Yattala Vehera

Yattala Vehera is an ancient stupa on the edge of Tissamaharama, in the old southern kingdom of Ruhuna. Tradition dates it to around 2,300 years ago. One account says the regional king Yatala Tissa built it at the place he was born; another says his father built it to mark the birth. Some sources call it the first stupa built in Ruhuna.

What you see

The stupa sits on a platform of large granite blocks. Around it runs a wall carved with rows of elephant heads, and there is a moat and a fine moonstone, the half-moon carved step at the entrance. These details make it more interesting than its modest size suggests. Excavations here have found many relic caskets, though what was originally enshrined is not clear. A small site museum has sometimes displayed finds; ask whether it is open.

How long it takes

Thirty to forty-five minutes.

When to go

Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and it is cooler. This is a good stop after a morning game drive in Yala.

Getting there

Yattala Vehera is near the Deberawewa area of Tissamaharama, a few minutes by tuk-tuk from town. It is close to the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, so the two are easy to combine.

Practical tips

• Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats near the stupa.
• Walk around the stupa clockwise, as worshippers do.
• Bring socks; the stone gets very hot.

Nearby

Other old sites around Tissa include the Akurugoda inscriptions and, inside the park, Situlpawwa.

See things to do around Yala and hotels near Yala.