How to explore best places from Yala to Kataragama

Not all religious places in Sri Lanka are worshiped equally by devotees of all religions. But, there are a few such places and Kataragama is one such destination. Kataragama is a holy city for both Buddhists and Hindus and because of this reason, it has become one of the most visited pilgrimage towns even among tourists. It was a less developed rural village, but it's no longer so, thanks to the country's fast-developing tourism industry. Sella Kataragama Temple A person who visits the Kataragama shrine hardly misses the Sella Kataragama Temple. The temple has been built on the Menik Ganga (river) banks and just as the Kataragama shrine, this holy site also attracts all Buddhists and Hindus alike. Other than the temple, the devotees also visit the Valli's Cave, Ganesh Shrine, and various other Kovils located on the same premises. An experience that most of the tourists love to take here is feeding the fish in the Menik River and locals do believe feeding them (with corn especially) can wash away from their sins if they have any. Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya                                         Img via Wikimedia Commons Needless to say, Kiri Wehera is the most popular Buddhist temple in Kataragama. But, the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is equally popular too. It's ancient and of course picturesque. This temple is one of the four most ancient Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka and this is why this temple never lacks devotees from all over the world. This temple site has a history that dates back to the 3rd century, and if you take a guided tour, the guide may be able to tell you all the related stories- both interesting and surprising! Sithulpawwa Rock Temple A visit to Kataragama will not be complete if you miss this amazing religious site known as the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple. You have to travel for 18 km from Kataragama to reach this attraction and it'll be all worth it. In the 2nd century, it is believed that King Kawantissa built this rock temple on the hills, and today, the temple site reveals many interesting things about the history of Buddhism and its culture as well. If it is possible, visit this rock temple before noon to avoid the scorching sun. Yala National Park Yala is a town that's located close to Kataragama which is also known as a great wildlife host spot in Sri Lanka. Through one jeep safari tour at the Yala National Park, you will get the rare opportunity of being exposed to several animals such as elephants, wild boars, sloth bears, mongoose, spotted deer, and if you are lucky - the most important one - the leopards! If you wish to spend one night in Yala before going to Kataragama, there are great tourist hotels the likes of Chena Huts offering highly authentic hospitality services. In addition to the National Park, there are also some other places to visit in Yala such as Okanda Dewalaya, Buduruwangala, and Kebiliththa-Siyambalawa Dewalaya that are considered as sacred sights. Lunugamwehera National Park Tanamalwila based Lunugamvehera National Park is also quite close to Kataragama and is a great tourist attraction nearby. This National Park has been established in 1995 and this site has the national park and a sanctuary too. The evergreen forestry consists of many rare kinds the likes of Teak, Pallu, Weera, Eucalyptus, and Kon, and nature explorers just love this park because this experience cannot be taken anywhere else in the world. They also can get exposed to several rare bird species and even reptiles if they take a safari tour around this National Park.