Private tour

Yala: Full-Day Private All-Inclusive Temple Discovery Tour

Activity provider: Beyond Escapes
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    Private tour

    Yala: Full-Day Private All-Inclusive Temple Discovery Tour

    Activity provider: Beyond Escapes

    From US$ 85 per person

    Take a private day trip to Yala's Tissamaharama, Sithulpawwa, Kirinda, and Katharagama temples and monasteries. Lose yourself in the spiritual energy and the thousands of years of history.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
    Duration 12 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English
    Pickup included
    Pickup from most centrally located hotels in Hambantota and Hambantota Harbor
    Private group

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Take a journey into the spiritual history of Sri Lanka
    • Meditate on the same ground Lord Buddha did
    • Become an expert on the history, rituals, and beliefs held in southern Sri Lanka
    • Marvel at paintings and architecture with a time stamp of 2,000 years
    • Immerse yourself in the quiet, spiritual natural surroundings
    Full description

    Embark on a fascinating tour of Yala's temples and learn about the rituals, beliefs, and culture of southern Sri Lanka. Discover the architecture, paintings, and history of Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple, Sithulpawwa, and Kiri Vehera.

    Get picked up from your hotel and head toward Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, one of the major monasteries in Sri Lanka. It is believed that this vihara was created by Lord Buddha himself with 500 other individuals who reached enlightenment. Drive to Kirinda and explore Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple. Hear about the site's long, interesting history from your guide. The temple provides magnificent views of the sand dunes, the Kirinda fishing harbor, and the Indian Ocean. Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 2nd century B.C. and is located deep within the heart of Yala national park. Leopard and elephant sightings and the chatters of birds will serve as a gentle reminder that you are walking in the wild.

    The monastery complex hosts a cave with paintings over 2,000 years old and a temple atop a resident rock that rises above the surrounding wilderness. You are welcome to meditate here for a while and soothe your mind. Head to Kataragama and visit Kiri Vehera, a 6th-century B.C. ancient stupa believed to be built by King Mahasena. It is thought that this was built on the ground where Lord Buddha meditated. Return to your pickup point.

    Includes
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Yala, Tissamaharama, and Hambantota
    • Local guide
    • Entrance fees to the sites
    • Cost of fruit platter as offering to god Kataragama
    • Picnic lunch by the lake
    • Bottled water and refreshments during sightseeing
    • Other meals
    • Personal expenses
    • Gratuities (recommended)
    Covid-19 precautions
    Safety measures in place
    • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
    • You must keep social distance while in vehicles
    Traveler requirements
    • You must bring your own headphones
    • You are required to bring and wear a mask
    • All participants over 12 years old must present one of the following: proof of full vaccination, proof of first vaccination administered at least 22 days ago, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 6 months, or a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts
    • All participants 12 and older must present physical or digital proof that they've been fully vaccinated with a FDA or WHO-approved vaccine administered at least 14 days before the performance date. Children between 5-11 years old must present proof that they've received at least one dose of a FDA or WHO-approved vaccine and be accompanied by a vaccinated adult meeting the theater's entry requirements. Guests whose last vaccine dose (excluding boosters) was fewer than 14 days before the performance date must also present either a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the performance starts or a negative antigen test taken no more than 6 hours before the performance starts

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    Participants

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    Important information

    What to bring

    • Comfortable shoes

    Product ID: 410841