Tissamaharama Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Tissamaharama with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the must-see sights, taste the local cuisine, and discover the local culture and customs of this charming city in Southern Sri Lanka.


Tissamaharama Travel Guide: Discover the Charm of Southern Sri Lanka

Introduction to Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama, also known as Tissa for short, is a historic city located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by lush greenery, beautiful lakes, and ancient ruins that make it a popular destination for tourists. The city has a rich history that dates back to the 2nd century BC, and it was the capital of the Ruhuna Kingdom. Today, Tissamaharama is a vibrant city that offers visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s fascinating culture and history.

List of Places to Visit in Tissamaharama

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Yatala Dagoba - This impressive monument is located in the heart of the city and is one of the oldest and largest stupas in Sri Lanka. It was built during the 3rd century BC and is an important site for Buddhist pilgrims.
  • Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara - This ancient temple is said to date back to the 2nd century BC and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It is home to a beautiful stone Buddha statue that is over 2,000 years old.
  • Kirinda Temple - This temple is located on a hilltop overlooking the sea and is said to have been built by King Kavantissa in the 1st century BC. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the coastline from the temple grounds.

Natural Attractions of Tissamaharama: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yala National Park - This national park is located just a short distance from Tissamaharama and is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka. Visitors can go on a guided safari to spot elephants, leopards, and other wildlife.
  • Tissa Wewa Lake - This beautiful lake is located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for boat rides and picnics. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  • Ranminitenna Tele Cinema Village - This outdoor film set was built to resemble a traditional Sri Lankan village and is the perfect place to experience the local culture and customs. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour and watch a movie or cultural show.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tissamaharama

There are several great hiking and biking routes in and around Tissamaharama that offer visitors a chance to explore the city’s stunning natural landscape. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Lake Circuit Trail - This 7 km trail takes visitors around Tissa Wewa Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  • Kirinda to Yala Trail - This 14 km trail takes visitors from the Kirinda Temple to the entrance of Yala National Park and offers the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
  • Wirawila Lake Circuit Trail - This 18 km trail takes visitors around Wirawila Lake and offers stunning views of the countryside and wetlands.

Best Things to Do in Tissamaharama: Activities and Tours

  • Go on a Safari - Yala National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot wildlife, and visitors can go on a guided safari to see elephants, leopards, and other animals.
  • Visit an Ancient Temple - Tissamaharama is home to several ancient temples, including the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara and the Kirinda Temple, that offer visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture.
  • Take a Boat Ride - Visitors can take a relaxing boat ride on Tissa Wewa Lake and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tissamaharama

Day Activities
1 Explore Tissamaharama’s historic temples and monuments
2 Take a guided safari in Yala National Park
3 Visit the Ranminitenna Tele Cinema Village and experience the local culture
4 Go on a hiking or biking trail in the surrounding countryside
5 Relax and enjoy a boat ride on Tissa Wewa Lake
6 Visit a nearby beach and enjoy the scenic views
7 Sample local cuisine and visit the local markets for souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of Tissamaharama

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kottu Roti - This popular Sri Lankan street food is made by chopping up roti bread with vegetables, egg, and choice of meat, mixing it all together and stir fried with spices.
  • Curries - Sri Lankan curries comes in different colours and textures but all are aromatic and are served with combo of rice, sambal and papadams.
  • Pol Sambol - This traditional Sri Lankan dish is made with grated coconut and spices and is a perfect side dish for any Sri Lankan meal.

Local Beverages

  • King Coconut Water - Tissamaharama is famous for its coconut production, and visitors can sample the refreshing and electrolyte-filled king coconut water.
  • Ceylon Tea - Sri Lanka is known for its high-quality tea production, and visitors can enjoy a hot cup of Ceylon tea at any of the local cafes or restaurants.
  • Arrack - This traditional Sri Lankan liquor is made from fermented coconut flower sap and is a popular drink among locals.

Where to Stay in Tissamaharama: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Luxury - Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa and Jetwing Yala are the best options for visitors looking for a luxury stay.
  • Mid-Range - The Safari Hotel and The Yala Adventure are the best options for visitors looking for a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
  • Budget - Srilanka Wildlife Hostel and Lake View Cottage Tissa are the best options for visitors looking for a budget-friendly stay.

What to Buy in Tissamaharama: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tea - Sri Lanka is known for its high-quality tea production, and visitors can bring home a pack of tea as a delicious souvenir.
  • Spices - Sri Lanka is famous for its spices, and visitors can find a range of spices and spice blends at any of the local markets or stores.
  • Handicrafts - Visitors can find a range of handmade crafts and souvenirs at the local markets, including wooden carvings, batik fabrics, and traditional masks.

Local Culture and Customs of Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama is a city steeped in tradition and religion, and visitors are expected to be respectful of local customs and beliefs. Visitors should dress conservatively when visiting temples and other religious sites, and should remove their shoes before entering. Tipping is not customary in Sri Lanka, but visitors are welcome to leave a small amount for exceptional service.

Best Time to Visit Tissamaharama

The best time to visit Tissamaharama is between December and April when the weather is dry and sunny. The wet season in Tissamaharama starts from May through November, visitors may experience heavy rainfall and occasional storms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tissamaharama

Do:

  • Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites.
  • Respect local customs and beliefs.
  • Remove your shoes before entering temples and other religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing.
  • Take photos without permission at religious sites.
  • Disrespect cultural and religious practices.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama is a relatively safe city, but visitors should still exercise caution when traveling alone or late at night. It is important to keep valuable items locked away in a safe place and to not carry large amounts of cash or valuable jewelry with you.

Health in Tissamaharama

Visitors should be up-to-date on routine vaccines before traveling to Sri Lanka. Visitors should also take precautions against mosquito bites to avoid diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and malaria.

Getting to Tissamaharama: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tissamaharama

The nearest airport to Tissamaharama is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which is located about 33 km away. Visitors can also fly into Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, which is about 250 km away.

Bus Stations Near Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama has a central bus station where visitors can take buses to other parts of Sri Lanka. There are also several private bus companies that operate in the area.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car to get to Tissamaharama from other parts of Sri Lanka. It is important to always negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

How to Get Around in Tissamaharama

The easiest way to get around Tissamaharama is by tuk-tuk or taxi. Visitors can also rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the city and surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Tissamaharama: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mirissa - This beautiful beach town is located about 110 km away from Tissamaharama and is known for its stunning beaches and blue whale watching tours.
  • Galle - This historic city is located about 165 km away from Tissamaharama and is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galle Fort, which is a must-see attraction in Sri Lanka.
  • Udawalawe National Park - This national park is located about 68 km away from Tissamaharama and is known for its large elephant population and scenic views.

Conclusion

Tissamaharama is a city that truly embodies the charm and beauty of Sri Lanka. From its ancient temples to its stunning natural landscapes, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and fascinating city. Be sure to plan your trip in advance, pack appropriately, and take precautions to stay safe and healthy during your stay. With this comprehensive guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Tissamaharama.

An ancient Buddhist dagoba located in Tissamaharama An ancient Buddhist dagoba located in Tissamaharama