Tissamaharama

The rural town of Tissamaharama was known in ancient times as Mahagama, which was in some ways a southern version of Anuradhapura. Its rich history, the many archaeological ruins and nearby Yala National Park and Kataragama with its colorful festivals and temples are making Tissamaharama certainly worth a visit.

 

In the center of Tissamaharama town you can see an ancient, huge stupa which is almost fully restored to its former glory.

 

Legend has it that Buddha visited Tissamaharama on his third visit to Sri Lanka and that a sacred tooth relic and a forehead bone relic are enshrined in a Dagoba. As such it is considered one of 16 places in Sri Lanka that are sacred to Buddhists.