Kirinda: A Temple on the Rocks by the Southern Sea
Kirinda, a short drive from Tissamaharama, is a fishing village with a temple perched on a rocky headland above the sea. Legend says the princess Viharamahadevi came ashore here after being set adrift to appease the ocean, and the little Kirinda Viharaya on its rocks gives fine views along the wild southern coast.
The temple and view
Steps climb the outcrop to the shrine and a white dagoba, with the surf breaking below and, far out to sea, the Great Basses reef and its old lighthouse. It is a dramatic, breezy spot.
Nearby
Kirinda is close to Tissamaharama and the entrances to Yala and Bundala national parks, so it makes an easy add-on to a safari trip.
Getting there
Kirinda is a short drive south of Tissamaharama, reached by road or tuk-tuk.
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