Kirinda, a coastal town in the southern province of Sri Lanka, lies close to the city of Kataragama. The sacred Kirinda Raja Maha Viharaya built on top of a rock, the great basses reef and the lighthouse are the main tourist attractions in the area. When seeking accommodation in the southern coast, travellers can consider a stay at one of the Yala hotels such as Saraii Village Sri Lanka that is closer to Kirinda.
The Kirinda Raja Maha Viharaya is dedicated to the Queen Vihara Maha Devi. According to the legend she sacrificed herself to amend her father’s sins; the boat carrying her later on came ashore near Kirinda to a place named Dovera. The king Kavantissa, married her and built the temple as an offering to thank the gods for saving the brave princess. Many Kataragama devotees and travellers visiting the sacred Kiri Vehera also visit this temple built on a rock boulder.
Another popular attraction in the area is the Great Basses wreck, containing silver coins from India, the wreck was discovered by the well renowned Arthur C Clarke and Mike Wilson. Another feature of the wreck is the offshore lighthouse built in 1860 now being maintained by the Sri Lankan Navy, it can be reached only via a boat. Diving is a popular activity in the area where you could see arrays of fish species such as angel fishes, tuna and gray sharks.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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