Experience Tranquility at Kataragama Temple

Getting There

• Car

  To reach Kataragama Temple from Yala National Park by car, start by exiting the park through the main entrance. Drive towards Tissamaharama (Tissa) on the A2 road. The drive will take you approximately 30 minutes. Once you reach Tissamaharama, continue on the A2 for another 20 minutes until you reach the junction of the A2 and B16 road. Turn left onto B16 and follow it for about 10 kilometers. You will see signs pointing towards Kataragama Temple. The temple is located at 35 Tissa Rd, Kataragama. There is no entry fee to the temple, but parking may incur a small fee, around LKR 100-200.

• Public Transportation

  If you are using public transportation, the best option is to take a bus from Tissamaharama (Tissa) to Kataragama. First, you need to get to Tissamaharama from Yala National Park, which can be done by arranging a tuk-tuk or taxi, costing approximately LKR 2000-3000. Once in Tissamaharama, head to the bus station where you can find buses heading to Kataragama. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around LKR 50-100. Disembark at the nearest bus stop to the temple and follow the signs to Kataragama Temple, which is only a short walk away.

• Taxi

  For those preferring a direct and comfortable route, hiring a taxi from within Yala National Park to Kataragama Temple is a great option. Negotiate a fare beforehand, and expect to pay around LKR 3000-4000 for the one-way trip. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Once you arrive at the temple, you can easily explore the area on foot.