This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka -- a small town in Hambantota District in the country's Down South -- is often named as Tissa. Many travelers to the region make Tissamaharama their travel base to go on a wildlife safari to nearby Yala National Park. There are direct public buses running to Tissa from Colombo and the journey takes up to eight hours. However, these are normal buses and therefore, it can be a quite uncomfortable journey. If you are traveling to Tissa directly from Colombo, opt for an air-conditioned Volvo bus to Matara or Tangalle. You can board another bus to Tissamaharama from either of these two towns.
Yala National Park is the most-frequented tourist attraction in the region and Sri Lanka's most visited national park. Entry fees and jeep prices remain quite high, but you can team up with other travelers to split up the cost. However, Tissa is a brimming pot of culture, and you can also opt to visit Buddhist temples and landmarks such as Tissa Dagoba and Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara. Situlpawwa Temple and Yatala Wehera are another two cultural attractions in the region. You can also arrange a trip to Tissa Lake for surreal views.
In Tissa, the climate remains dry throughout the year, and therefore it is advised to wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Your options for a Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka hostel in town will be limited, but options exist for those on a budget. If you prefer staying at the center of the town, you can opt for a small local-run homestay. Although these places don't have a hostel-like atmosphere, it's a great immersive cultural experience. Due to the region's unspoiled, local atmosphere, Tissa is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to try the authentic Sri Lankan food. From Tissa, you can continue your Sri Lankan journey by heading to Arugam Bay (East Coast) or Ella.
Written by local expertz for Tissamaharama
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