Kiri Vehera is a sacred white stupa in Kataragama, revered as one of Sri Lanka’s major Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Traditionally, it is believed to stand on the spot where the Buddha visited during his third visit to the island, and pilgrims from across Sri Lanka include visiting Kiri Vehera as an important part of their spiritual journey. The stupa’s origins date back over 2,000 years, with ancient chronicles and local tradition linking its founding to early Sri Lankan rulers and ongoing renovations over many generations.
For tourists, Kirivehera is especially worth visiting if you have extra days in Tissamaharama or have come for a safari in Yala. It offers a peaceful and meaningful experience, combining history, devotion, and local culture in one place. At SL VOYO, we proudly say that our local pilgrim tour is Sri Lanka’s most famous pilgrim journey (one-day tour) from Colombo to Kataragama, and to be honest, almost all pilgrims travelling from Colombo to Kataragama choose to travel with us.
At SL VOYO, Sri Lanka’s first travel platform, we help travellers discover Sri Lanka through experiences that go beyond basic sightseeing. Whether you are joining our Sri Lanka tours or planning your own adventure, this is our friendly guide to the top things to do in Katharagama.
Kataragama is a sacred town where visitors can experience the spiritual and cultural side of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by forests and a peaceful environment, it is a calm place away from busy city life. The Menik Ganga, the Kataragama Devalaya, and nearby natural areas make this town special. Visitors can also see Kirivehera, Sella Kataragama, and watch pilgrims perform daily rituals and offerings.
The Kataragama Esala Perahera is one of the most important religious festivals in Sri Lanka and attracts many devotees and tourists. The procession includes traditional dancers, drummers, fire rituals, and decorated elephants. Whether you are interested in religion or culture, Kataragama offers a memorable and meaningful experience.
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.
According to local legend, after defeating King Elara, King Dutugemunu travelled to Kataragama and met the Kataragama deity on Wedihiti Kanda. When the king asked where the shrine should be built, the deity shot an arrow into the air and declared that the shrine should be constructed at the place where the arrow landed. It is believed that this spot became the site of the Kataragama Devalaya, making the mountain and the shrine deeply sacred to pilgrims and devotees.
Reaching the top of Wedihiti Kanda can be done in two ways. You can climb the stairs, which usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on your pace. This option is popular with pilgrims who want a more traditional and spiritual experience.
If you prefer an easier option, you can travel by cab (jeep), which costs around LKR 650 per person for a round trip (up and down). This is a convenient choice, especially for families, elderly travellers, or those short on time.
After completing the poojas at the top, visitors must obtain a token to come back down by jeep. You will need to wait in line to collect this token before descending.
Helpful Tip (Especially if You’re on a Tight Schedule)
When the poojas are nearing completion, and you know it’s almost time to come down, send one person from your group to get the token early. Once the token is secured, they can inform the rest of the group to start coming down. This simple step can save a lot of waiting time and help avoid delays, especially during busy periods when many people are waiting for jeeps.
Yala National Park – The Land of Leopards
Yala is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks and is known around the world for its high leopard population. The park is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, and many bird species. Safari tours run in the morning and afternoon, each offering a different atmosphere and a chance to spot wildlife. SL VOYO proudly operates the largest safari chain in Sri Lanka, giving travellers a safe and unforgettable wildlife experience.
How to Schedule Your Yala Safari
There are two main ways to plan a visit to Yala. It mostly depends on where you are coming from and how tight your schedule is.
Option 1: Coming from Ella
If you are travelling from Ella and want to do an afternoon safari, it’s best to leave early in the morning. You can reach Yala National Park around 1:00–2:00 PM, which is perfect timing for the afternoon safari.
After the safari, it’s better to continue towards the south coast beaches. Waking up by the beach feels much nicer than staying overnight near Yala.
Option 2: Coming from the South Beaches
If you are already staying in one of the south coast beaches and heading to Yala, plan to stay one night in Tissamaharama. This allows you to do an early morning safari, which is usually the best time to see wildlife.
Unless you are on a very tight schedule, early morning safaris are highly recommended.
For Safari Lovers
If you truly love wildlife and safaris, staying two nights or more near Yala gives you the chance to do multiple safaris and increases your chances of seeing animals.
How a Safari Works in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, a safari has two main parts:
Park entrance fee – This is paid to enter the national park and varies from park to park
Safari jeep – You must book a 4×4 safari jeep with a driver/guide to enter the park
Safari Time Options
Morning safari
Afternoon safari
Full-day safari
The safari jeep is the best part of the experience, as the driver knows where to find animals and how to move safely inside the park.
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most important Buddhist temples in southern Sri Lanka. Located in the town of Tissamaharama, it is believed to have been built during the reign of King Mahanaga, making it over 2,000 years old. The temple is closely linked to the ancient Ruhuna Kingdom and plays a major role in the region’s religious history.
The large white stupa at Tissamaharama is said to enshrine sacred relics of Lord Buddha, which is why it attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Many travellers visit the temple while staying in Tissamaharama or on the way to Kataragama or Yala National Park. The peaceful surroundings, wide open grounds, and calm atmosphere make it a meaningful stop for both pilgrims and tourists.
Visiting the temple is easy and does not require much time. Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes walking around the stupa, observing local worshippers, and enjoying the quiet setting. Early morning or evening is the best time to visit, when the weather is cooler, and devotees gather for prayers. This is a spiritual environment.
Kirinda Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple dramatically located on top of a rocky hill overlooking the Indian Ocean, near the coastal village of Kirinda in southern Sri Lanka. The temple is closely linked to the legend of Queen Viharamahadevi, one of the most important figures in Sri Lankan history.
According to legend, Queen Viharamahadevi was set adrift in the ocean by her father, King Kelanitissa, to calm the sea gods after a disaster. She safely landed at Kirinda, and this event later led to the birth of King Dutugemunu, who went on to unite Sri Lanka. The temple was built to mark the place where the queen came ashore, making Kirinda a deeply meaningful site for pilgrims.
Visitors reach the temple by climbing a short but steep flight of steps to the top of the rock. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, surrounding villages, and nearby coastline, which makes the visit special even for nonreligious travellers. Most visitors spend 45 to 60 minutes at the temple.
Kataragama is in southern Sri Lanka, near Tissamaharama and close to Yala National Park.
Kataragama is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and indigenous beliefs, symbolising strong religious harmony.
The Kataragama Devalaya is the main shrine and the centre of daily rituals.
Kirivehera is a white stupa built to honour Lord Buddha’s third visit to the area.
Daily at 4:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 6:30 PM. On Saturdays, an extra pooja is held at 9:30 AM.
Pilgrims usually offer fruits and sweets after the ritual prayer known as Thewawa.
Yes. Tourists are welcome and can respectfully observe rituals and explore the sacred sites.
Half a day is enough for the main temples; one full day allows a relaxed visit.
Early morning or evening is best. July–August is festive but very crowded.
Yes. SL VOYO operates Sri Lanka’s #1 pilgrim tour from Colombo to Kataragama, a dedicated one-day pilgrimage focused only on Kataragama.
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.
