Tour to Okanda Malai

Tour Highlights

• Admire the gorgeous scenery surrounding the temple
• Observe the colorful temple decorated with paintings and carvings
• Tap into your spiritual side

Tour Description

The vicinity of Arugam Bay also caters to travelers who like to experience the spiritual or religious culture of the area. The Okanda Malai temple, locally known as Ukanthamalai Murugan Kovil is a famous place of Hindu Worship in the eastern coast. It is dedicated to the Lord of Kataragama and is a popular pilgrim’s destination because of the belief that it is the recreation of divine power.Your tour begins when our driver picks you up from your Arugam Bay hotel. After you are comfortable in the vehicle, we will start our journey to the Kovil, going through Panama and then towards the Kumana-Panama jungle road. The area has seven rocks which are believed to be sacred and are climbed by pilgrims of all ages. After climbing the rock and reaching the summit you will be able to see a shrine with a triangular dagoba adjacent to a pond. The walls are made colorful by several paintings and the interior is decorated with carvings and more paintings of several Hindu deities. The pond on the other hand, is regarded as a holy blessing and pilgrims do not leave the premises without bathing in it. It is said that the water cures all ailments of the body.  The jungles surrounding the shrine are believed to be inhibited by holy spirits who protect the pilgrims from getting lost, wild animals and answer prayers.

The view that will definitely steal your breath away is the vista of the landscapes surrounding the rock. Enveloped on three sides are the lush jungles and looking straight ahead will offer you unobstructed views of the turquoise beach.

Tour Details

• Duration: 3 hours
• Good For:  Couples, Families, Singles
• Languages: English, Tamil
• Difficulty: Easy
• Tour Participants: 2 to 6