Kataragama

A popular pilgrimage site, Kataragama is home to the well-known shrine, Maha Devale, dedicated to Murugan (Skanda) or Kataragama Deviyo. The city offers visitors a chance to experience the country’s religious diversity and the Kirivehara Dagoba, the Hindu Sivam Kovil and the insightful Kataragama Museum are among the other sites of interest here. In July/August Kataragama plays host to the colourful Perarhera Festival, featuring dance, fire-walkers, music, acrobatics and of course elephants!