiyatissa, who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Tissa Wewa is an artificial reservoir with architecture ahead of its time. During the 3rd century BC, it was used to increase the water supply to the flourishing capital of Anuradhapura. Today, the 652-acre-large lake is flanked by dedicated walkways and swaying trees along the banks. Visitors can enjoy boating, sighting aquatic, migratory, wild birds and fruit bat colonies, and watching sunsets.
Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
With a history of over 2,300 years, Sithulpawwa Rock Temple is an ancient Buddhist monastery built by King Mahanaga. Sat deep in the mountains of Yala National Park, it straddles hundreds of caves sheltering monks for centuries. Paintings of the Anuradhapura era, the stone Buddha, Bodhisattva images, and circular Relic Houses are spread throughout the premises. Inside the stupa is a traditional moonstone fenced by a sculptured wall of elephant heads.
Bundala Birds Paradise
Harbouring nearly 200 species of birds, Bundala Birds Paradise sits on verdant marshes, lagoons and sand dunes along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. The UNESCO-listed national park is famous worldwide for its thousands of endemic and exotic migratory birds and adventurous safaris. A few noteworthy creatures to spot include painted storks, oriental skylarks, sandpipers, greater flamingos, ibis, hornbills, eagles, crocodiles, elephants, and endangered turtles.
Yatala Wehera
Located in Debarawewa, Yatala Wehera is an ancient Buddhist stupa from the 3rd century BC. Mounted on a stage, the stupa is built with large flat granite stones and is encircled by a wall with sculpted elephant heads, a moonstone, and a moat. Many relic caskets have been discovered here, and the image house contains two larger-than-life-sized Buddha statues. In addition, Lotus ponds and Mahayana Buddhist sculptures surround Yatala Wehera.
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