Why You Should Visit The Pilgrimage Town Of Kataragama On Your Next Sri Lankan Trip

Kataragama in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a famous pilgrimage city, visited by many people of different religions from both Sri Lanka and South India. The place is generally sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and some indigenous Veda people living in Sri Lanka. Hindus from South India come here in large numbers. Although Kataragama used to be a small village surrounded by forest in ancient and medieval times, it gradually developed into a small town after becoming a popular pilgrimage site. It gives you a great feeling of visiting this city in Sri Lanka, which is far away from the limelight.

Kataragama Temple and its History

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This small town is famous for the Kataragama Temple. The Kataragama Temple in Sri Lanka houses the shrine of Skanda Kumara, also commonly known as Kataragama Deviyo. Another major attraction of Kataragama is the Buddhist stupa Kiri Vehera, built around 6th BC. It is believed that it was built by a regional king Mahasena. Therefore, if these ancient works are to be believed, the city is a historical city, rich in pilgrimage sites. Unlike many pilgrimage sites, Kataragama in Sri Lanka promotes secularism.

There is an Islamic mosque in the Kataragama temple complex. This temple is sacred to different religions, castes and sects, for Hindus and Tamils, the deity is Karthikamam and for Buddha, the deity is Kataragama Deviyo. This deity is known to have six faces and twelve hands and his vehicle is a peacock. People visiting the temple find nearby their favorite elephant deity Lord Ganesha, who is also known as the elder brother of Lord Karthikamam.

People visiting this holy place take bath in a nearby river, which is also known locally as Ganga and is named Manik Ganga. The surprising thing is that this deity belongs to the early Hindu religion and Buddhist period. It is said that this deity originally lived on the top of Vedahiti Kanda mountain. The mountain is known to be the home of the indigenous Vedda people. Even today these natives come from the Veda forest to visit this temple. This temple is known to hold an annual festival usually in the period from July to August to glorify the Lord and celebrate the marriage of the Vedda Princess. In Sinhala language this festival is known as Eshele Perhera. This can be one of the best points of interest in Kataragama Sri Lanka.

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Accommodation near Kataragama in Sri Lanka

After independence, since 1948, this place is being continuously developed by the Government of Sri Lanka in terms of housing and transportation. There are many places to stay in Kataragama Sri Lanka. From highly enjoyable resorts to budget hotels, you can find accommodation in Kataragama Sri Lanka as per your budget. Pilgrimage to Kataragama Sri Lanka easily helps the business of the hotel industry to grow rapidly with time. There are many hotels which are among the best hotels in Kataragama Sri Lanka. So, here is the list of hotels where you can enjoy your time decently-

1. Hotel Bedegama Eco-Park

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Nestled within lush tropical greenery, Beddegama Ecopark offers tranquil and pleasant offices with free Wi-Fi access in its open areas. Offering tranquil views including nature, this accommodation will provide you with a private washroom which is attached with a shower office and free toiletries. The property has an eatery serving a delicious choice of Continental and Continental cooking. Room benefit options are also available. At Beddegama Ecopark, guests can conduct barbecue workplaces or accept nearby activities, for example, climbing. Free parking space is open to guests who drive. It costs US$45.50 per day to add everything up.

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2. Hotel Imli Lake

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Including an open-air swimming pool, Tamarind Lake is located in Kataragama, 2.7 km from Kataragama Temple. This 4-star inn offers a garden. The property is 35.4 km from Lunugamwehera National Park. Mainland breakfast is served daily at the property. At the inn, each room is equipped with a wardrobe. Each room includes a private toilet. This is the best possible location to reach places to visit in Kataragama Sri Lanka. With all these vibrant amenities and more, this hotel costs only US$80 per day.

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3. Hotel Sunflower

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Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant, Hotel Sunflower is located in Kataragama. At Hotel Sunflower you will find a 24-hour front work area, a garden and flame broil workplaces. The various workplaces available at the property include a storage workplace, a general parlor and a stuff gathering place. The property offers free lodging. Free WiFi is operational. Each room here will equip you with a computerized TV, a sitting area and an exhibition. The private bathroom also comes with a shower. You can enjoy mountain and garden view from the room. One of the best things is that it falls in the budget hotel category as it only costs US$40.50 per day.

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Best time and best transportation!

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Do you want to see the famous festivals in Kataragama, Sri Lanka? The annual festival period of the temple is from July to August, this is the best time for tourists to visit Kataragama in Sri Lanka and enjoy the cultural beauty of this beautiful pilgrimage town. It is one of the least important cities for tourism purposes, although it is extremely rich in history. Apart from the natural beauty of Yala National Park, this place is a must visit place for nature loving pilgrims. This city will never disappoint any tourist with its hospitality and generosity. The food and cuisine of this place has its own flavor, which every tourist visiting this city of Sri Lanka, which usually remains away from the limelight, must taste. Although there are good transport facilities, some pilgrims prefer to travel by road to visit the temple. With the best accommodation facilities, staying in Kataragama will be a wonderful trip.

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So, pack your bags, book a trip to Sri Lanka to live a beautiful part of your life in a Sri Lankan city surrounded by jungle and a national park!

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