Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama is a town in the southern province of Sri Lanka, located 270 km from Colombo. The city is an interface for tourist expeditions as it is the starting point for visits to Yala National Park and Kataragama.

The town holds artefacts from the past and has historical icons which include three ancient stupas, old reservoirs and five major lakes including the Tissa Wewa.

Paddy fields bound the northern part of the city. Car drives along the beautiful lake and countryside of Tissamaharama are spectacular. The sightseeing places in the historic town are aplenty including the Tissawewa and the Sithulpawwa rock temple, Tissa Dagoba, Yatala Wehera, Debarawewa clock tower and the Bundala birds paradise.

Five major lakes in the locale of Tissamaharama are the Tissa Wewa; Yoda Wewa; Weerawila Wewa; Pannegamuwa Wewa; and Debarawewa Wewa. Thus 'Tissa' as the locals call it is a perfect marriage of nature and antiquity! Tissa falls under the classification of the 16 holy islands of Sri Lanka as it played a significant role in uplifting and enthroning Buddhism in the heart of its people.