Kande vihara temple

A dominating statue of the Buddha is the first thing you see as you approach the Kande Viharaya. Set on an 18th century hilltop temple, this 160 feet tall statue of the Buddha sitting cross-legged is believed to be one of the tallest in the world. Kande Viharaya is located in the town of Bentota; approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Mirissa and is ideal for a quick day trip. Bentota is most known as the watersports hub of Sri Lanka and those in the area can partake in a range of activities after a visit to the temple. However, as this is a religious site, remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees when you’re inside the premises.

The temple was originally discovered in 1734 and has since been a significant site for worshippers and is known to be one of the most sacred temples on the island. Within the sacred premises, you’ll find a Stupa. a 300-year-old Bodhi Tree that sits in the garden, a Relic Chamber; the oldest structure within the sacred site, the Upulvan Devalaya and other temples including Kataragama and Pattini Devalaya.

Benthota boat ride

Bentota River Safari is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Bentota. It is the best way to explore the nature while enjoying a Boat Trip. This is ideal for all age groups . Bentota River safari is a journey in the boat while witnessing Bentota Lagoon , old mangroves and animals such as Crocodiles , Water-monitors, some inherent birds and many more.

Turtles farm

Moonstones

Galle Fort

Galle is located in the south of Sri Lanka. A journey to the past sees the remnants of a Dutch past at a World Heritage Site. Galle has been the emporium of foreign trade since the dawn of commerce. The Dutch Fort, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, surrounds the older part of the town and is situated on a headland of which three sides overlook the sea. The ramparts of the Fort are over 2.5 km in circumference and provide a pleasant and interesting walk. The historian Sir Emerson Tennant claimed that Galle was the ancient biblical city of Tarshish. This city is said to have traded with King Solomon, the Persians and the Egyptians. In 1505 a Portuguese fleet led by Lorenzo de Almeida heading for the Maldives drifted accidentally into Galle. On hearing a cock crowing (cock means ”Galo” in Portuguese), it is said that they gave the town its name. Another explanation for the name is from the Sinhala name for rock ‘Gala’, plenty of which are found in the harbour area.

Stick fisherman

Stilt fishing is a method that is unique to Sri Lanka, especially on the Southern Coastal belt. The fisherman usually sits on a crossbar called a ‘’petta’’ in the local language which is tied to a vertical pole, that is driven into the sand several meters deep offshore. From this high position, the fisherman proceeds to cast his line and waits patiently till the fish bites. While this approach might initially look rather primitive, stilt fishing happens to be a recently developed tradition.