Yatala Vehera
What?
This is a 3rd-century BCE stupa surrounded by an elephant wall and moat, believed to be the first stupa built in the Ruhuna Kingdom.
Where?
It is located in the Hambantota district and approximately 230 km from Colombo.
When?
It can be visited all year long, though mornings are ideal for exploration.
Yatala Dagoba (or Vihira) was built by King Yatalatissa 2300 years ago. The design of this bubble-shaped vihira parallels the large stupa Tissa Vihira. The surrounding walls are sculpted into elephant heads, there is a moat around the dagoba, and there is a large moonstone. In the museum, lots of archaeological items like Buddha’s images, pillars, and other sculptures are exhibited.
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