Kataragama is one of the most powerful and sacred pilgrimage destinations in Sri Lanka. Every year, thousands of devotees travel long distances to worship, make vows, and fulfil their prayers at its temples and shrines. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it has become difficult for many people to spend two or three days on a traditional pilgrimage.
At SL VOYO, Sri Lanka’s first travel platform, we found a simple and meaningful solution. Our One Day Kataragama Pilgrimage Tour from Colombo is now proudly recognised as Sri Lanka’s #1 Vandana Tour, trusted by pilgrims across the country for its comfort, smooth organisation, and deep respect for religious traditions. This is a short read on how it all came together.
SL VOYO began as a tourism-based travel platform, and from the very beginning, we were careful not to mix tourism with local pilgrimage travel. During our village Katina programmes, local monks shared a growing concern with us: fewer Buddhists were travelling to important pilgrimage sites like Kataragama. They asked us if there was a way we could help solve this issue.
At first, we were hesitant. Pilgrimage travel requires responsibility, sensitivity, and care. However, through our #1 Heartfelt Expedition, a Google-ranked top experience where foreign travellers take part in donation programmes organised by local communities, we realised something important. Travel can still carry purpose, devotion, and meaning when done the right way.
We then decided to organise a proper Kataragama pilgrimage, addressing every challenge step by step. Traditionally, this journey took two or three days. But in today’s fast-paced world, we realised it could be done comfortably, respectfully, and peacefully in one well-planned day.
After the first tour, we asked pilgrims for feedback and ways to improve. Instead, we received heartfelt responses such as, “We have travelled with many tour companies, but we have never experienced something this organised and thoughtful.” Many told us they wanted to join more tours with SL VOYO, and others simply said “bohoma pin”—a Sinhala phrase expressing deep gratitude and blessings. From that moment on, word spread quickly.
This tour didn’t grow through advertising,it grew through trust and word of mouth.
Pilgrims appreciated that everything was organised for them:
We also shared our deeper mission: encouraging pilgrims to help identify people in need through our Heartfelt Expedition programme. That connection made this journey more meaningful.
With an affordable price between LKR 6,500 and 7,500 (similar to a highway intercity bus fare), demand grew fast. Today, we operate this pilgrimage twice every month, making SL VOYO the most trusted name in vandana tours.
The pilgrimage begins at Kirivehera. Here, devotees can worship peacefully by lighting oil lamps, offering flowers, and reciting verses from Buddhist prayer books. Pilgrims may also make offerings at the nearby Mahasen Devalaya, located close to Kirivehera.
After completing worship at Kirivehera, pilgrims proceed to the Kataragama Devalaya using the Kirivehera pathway, which runs south from the stupa. Along this path, pilgrims should not miss paying respects at the Kataragama Bodhiya, an important sacred stop on the way.
Once at the Kataragama Devalaya, pilgrims take part in worship and offer their pooja items or fulfil vows they have made. This is one of the most important moments of the pilgrimage and is carried out calmly and respectfully.
After completing all worship activities, pilgrims are asked to come to the area near the Golden Gate Bridge. For pilgrims who may find walking difficult, the SL VOYO bus will be waiting near the P&S Restaurant, making it easier for elderly devotees and those who need assistance.
If pilgrims complete their worship earlier than expected, they are welcome to walk around Kataragama town, explore the area, and do any personal shopping they wish. However, all pilgrims must return to P&S Restaurant at the scheduled time for lunch.
After lunch, the pilgrimage continues to Sella Kataragama, a calm and spiritually important site where devotees can spend quiet time in prayer. The final stop of the day is the Lakshmi Devalaya, where pilgrims seek blessings for prosperity, peace, and well-being before beginning the return journey to Colombo.
Kiri Vehera is an ancient and sacred Buddhist stupa in Kataragama, Southern Province, about 800 meters from the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya. Believed to have been built by King Mahasena around the 3rd century BC, it was constructed to commemorate the Buddha’s third visit to Sri Lanka and is one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. The stupa is said to enshrine a hair relic of the Buddha, the golden seat he preached on, and the sword he used to cut his hair, making it a spiritually significant site.
Standing 95 feet high with a white plaster finish, the “Milk Stupa” is set beside the peaceful Menik Ganga and surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can explore nearby sacred sites such as the Kirivehera complex, Sella Kataragama, and the surrounding forest areas. Pilgrims’ rituals and offerings provide a unique cultural experience. The stupa is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and it is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon for a calm atmosphere. Visitors should wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats before entering sacred areas.
The Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya in Kataragama, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, is a must visit sacred temple. Its story begins over two thousand years ago with King Dutugemunu, who vowed to defeat King Elara and prayed to God Kataragama (Skanda) for guidance before his campaign. Local traditions also say that Lord Buddha visited the area, blessing it and making it a place of deep spiritual significance. Inspired by these events, Dutugemunu established a shrine, which over the centuries grew into the grand temple complex seen today, blending Buddhist and Hindu traditions, with restorations by figures like Kalyanagiri Swamy.
Pilgrimage offerings at the Kataragama Devalaya usually include fruits and sweets. These offerings are made inside the devalaya at several fixed times each day, after a ritual prayer known as Thewawa.
Many pilgrims visit Kataragama after making a vow, a practice known as Bhara Wenawa. When their prayers are answered, they return to Kataragama to fulfil that vow, which is called Bhara Opu Karanawa. This tradition of faith, patience, and gratitude is a central part of the Kataragama pilgrimage experience.
Visitors can experience the temple’s daily rituals morning, mid morning, and evening pujas and explore the temple grounds, nearby shrines, and peaceful forested surroundings. Watching pilgrims perform ceremonies offers a glimpse into centuries old traditions, and visitors are welcome to hold their own pooja or make offerings as a mark of respect. To fully enjoy the spiritual atmosphere, participate in rituals, and take photographs of the temple and its surroundings, visitors typically spend 1 to 3 hours at the site. Don’t forget to capture the beautiful architecture, the serene environment, and the colourful rituals. Photography is a wonderful way to remember your visit.
To enjoy your visit, wear light, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering the shrine. Visitors should behave respectfully by speaking quietly, observing rituals, and following temple guidance.
Kataragama Devalaya Puja Times
The Sella Kataragama Temple, also known as the Sella Kataragama Devale, is a sacred historic site located in Kataragama, Monaragala District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Believed to have been established by early settlers from India, including those who accompanied Prince Vijaya in 543 BC, the temple has grown into a revered center of worship over the centuries. It is dedicated primarily to Lord Murugan (Skanda or Kartikeya) and also honours other Hindu deities such as Ganesh, Vishnu, and Shiva. As an important pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees, it blends centuries of spiritual tradition and cultural heritage.
Visitors can wander the temple grounds and surrounding areas, soaking in the serene atmosphere and witnessing traditional rituals and ceremonies. The temple is open daily, with the best times to visit being early morning or late afternoon, particularly during festival seasons. Most visitors spend about 60 minutes exploring the temple and its surroundings. Guests are welcome to observe or even participate in the pooja and offerings, experiencing the devotion of pilgrims firsthand.
The Lakshmi Devalaya is a Hindu temple located in Kataragama, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity in Hinduism. Situated within the sacred pilgrimage town of Kataragama, the temple is part of a larger spiritual complex that attracts devotees from multiple faiths, including Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and the indigenous Vedda community.
Pick-up locations are Miriswatta (Gampaha), Kadawatha, Kaduwela, and Mahakumbura. These points are selected to make the journey easy for pilgrims travelling from different areas.
Yes. A complete guide is shared one week before the tour, explaining the full programme, timings, worship process, dress code, and what to expect on the day.
Yes. All meals are included, and all food provided is strictly vegetarian, in line with pilgrimage traditions.
The journey starts at 6:00 AM and ends around 9:00 PM, making it a well-planned and comfortable one-day pilgrimage.
Yes. This is considered the most budget-friendly Kataragama pilgrimage tour, designed to be affordable for everyone while still offering a complete and comfortable experience.
Most participants are elderly pilgrims, individual travellers, and devotees who feel comfortable travelling in a calm group environment.
Yes. Many solo travellers choose this tour because it is safe, organised, and group-based, making it ideal for those travelling alone.
The tour follows a calm and unhurried schedule, allowing enough time for worship, reflection, and rest.
No. The tour is suitable for first-time pilgrims as well as experienced devotees, with guidance provided throughout the journey.
Pilgrims trust this tour because it is well organised, affordable, respectful, and focused purely on pilgrimage, making it one of the most comfortable ways to visit Kataragama and the tour is done twice per month.
What is it?
Google Ranked #1, the Heartfelt Expedition is a unique tour that invites tourists to personally engage in charitable events from the perspective of a local donor. Participants will be involved in school initiatives, elderly adoption, and community assistance throughout Sri Lanka.
Discover authentic culture and make a difference by helping local communities.
