Your stay — Romana Rest
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Katharagama UP.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: Sri Mayura Golden Temple (452 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: The United Pentecostal Church kataragama (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Shrines of attendant deities (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Ashta Phala Ruhu Bodhi (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Archaeological Museum — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 594 m · ~7 min walk
Kataragama Bus Station — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Katharagama UP, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Romana Rest
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 594 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) → Hotel Sunflower, Katharagama
💡 Book through the hotel or a reputable operator like PickMe or Uber for fixed pricing. Avoid touts at arrivals; expect 3–4 hours with traffic via expressway.
Katharagama Town Centre → Hotel Sunflower
💡 Agree a price before boarding; note the hotel is on a side road off the main junction. Ask for 'Sunflower hotel Maha Devale road' – locals know it as near the temple.
Colombo Fort Railway Station → Beliatta Railway Station
💡 Scenic coastal ride; from Beliatta, take a bus to Tissamaharama then a tuk-tuk to Hotel Sunflower. Buy 1st class for AC. Train is slower than bus but more comfortable.
Colombo Central Bus Stand (Pettah) → Tissamaharama Bus Stand
💡 From Tissa, take a local bus or tuk-tuk to Katharagama (15 mins, ~100 LKR). Sit on the left for best views of Hambantota. No direct bus to hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in at Romana Rest?
Check-in at Romana Rest is from null. Check-out is by null.
Top Attractions in Katharagama UP
💡 Start at the bridge near the main road and walk south. Best in early morning when the mist lifts off the water. Mosquitoes are fierce after dusk.
💡 Go just before sunset when the stupa glows gold and most day-trippers have left. Bring a sarong to cover your legs and shoulders.
💡 Don't enter the inner sanctum unless invited – the outer courtyard captures the real mix of cultures. Remove shoes at each shrine entrance. Best time is late afternoon when ceremonies begin.
💡 Walk the outer meditation path clockwise to see carved stone inscriptions. Donations welcome but not required. Most leave 100–200 LKR.
💡 Parking is free on the roadside. Bring binoculars if you have them – elephants occasionally appear at dawn. No entrance fee because you're not inside the park boundary.