Kataragama

Join the pilgrimage to the ancient holy town shrouded by jungle.

Kataragama was a small village during the medieval period, but today it has become a prominent holy city where religious piety fuses with pomp and pageantry. This is perhaps the holiest site in Sri Lanka, for Buddhists, Hindus and the indigenous Vedda people, and is a popular attraction to visit when you’re in Yala. The history of Kataragama reaches as far back as the 5th Century BC and it has functioned as the capital for several kings in the Ruhuna Kingdom. Although Kataragama is a multi-religious sacred town, most pilgrims pay tribute to God Kataragama; it is believed that this powerful deity resides in Kataragama and assists those who appeal to him with faith and devotion.

Kataragama is about a 35-minute drive from Taru Villas Yala, and we’ll organise your transfers to the holy site.

Nearest City

Tissamaharama

Key Highlight

The Kataragama Festival

Distance from Tissamaharama

18.0 km.

A Look into Kataragama

The main Buddhist attraction in Kataragama is the Kiri Vehara Dagoba which was built by King Mahasen who ruled over the area in 580 BC. It is believed the Dagoba was constructed on the location where King Mahasen had met the Buddha.
Behind the Kataragama temple you will find an ancient Bodhi tree. The tree is from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment.
Sri Lankan and South Indian Tamil Hindus call Kataragama ‘Katirkamam’, after the Lord Katirkaman who is associated with the Hindu God of War.