Tissamaharama is a tranquil, quiet town on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. There is much history in this town that gives visitors plenty to see. If you hear someone talk of ‘Tissa’ in relation to a place, they are referring to Tissamaharama. Hotels and resorts have cropped up as the popularity of neighbouring Yala and Bundala National Parks have grown in recent times. Tissamaharama is located two hundred and seventy kilometres south of Colombo, the nation’s capital and you will notice a vast difference in scenery in the two places. Much of the northern side of the town is covered in lush paddy fields that have been used as a serene setting for accommodation options such as the Kithala Resort part of Theme Resorts & Spas.

A tour of Tissa will take you past two manmade irrigation reservoirs: Tissa Wewa, which was built by King Kavantissa who ruled the ancient southern kingdom of Ruhuna in the 2nd century BC. In the present day the lake is frequented by crowds of people who come to bathe, swim and wash clothes as well as a variety of aquatic birds. The banks of Tissa Wewa are made up of tall bunds and majestic, shady trees. Deberawewa Reservior is a smaller artificial lake that is also a haven for birdlife.

The Sandagiri Dagoba, which is the largest stupa in Tissamaharama was also built by King Kavantissa. It stands tall surrounded by paddy fields. The king also built the Tissa Maha Stupa that is located between the town centre and Tissa Wewa; at the time of construction it was the largest dagoba in the island. The dagoba holds the sacred tooth relic and forehead bone relic of Lord Buddha. Alongside Tissa Maha Stupa stands a statue of Queen Vihara Maha Devi who is known as the heroine of the nation, wife of King Kavantissa and the mother of King Dutugamunu.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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