Located deep within the Yala National Park lies a quaint land perfumed by the sweet earthy fragrances from the trees and the marshes -for which it houses a shrine surrounded by a surreal ambience. It is highly regarded as one of the most sacred places of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists of Sri Lanka. They believe that the region is where the deity of Kataragama lay in peace meditating.
The area has no buildings or any other type of fixtures but the statues of Lord Murugan or Skanda Kumara and few other deities sit under the tamarind tree adorned by garlands. Measuring up to 10 meters in height, The tree itself boasts a magnificent outlook, and the whole area is enmeshed in an air of tranquillity. As you explore the region you could feel your souls being gently nudged and embraced by a profound sense of peace. Whether you are here for spiritual wisdom or to indulge in a sense of relaxation you shall indeed be rewarded with what you seek!
If you are planning to visit here anytime soon, you could opt-in for a tour by reaching out to a tour operator but bear in mind a few things for which you are visiting a site that is of great religious and cultural significance. Be mindful to be dressed modestly when you are visiting the site – wear clothing that would cover your shoulders and knees and make sure that it is light since the atmosphere could be quite humid. The region is surrounded by a marshy landscape so wear a mosquito repellent cream covering your hands and feet or any other regions of exposed skin. Also, be mindful not to do anything that would cause any hindrances to the devotees at the site – switch your mobile phones to silent mode and be thoughtful if you plan on taking photographs of the site and its unique attributes.
