Kataragama, about 15 km north of Tissamaharama, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka — revered equally by Sinhalese Buddhists, Tamil Hindus and Muslims, which makes it unusual among religious sites anywhere in Asia. The complex contains the main Maha Devale shrine (dedicated to the god Kataragama, identified with the Hindu deity Murugan), Buddhist shrines and a mosque, all within walking distance of each other.
The town fills with pilgrims on poya days and reaches a fever pitch during the Esala Perahera festival in July and August, when elephants process through the streets, dancers perform, and some devotees carry out ritual fire-walking. Outside festival season the complex is relatively calm and accessible without permits or restrictions. Combine a visit with a stop at Yala's Palatupana entrance on the return journey to Tissa.