Sri Lanka is a country that is famous for amazing landscapes, iconic landmarks, as well as a plethora of fun activities for the whole family. Voted one of the must-visit destinations in 2024, the country has much to offer travellers of all walks of life. While the amazing views and experiences are the main points of attraction, Sri Lanka is a country of multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious values. A town that sees religious harmony and devotion daily is none other than Kataragama, in the south of the island. Whether you are visiting as a pilgrim, a traveller in search of Sri Lankan culture, or simply someone looking for peace and balance, two days in Kataragama can give you a deeply fulfilling experience. Staying at a peaceful Kataragama resort can make your visit even more special.
Arriving in Kataragama
The journey from the heart of busy Sri Lanka to the south tends to feel like a gradual shedding of noise and bustle, while the sights become fresher and greener. As you leave behind the busier towns and highways of southern Sri Lanka, the scenery becomes quieter, with beautiful paddy fields, forest stretches and glimpses of the Manik Ganga river that winds through the area. Once you arrive, checking into your hotel should be your first order of business. Mandara Rosen Kataragama is an excellent choice when it comes to lodging in the area, with a beautiful garden setting and a peaceful ambience that matches the tone of the town quite well.
The Sacred Core of Kataragama
The main attraction of any visit to Kataragama is undoubtedly the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, which is a temple complex dedicated to the deity known as Kataragama Deviyo (god of Kataragama). What makes this shrine so interesting is the fact that it is revered by Buddhists, Hindus and even the indigenous Vedda people of the island. It stands as a symbol that factions unite in a country that thrives on diversity. When you walk through the main gates, you will immediately notice the mix of faiths. You will immediately begin to see offerings of fruits and flowers lining the paths, as the smell of burning incense wafts through the air and drums beat in the background. It is an accepted custom in Sri Lanka that you always modestly remove your shoes and dress before entering this sacred space. A short walk from the main Devalaya complex is Kiri Vehera, a milk white stupa believed to date back to the 6th century BC.
Sunset by the Manik Ganga
As the day winds down, make your way to the famous Manik Ganga, which translates to Gem River, named for the precious stones once found in its bed. It is a popular spot for pilgrims, who bathe in the river before visiting the temple, considered a symbol of purification before prayer. The riverbank at sunset is one of the most peaceful scenes you will encounter in Kataragama. Locals gather to light candles; families sit together, and visitors simply watch the last light fade over the river surface.
Morning Safari in Yala National Park
Begin your second day early with a light breakfast as you set off for the famous Yala National Park, which is one of Sri Lanka’s wildlife sanctuaries. The park is less than an hour from Kataragama, making it an excellent location for a short trip. Early mornings are usually the best time to visit the park, when the air is cool and the light is softer, making it easier to spot animals. With a knowledgeable guide, you can hope to see elephants, deer, crocodiles and, if you are lucky, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Back to Kataragama for an Evening of Culture and Farewell
After the safari, return to town for lunch, before heading to the Kataragama museum, especially if you are a history lover. You will get to see artefacts and information about the area’s multi-religious background. You can also visit the mosque and nearby Hindu shrines, which once again demonstrate the religious and ethnic harmony of the town. It is one of the few places in the world where different faiths have coexisted peacefully for centuries, united by a shared sense of reverence for the divine.