Tissamaharama is a gateway to Yala National Park, where you can spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears and hundreds of bird species. Beyond incredible wildlife encounters, Tissamaharama immerses you in the history, cultural and spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.
Things to do in Tissamaharama
Tissamaharama is at the doorstep of Yala National Park, one of the country's premier wildlife sanctuaries. Climb into a Jeep and spot Asian elephants, including adorable babies and adult males with enormous tusks. The park is one of the best places in the world to see leopards and is home to dozens of beautiful big cats. Birders are in their element, with the chance to see peacocks, painted storks and Sri Lanka grey hornbills.
See more than 200 bird species in Bundala National Park. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park protects pristine wetlands and coastal lagoons. Take a boat tour to get up close to flamingos, flycatchers and blue-tailed bee eaters.
Visit Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple that dates back to the 2nd century BC. It’s one of the most important Buddhist temples on the island and is topped with a towering 47-metre-high stupa. Emerald-green rice paddies surround the temple and create a postcard-perfect backdrop.
The bustling streets of Tissamaharama offer a glimpse of local life in Sri Lanka. Shop at colourful markets and snack on specialties sold by street food vendors. Try favourites like “kottu roti” chopped flatbread mixed with vegetables and meat, samosas stuffed with spiced potatoes and “isso wade” deep-fried shrimp fritters.
Getting around Tissamaharama
Parts of Tissamaharama are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Taxis and tuk-tuks are a fast and affordable way to get around and cover longer distances, or you can hire a private driver. Tissamaharama is in the Southern Province, a four-hour drive from Colombo and six hours by bus. Bandaranaike International Airport is a four-hour drive away.