Kirinda

Kirinda is a rocky point on the deep south coast with a temple and stupa built on top of it, and the story attached is one every Sri Lankan schoolchild knows: Viharamahadevi, set adrift in a boat by her father to appease the sea, came ashore here and went on to become the mother of Dutugemunu. The rocks give a long view along the coast, and the fishing village below has a harbour that is also the launching point for boats to Great Basses reef.

Highlights

• The rock temple - stupa and shrine built on the rocks above the sea.
• The coast view - the deep south shore running east and west from the point.
• The Viharamahadevi story - the landing tradition the site is built around.
• The fishing harbour - the village port below, and the departure point for Great Basses.

When to go

November to April is the drier window. Mornings are coolest. The sea here is rough and the rocks are exposed.

What to expect

The rocks are exposed and the sea below is dangerous; the 2004 tsunami hit this village hard. Shoes must be removed on hot stone. The site is small and takes an hour.

Nearby

Tissamaharama is north, and Yala is east.