Kataragama

The most popular pilgrimage site is shared by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims and is located at the Menik Ganga (Gem River). The Kshatryas, a warrior caste, first settled in Kataragama in the third century BC. Even King Dutthagamani traveled to worship the Hindu warrior god Skanda, also known as Kataragama, who now resides in the surprisingly plain Maha Devale where you can participate in the daily Puja rituals at 5 am, 11 am, and 7:30 pm.

The rural Perahera of Kataragama takes place just before the full moon in August (known as the Esala full moon), while Kandy is swarming with visitors eager to see the spectacular Perahera there. You can nonetheless enjoy Kataragama’s distinctive atmosphere in the interim.

The Buddhist Kiri Vihara, the Hindu Vishnu and Ganesha shrines, and the mosque Masjid-ul-Khizr are among Kataragama’s additional points of interest.