Tag: MandaraRosenKataragama

Best things to do in Kataragama, Sri Lanka

From historical sites, cultural attractions and an interesting local community, Kataragama contains quite a few things for visitors to experience and take in.

Visit Kataragama Temple

Image Credit-anonymous, Kiri Vehera, CC BY-SA 3.0

Visiting Kataragama Temple is a must when visiting the town. The temple is dedicated to the Kataragama deity, whom all Sri Lankans of different religions seeks blessings from. For those who wish to make a stay out of the trip, accommodation in Kataragama can be easily found at hotels such as Mandara Rosen Kataragama.

Wildlife Safari in Yala National Park

Located just 25 kilometres from Kataragama lies the famous Yala National Park, where nature lovers can embark upon an exciting wildlife safari and possibly catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard.

Sample Buffalo Curd

Head over to the picturesque town of Tissamaharama and sample Buffalo Curd. A cooling and nutritious delicacy which is a staple dessert served on the island accompanied by either Bee’s Honey or Jaggery.

Watch the Kataragama Festival

Timing your visit to coincide with the Kataragama Festival, which commences 10 days prior to the full moon which falls on the month of July, will be a good idea as visitors can watch a colourful and fascinating parade complete with dances. acrobatics and a procession of elephants.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Exploring the Religious Town of Kataragama

The small town of Kataragama is one of the most venerated religious sites on the island of Sri Lanka, which people of all ethnicities flock to pay homage to.

Image Credit- Adbar, Kataragama temple entrance, CC BY-SA 3.0

Background

Kataragama embodies a sense of spiritual divinity and lays claim to historical relevance dating back to the 2nd century BC. The town’s most popular temple is the one dedicated to the Kataragama deity, a Hindu / Buddhist lord. It is believed that King Dutugamunu built the shrine for the deity to fulfil a vow made to him when he defeated, King Elehara.

Things to Do

While the town is peaceful, it undergoes a dramatic transformation when its time for the evening Pooja. Hundreds of devotees assemble on the site carrying platters of fresh fruits and garlands of scented flowers to seek blessings, and taking part in it would prove to be an unforgettable experience!

Festivities

If you ‘re planning on visiting the sacred town, choosing to do so in the month of July would be ideal as it will enable you to experience the Kataragama Festival. Rituals rooted in ancient traditions along with a colourful parade known as a Perehara which includes dances and acrobatics could be seen in all its glory.

How to Get There

Kataragama can be reached approximately in 5 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway. If you wish to stay for a few days, then there are many hotels in Kataragama, Sri Lanka including the likes of Mandara Rosen Kataragama to choose from.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+