Planning a short visit? Check out 
Hemmed on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Tissamaharama's core serves as a jump-off point to visitors aching to get to the wildlife safari of Yala National Park or experience the Kataragama's Thaipusam Festival where locals chant "Haro Hara" with glee. Visitors will be surprised to see the main street of Tissamaharama lined with shops, café and chock full of stalls. However, a smooth contrast to the commercial vibe is the collection of temples and ruins of Sandagiri Dagoba, Tissa Maha Dagoba and the Galkanumandiya Temple that loom beyond the town center, along with the an expanse of rice fields and dense forests.
On the town outskirt are the reservoirs of Debeerawewa and Tissa Weva which serve as home to aquatic birds such as herons and egrets and venue for people to have a quiet picnic and who want to get away from the bustle of the town center. To those who fancy serious bird-watching, the Wirawila Wewa Bird Sanctuary will serve the purpose.