Kataragama

Kataragama is a sacred city in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most significant religious destinations in Sri Lanka, sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and indigenous Vedda people. The Kataragama Devalaya (shrine) is dedicated to the god Skanda (Murugan). Fire-walking ceremonies and body-piercing rituals take place during the annual Esala festival. Yala National Park — famous for its leopards — borders the town.