Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide

Tissamaharama at a glance

A short history

Tissamaharama was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Ruhuna, which ruled the south of Sri Lanka more than two thousand years ago. According to the chronicles, it was from here that Prince Dutugemunu set out to unite the island, before becoming one of Sri Lanka's most famous kings. Ancient kings built great stupas and tanks around the town, and many of them still stand today, carefully restored.

Things to do in Tissamaharama

Safari in Yala National Park

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's most famous national park, known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. It is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, buffalo and many birds. Most jeep safaris from Tissa leave very early, around 5 am, to reach the park gate when it opens, and return around midday. Afternoon safaris are also available.

Parts of Yala, including the most visited blocks, usually close for a few weeks during the peak dry season, often from about mid-September to mid-October. Check current Department of Wildlife Conservation notices for affected blocks and entrances rather than relying on past closure dates. Check the dates for your year. See our Yala safari guide, leopard safari guide and Yala safari tour.

Tissa Wewa

Tissa Wewa is a large ancient tank (reservoir) on the edge of town, said to date back more than two thousand years. It is still used to water the surrounding rice fields. At sunrise and sunset, the lake is beautiful, with egrets, herons, cormorants and pelicans, and the trees by the water are home to large colonies of fruit bats. A walk or slow drive along the bund is one of the most peaceful things to do in Tissa.

Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara

The great white stupa of Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara rises above the town. According to tradition, it was built by King Kavantissa, the father of Dutugemunu. It is an active Buddhist temple, and worshippers visit throughout the day, especially in the evening and on Poya days. Dress modestly and remove your shoes. See what to wear at Sri Lankan temples.

Yatala Wehera and Menik Wehera

Near the town, the ancient stupas of Yatala Wehera and Menik Wehera stand among the trees and ruins of old monasteries. Yatala Wehera is surrounded by a wall decorated with elephant heads and has a small museum. These sites are usually quiet, and they are lovely places to wander.

Sandagiri Wehera

Sandagiri Wehera is another large ancient stupa close to the town centre, surrounded by the remains of an old monastery.

Debarawewa and the rice fields

Around Tissa, you can take a bicycle or tuk-tuk ride through the rice fields, past small villages and lakes. Farmers work in the fields, water buffalo wallow in the mud and birds are everywhere. See our traditional agriculture experience page.

Bird watching

The lakes around Tissa, including Tissa Wewa, Debarawewa and Yoda Wewa, and the nearby Wirawila wetlands, are excellent for birds. Look for painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, purple herons, kingfishers and many waders. See bird watching in Sri Lanka.

Day trips from Tissamaharama

Kataragama

Kataragama, about 30 minutes away, is one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka, visited by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The evening puja at the main shrine is a powerful experience. See our guide to places to visit in Kataragama.

Kirinda

At Kirinda, a small fishing village on the coast, a Buddhist temple sits on top of a giant rock above the sea. According to legend, it was here that Princess Viharamahadevi, the mother of Dutugemunu, came ashore after being set adrift at sea. The views over the coast are wide and beautiful.

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park, west of Tissa, is a wetland park famous for its birds, especially in the migrant season from about September to March, when flamingos are sometimes seen. It also has elephants and crocodiles, and it is much quieter than Yala.

Situlpawwa

Situlpawwa is an ancient monastery on a rock in the Yala area, with a stupa on top and wide views over the forest. Ask your driver or guide about access.

The south coast

Beaches at Tangalle and along the south coast are about an hour to an hour and a half away. See our south coast road trip and our guide to places to visit in Hambantota.

How to get to Tissamaharama

By private car

A private driver is the easiest way to reach Tissa and explore the area. Approximate times:

• Ella to Tissamaharama: about 2 to 2.5 hours
• Mirissa to Tissamaharama: about 2 to 2.5 hours, using the expressway
• Galle to Tissamaharama: about 3 hours
• Colombo to Tissamaharama: about 4 to 4.5 hours, using the expressway

See our guides to getting from Ella to Yala and how to get to Yala.

By bus

Buses connect Tissa with Matara, Hambantota, Wellawaya and Kataragama. From Ella, you usually change in Wellawaya.

By train

There is no railway station in Tissamaharama. The southern line ends at Beliatta, about an hour and a half away.

When to visit

Tissa is in the dry zone and can be visited all year. It is usually hot and sunny, with most of its rain from about October to January. For Yala, the dry months from about February to July are often good for wildlife, as animals gather near the waterholes. Remember that the main blocks of Yala usually close for a few weeks between September and October. Read our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Where to stay in Tissamaharama

Tissa has guesthouses, small hotels and lakeside resorts, many offering early safari pickups. Some lodges and camps are closer to the Yala entrance, for those who want to be nearer the park. A hotel by Tissa Wewa is a peaceful choice, with birds outside your window. See our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka.

How long to stay

One night is enough for a Yala safari. Two nights give you time for a safari, the stupas, the lakes and a trip to Kataragama or Kirinda without rushing.

A suggested two-day plan

Tips for visiting Tissamaharama

• Book Yala jeeps in advance in busy months.
• Check the Yala closure dates before you plan, usually between September and October.
• Bring binoculars for birds on the lakes and in the parks.
• Wear neutral colours on safari, and pack sun protection.
• Dress modestly at temples and stupas.
• Carry cash for park tickets and small shops. See money in Sri Lanka.

Who Tissamaharama suits

Tissa suits wildlife lovers, families, photographers and anyone interested in Sri Lanka's ancient history. It fits naturally into a route between the hill country and the south coast. Our wildlife tour, family tour and 10-day tour can include a night or two in Tissa. See also our page on safaris in Sri Lanka and Yala vs Udawalawe vs Wilpattu.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating Tissa as just a bed for the night. The stupas and lakes are worth a few hours.
• Booking Yala during the closure. Check the dates first.
• Arriving too late for a morning safari. Stay in Tissa the night before so you can start at 5 am.
• Skipping the evening puja in Kataragama. It is one of the most memorable experiences in the south.

Frequently asked questions