temple · Yala · Free · 174km from Colombo

This stupa in Tissamaharama dates from around the 2nd century BC and is credited to King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. At about 47 m it is the largest stupa in southern Sri Lanka, and the monastery was once one of the island's main centres of Buddhist learning.

Best time to visit

Dusk, when the white dome glows and locals come to light lamps.

Typical visit duration

30 to 60 minutes

Tips

Cover shoulders and knees and walk clockwise around the stupa. It is in Tissa town, so it fits easily around a safari.