The serene and tranquil town of Tissamaharama (or “Tissa” as it is most frequently referred to) is located in the Hambantota district and was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century B.C.  Tissa, named after King Kavantissa, father of the famous Dutugemunu, is dominated by lakes and gigantic semi-circle shaped Buddhist Dagobas (temples) that reach majestically to the sky.  Their brilliant white radiance contrast with the surrounding luminous green paddy fields and lotus-filled lakes, providing a vivid reminder of the ancient cultural values of this island – a land where life, religion and nature were intrinsically linked.

A scenic backdrop to Tissa town is provided by the sprawling Tissa Wewa (ancient reservoir known locally as “tanks”) built by King Kavantissa 2,300 years ago as well as the Debara Wewa located near by.  These reservoirs provide life to the surrounding villages as well as attracting many species of water birds including cormorant, purple heron, Caspian tern and the painted stork.  Several ancient Buddhist temples including the Maha Stupa, Sandagiri dagoba and monastery complex, Yatala and the Menik dagobas are all located nearby as well as an archeological Museum that provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu kingdom.

About 50 miles northeast of Hambantota, is the sacred jungle shrine of Kataragama, surrounded by hills and perched on the banks of the Menik Ganga (river of jewels).  This pilgrimage site has great religious and historical significance for all four of main religions of the world. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians throng to this sacred jungle shrine, built by the warrior King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C. to pay homage to God Kataragama.  The Kirivehera, a Buddhist dagoba dating back to the 1st century B.C., as well as several other shrines are all housed within the large Kataragama complex.   Each day at specific times, the shrines come alive when poojas (devotions) are presented to the Gods. The baskets filled with fruit and flowers, the aromas from burning incense and oil lamps, the sounds of dashing coconuts, clanging bells and continuous chanting all combine to provide a mesmerizing experience.

In August each year, a sacred period referred to as Esala, Kataragama becomes even more intriguing place to visit as a two-week Perehera (pageant or street festival) is held, drawing in pilgrims from all across the island. The pageant, a riot of colour and sound, celebrates the history of this jungle shrine, Hindu folklore, music and dance forms, as well as fire walking in sacrifice and devotion to God Kataragama.

• Yala National Park - Yala, a nature reserve and national park with a total protected area of 126,768 hectares, is one of the best places to see a wide variety of Sri Lankan wildlife because of its scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections. It also boasts one of the world's densest leopard populations. Sightings have increased in recent times but remain rare. Other game includes elephant, sloth bear, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys and buffalos.
  
• Bundala National Park - Bundala is an important and beautiful wetland sanctuary that combines 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub to provide a habitat for over 150 species of birds. The lagoons prove popular with crocodiles while on dry elephants roam. Civets and giant squirrels are also among the more interesting native fauna to Bundala. From October to January also receives visits from the endangered marine turtles who lay their eggs on the parks beaches.
  
• Rekuwa Turtle Conservation Camp - All seven species of marine turtle are endangered and five of them lay their eggs on Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches, especially in the far south. We offer a simple night safari in conjunction with turtle conservation authorities in Rekuwa which allows you to learn more about these wonderful creatures and, if you are lucky, observe them coming ashore to lay their eggs.
  
• Kataragama - Kataragama, located in the south-east corner of Sri Lanka, is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. It is believed that King Dutugemunu, a warrior king and Sinhala folk hero, built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC. During July and August, Kataragama holds a colourful two-week Perehara (festival) in honour of Skandha, the warrior god of Kataragama.  The Perehara depicts Hindu folklore, music and dance forms, as well as fire walking in sacrifice and devotion to God Kataragama.
  
• Tissa - Tissa, short for Tissamaharama, is located in the Hambantota district and was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century B.C.  A scenic backdrop to Tissamaharama town is provided by the sprawling Tissa Weva (lake), built by King Kavantissa 2,300 years ago.  The scenic Debarawewa Lake is also located near by.  The town’s landscape is dominated by gigantic semi-circle shaped ancient Buddhist Dagobas (temples) such as the Maha Stupa, Sandagiri dagoba and monestry complex, Yatala and the Menik Dagoba.  An Archeological Museum that provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu kingdom is also located nearby.  The serene and tranquil lotus filled lakes attract many species of water birds including cormorant, purple heron, Caspian tern and the painted stork.