Kabiliththa - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 30 km from Galge, 32 km from Kotiyagala, 56 km from Kumana and 87 km from Yala, Maha Siyambalawa Devalaya in Kebiliththa also popularly known as Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya is a small shrine deep inside the block IV of the Yala National Park. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places in Sri Lanka.

Kebiliththa is said to be the spiritual residence of God Skanda, believed to be a site of great divine power. Kebiliththa or Kabiliththa is considered a very sacred place among both Buddhists and Hindus. Although the historic shrine of Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya and the Kiri Vehera attract thousands of devotees, the belief that the divinity prefers to spend his time at the more tranquil environs of Kebiliththa attracts die-hard devotees to this jungle tree shrine.

This devalaya has no fixed buildings but few statues around a small Tamarind (Siyambala) tree. This Tamarind Tree is about 9 feet high but quite old. This tree is said to be an offshoot of the original tamarind tree which has stopped growing after a few years. After the original tree died, the deity Kataragama has selected another tamarind tree located little away from the devalaya. At the back of the tamarind tree and on the surface of the bark is a sketch of Lord Kataragama as a deity with six faces and twelve arms in a state of deep meditation. An ancient Bodhi Tree also exists near this devalaya and a large number of ruins consisting of rock pillars too can be seen spread around the area.

This site is believed to have great spiritual powers thus a visit requires preparation where you need to abstain from the consumption of any meat or alcohol for seven days before the trip. Along with this, it is crucial for one to have control over your anger, refrain from using harsh words and foul language, and not talk about the pending travel. The travel to this devale is also an experience of its own. It is one of the toughest 4×4 tracks in the country crossing rivers and muddy terrains.

There are four different routes that will take you to the shrine, and you also need to board a sturdy four-wheeler or a jeep since the roads are difficult for travelling.

Route 1(through Kumana Entrance): About 56 km.

Kumana -> Kuda Kabaliththa -> Ada Kumbuka -> Gal amuna -> Kebiliththa

Route 2 (through Yala Block II Entrance) - About 87 km.

Yala -> Block II -> cross Kumbukkan Oya -> Kuda Kabaliththa -> Ada Kumbuka ->Gal amuna -> Kebiliththa

Route 3 (through Kotiyagala) - About 32 Km from Kotiyagala. This is not an official entrance to Yala Park. This is one of the most popular routes. The route can be made also on tractors. The cost of a tractor hire is about Rs 15,000/- and a jeep around Rs 35,000/-

Monaragala -> Kodayana -> 5 Kanuwa (5th Post) -> Kotiyagala -> Bogas hanidiya road or Kammal yaya road -> Kebiliththa

Route 4 (through Galge Entrance) - about 30 km.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free, LKR. 15000 for Tractor & LKR. 35000 for Jeep