Occupying pride of place in the southern reaches of the island, Tissamaharama is a wildlife hotspot and a cultural heartland. Here are some guidelines on vacationing in the region.
Timing Matters
As with any holiday destination, timing your visit to Tissamaharama is a must if you are to experience all that this dynamic vacation hub has to offer. The period from December to April is deemed ideal for a getaway in this part of the country. The period from late April to June is too warm to explore wildlife attractions while the rains in October and November also make excursions impossible.
How to Reach
While the drive to Tissamaharama from Colombo can be scenic, it is not the most affordable way to reach the town. Public buses headed for Tissamaharama can be boarded at the Fort Bus Station while those who hop on Yala-bound trains can also disembark at Tissa.
What to See
The 2300-year-old Yatala Vehera is not the only religious attraction visitors will come across in Tissamaharama, which is also home to the iconic Tissamaharama Dagoba. The Sandagiri Wehera is another point of interest that is not just reserved for culture buffs. The Tissa Lake, which is located near Kithala Resort among several other Tissamaharama hotels, is another attraction as it is a gathering point for migratory birds.
What to Do
Due to its proximity to the Yala National Park, all visitors based in Tissamaharama should consider signing up for a safari tour of this sprawling nature reserve. An excursion to the Wirawila Bird Sanctuary and the Bundala National Park are other options available to visitors.
