Kataragama Hotels

As a worship site for Hindu Tamils, Muslims, Sinhalese Buddhists and the native Vedda people of Sri Lanka, Kataragama is nonpareil. The pilgrimage town is 230 km southeast of Colombo in Monaragala District, Uva province. A place of incomparable size and natural beauty in Sri Lanka, the 7,000 km² district is home to two national parks, Yala and Gal Oya, and five vital rivers. Kataragama Temple however, which is on the border of Yala National Park, is the undeniable focal point of tourism to Monaragala. The temple and shrine complex is a dynamic mishmash of various faiths, devotion cults and ethnic affiliations. Nearby ruins and inscriptions date as far back as the first century and a trove of myths and legends adds to the inherent mystery of the place. The vibrant town of Tissamaharama, or Tissa, is a popular gateway to both Kataragama Temple and Yala National Park.

Kataragama History

• Katarangama Archeological Museum – A small museum featuring fiberglass copies of statues found around the city of Sri Lanka and other Buddhist and Hindu religious items.
• Ul-Khizr Mosque – A mosque with beautiful tile work. It contains the tombs of two holy men.
• Kiri Vehera – A meeting hall dating back to 1 BC. It contains a peaceful courtyard and the statue of King Dutugamunu.
• Tissamaharama Dagoba – A historical site in nearby Tissamaharama, it was thought to have been built by Kavantissa and may contain a tooth and forehead bone relics.
• Tissamaharama Museum – Located by the Dagoba, this museum contains several archaeological items dug up from Kataragama.

Kataragama Art & Culture

• Maha Devale – A shrine of Murugan, a Hindu war god. This shrine in Kataragama is the centre of the community and people make daily offerings to it.
• Thaipusam Festival – A yearly festival held in January or February in which devotees of the god Murugan perform acts of penance, such as piercing their tongues with spikes.
• Kataragama Festival – Held for two weeks in July and August, this festival features bright pageantry, dancing and other colourful activities.
• Kataragama Devotees Trust – A non-profit organisation devoted to maintaining the cultural and religious heritage of the city.
• Vel Festival – Held in Colombo, this festival honours Lord Murukan and involves a six-mile procession to the temple.

Kataragama Shopping

• Puja Stalls – Located outside the temple in Kataragama are many local vendors sell fruit, incense and religious items.
• Town Centre – Contains small shops that offer local textiles, food and assorted trinkets.
• Peacock Beach Hotel – Located in Hambantota, this hotel features a nice shopping arcade.
• Cargills Food City – Located in Matara, this is the place to go to stock up on supplies and medication.
• Vijitha Yapa Bookshop – A Matara bookstore containing novels, maps, magazines and guidebooks.

Kataragama Gay & Lesbian

Homosexual rights are not officially recognized by the government in Sri Lanka, although social rules are more relaxed. However, gays and lesbians should still use discretion if they feel uncomfortable. The gay and lesbian scene in Kataragama is underdeveloped.

• Go Lanka – A gay-friendly tour operator based in Negombo that can arrange tours, drivers and other arrangements for travel throughout Sri Lanka.
• Sri Lanka Trekking Nature Holidays – A LGBT-friendly tour operator that specializes in outdoor venues and activities.
• Mandara Rosen Kataragama Hotel – This centrally located hotel features modern amenities and an onsite buffet restaurant.
• Brief Garden – Located by Bentota a couple hours away, this garden by famous architect Geoffrey Bawa showcases suggestive sculptures of many male nudes.
• Kandy Lake – This lake in Kandy, a few hours from Kataragama, has a discreet gay hangout past the boat house.

Attractions

• Kataragama Temple
• Kiri Vehera
• Maha Bodhi
• Sellakataragama
• Wadasitikanda

Activities

• Yala National Park
• Manik Ganga (River of Gems)
• Ussangoda
• Jungle River Safari
• Kirinda

Restaurants

• Tissamaharama Resort
• Royal Restaurant
• Refresh Hotel
• Sanka Restaurant

Nightlife

As a gateway for spiritual enlightenment and national park adventures, there is no discernible nightlife to speak of in Kataragama. Visitors in search of a party should stick to Galle and indeed, Colombo.

Climate

Kataragama enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, with hot, humid weather and temperatures between 22°C and 33°C. Peak rainfall is from April to June and October to November.