Normally just called Tissa the small town of Tissamaharama is popular with local and international tourists because it is a convenient location to enable you to go on a 4x4 safari into Yala National Park or more correctly called Ruhuna National Park.

The streets of Tissamaharama City Centre in Sri Lanka near Yala National Park

The locals call it Yala. The town centre is small scruffy and uninspiring which is a shame as the surrounding countryside is delightful. A good tip is to come into Tissamaharama town the day before you go out on safari in Yala National Park and visit the supermarket to buy food and drink.

Buy extra quantities as your driver and safari guide always welcome the offer of extra food. If it is going to be hot include snacks like crisps that have salt. Check that the water bottles you buy still have the bottle cap sealed.

Use the plastic bag your shopping comes in as rubbish bag. Have a few sweets to give to the local children near the National park who great you as you wait in line for your entrance ticket. They will try to sell you Yala National Park souvenirs which you may or may not want to buy.

Downtown Tissamaharama City Centre in Sri Lanka near Yala National Park

I rather liked one of the baseball caps they were selling. It did not cost a lot. It is always nice to see a smile come on the faces of these hard working children when they are given something just for them. If you are going to go on an all day safari you need a thin cotton top that has long sleeves and will button up to the neck to protect you from the sun. A hat is a must and I would suggest long cotton trousers rather than shorts.

You will be spending all day in the sun in the back of an open top 4x4 vehicle with no shade. Even high factor sun cream will not protect you for that period of time in the tropical heat. Buy a cheap hat and long-sleeved shirt or blouse in Tissa if you do not have one already in your suitcase. Prepare for your clothing to change to a dirty orange color because of the dust inside Yala.

Tissamaharama City Center some times called just Tissa in Sri Lanka near Yala National Park

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