The small town of Tissamaharama is, unsurprisingly, usually just called Tissa. About 40km (25 miles) north east of Hambantota, it is the most convenient jumping-off point for Ruhuna National Park, to the east, and the Kataragama temple complex. Right in the center of the town is an enormous tank, sa    Read more...

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id to have been built some 2300 years ago by the founder of the ancient Sri Lankan kingdom of Ruhuna, Yatalatissa, whose capital was here. Also in the center of town are two large dagobas (Buddhist shrines) attributed to Yatalatissa's heir, Kavantissa.

Tissa acts as a base from which to access the surrounding areas and in particular Tissa tanks, Bundala, Yala and Hambantota. Once again at Sunil's suggestion we stayed in the excellent Vikum Lodge which was undoubtedly the cleanest hotel on the trip. Food here was very good (with the exception of the buffalo milk curd which is something of an acquired taste.) and the beer cold.

Tissa Tanks : This urban area in the south-east consists of 5 large reservoirs or tanks surrounded by paddy fields. We spent one afternoon here at the Deberawewa tank which produced Great Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill and Yellow and Black Bitterns. The banana plantation held a roosting Collared Scops Owl and the White-naped Woodpecker appeared in the coconut palms as predicted.

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