Set out on a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage with the Yala Full-Day Private All-Inclusive Temple Discovery Tour. For just $85 per person, this immersive experience takes visitors to significant sites like Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya and Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. With hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a picnic lunch by a serene lake, this tour offers a chance to explore ancient architecture and connect with the region’s rich cultural traditions. Discover the allure that awaits.
Key Points

- A full-day private tour exploring the spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka, with visits to major temples and monasteries linked to Lord Buddha.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable local guide, entrance fees, a picnic lunch, and all necessary transportation.
- Participants can engage in meditation and learn about the enduring rituals, beliefs, and culture of Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist traditions.
- The tour features stunning natural landscapes, including sand dunes and the Indian Ocean, alongside the country’s rich spiritual history.
- The tour is limited to small groups of 6 participants and allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The Yala Full-Day Private Temple Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka. Priced from $85 per person, the 6-12 hour tour is limited to small groups of 6 participants.
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they don’t have to pay until they reserve their spot. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, and all entrance fees.
Guests will enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and refreshments during the sightseeing activities.
Looking for more options in Tissamaharama? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Highlights

This full-day tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka.
The itinerary includes:
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Visiting Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, a major monastery believed to be created by Lord Buddha with 500 enlightened individuals.
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Exploring Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple, offering views of sand dunes, Kirinda fishing harbor, and the Indian Ocean.
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Discovering Sithulpawwa, an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 2nd century B.C., featuring a cave with 2,000-year-old paintings.
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Visiting Kiri Vehera, a 6th-century B.C. stupa believed to be the meditation site of Lord Buddha.
Cultural and Spiritual Experience

Journeying into the spiritual history of Sri Lanka, this tour allows visitors to learn about the rituals, beliefs, and culture that have endured for centuries.
Visitors can meditate in the serene surroundings, connecting with the same ground where Lord Buddha himself meditated.
The tour showcases architecture and paintings dating back over 2,000 years, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual heritage.
From the ancient Buddhist monasteries to the stunning natural landscapes, this immersive experience invites travelers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Sri Lanka’s profound cultural and spiritual traditions.
Inclusions
As part of the tour, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Yala, Tissamaharama, and Hambantota.
Plus, the tour provides:
A local guide to lead the experience, ensuring a seamless and immersive cultural exploration.
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A local guide to lead the experience
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Entrance fees to all the sites visited
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A cost-covered fruit platter offering to the god Kataragama
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A picnic lunch by the lake, along with bottled water and refreshments during sightseeing
This all-inclusive approach ensures a seamless and immersive cultural exploration, allowing visitors to focus on the spiritual and historical significance of the temples without worrying about additional expenses.
More Great Tours NearbyHotel Pickup and Drop-off
The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services in the Yala, Tissamaharama, and Hambantota areas. This ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s spiritual journey. Guests are transported to and from the tour sites, eliminating the need for self-driving or navigating unfamiliar roads. This added convenience allows visitors to fully enjoy the cultural and historical experiences without the hassle of logistics.
| Pickup Location | Drop-off Location |
|—————–|——————-|
| Yala | Yala |
| Tissamaharama | Tissamaharama |
| Hambantota | Hambantota |
Local Guide and Entrance Fees
A knowledgeable local guide accompanies guests throughout the day, providing insightful commentary on the spiritual and historical significance of each temple site.
The tour includes entrance fees to the following notable attractions:
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Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, a major monastery believed to be created by Lord Buddha with 500 enlightened individuals.
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Kirinda Vihara Maha Devi Temple, offering views of sand dunes, Kirinda fishing harbor, and the Indian Ocean.
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Sithulpawwa, an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 2nd century B.C., featuring a cave with 2,000-year-old paintings.
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Kiri Vehera, a 6th-century B.C. stupa believed to be the meditation site of Lord Buddha.
Picnic Lunch and Refreshments
During the tour, guests can enjoy a picnic lunch by the serene lake.
The tour includes a delicious spread of local cuisine, featuring fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Bottled water and refreshments are also provided throughout the sightseeing.
Guests can take in the peaceful surroundings as they savor the authentic flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. This picnic break offers a chance to recharge and rejuvenate before continuing the spiritual and cultural exploration of the temples and monasteries in the Yala region.
Important Information

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this tour, as the sites visited may involve uneven terrain or longer walking distances.
While the tour price includes transportation, entrance fees, and meals, it doesn’t cover personal expenses or gratuities, which are optional but recommended. Guests should check availability for starting times, as tour schedules may vary.
Important items to bring include:
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Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
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Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
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Camera to capture the stunning architecture and scenery
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Small amount of local currency for personal purchases or gratuities
Common Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Temple Visits?
The dress code for temple visits typically requires modest and respectful attire. Visitors should cover their shoulders and legs, and remove shoes before entering the sacred spaces. Adherence to local customs shows respect for the culture and spiritual significance of the temples.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Guests of all ages are welcome to participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the tour.
Can We Customize the Itinerary Based on Our Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized based on the customers’ preferences. The tour operator is flexible and willing to accommodate any special requests or adjust the itinerary to suit the customers’ interests and needs.
Are There Any Safety Concerns to Be Aware of During the Tour?
While the tour generally has a good safety record, it’s always wise to exercise caution in unfamiliar environments. Participants should stay with the group, follow the guide’s instructions, and be aware of their surroundings to enjoy a safe and memorable experience.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
While the tour includes lunch and refreshments, guests are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s best to check with the tour organizer beforehand to confirm any specific policies or restrictions.
The Sum Up
The Yala Full-Day Private All-Inclusive Temple Discovery Tour offers an enriching cultural and spiritual experience in Sri Lanka. Visitors can explore significant historical sites, learn about the region’s rich traditions, and enjoy a picturic picnic lunch, all while being accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all entrance fees included, this tour provides a seamless and immersive way to discover Sri Lanka’s religious heritage.
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