Valli Kanda : The Jungle Shrine Near Wedasitikanda (වල්ලි කන්ද දේවාලය)

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Located atop Valli Kanda near Wedahitikanda Peak, this remote cave shrine is dedicated to Valli Amma. Open only during the June–July Kataragama Maha Perahera and the Padayatha, its rugged mountain terrain and remoteness prevent most general pilgrims from visiting this jungle shrine.

The hillock situated closest to Wedasitikanda, which is dedicated to the deity Kataragama, is known as Valli Kanda (Valli Malai in Tamil). At the summit of this hillock lies a small shrine housed within a cave, dedicated to Valli Amma, the consort of Kataragama. Owing to its remote location and the challenging terrain, this site is rarely visited by devotees travelling to Wedasitikanda.

Seasonal Access

The shrine remains closed for most of the year and is opened only during the period of the Maha Perahera of the Kataragama Devalaya, which is typically held in June–July. This period coincides with Esala Poya as well as the culmination of the Padaya Yatra, a two-month-long foot pilgrimage from Jaffna to Kataragama. During this time, a kapu mahaththaya (ritual custodian) temporarily resides at the devalaya to serve the needs of visiting pilgrims.

Access Route

The footpath leading to the Valli Kanda Devalaya begins near the end of the Wedasitikanda trail. From there, it traverses rugged and uneven terrain, cutting through dense, wildlife-inhabited jungle before reaching the summit of Valli Kanda.

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Map of Valli Kanda

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Travel Directions to Valli Kanda

Route from Kataragama Town to Valli Kanda (up to Wedihiti Kanda Car Park)

Distance: 2.5 km
Travel time: 5 mins
Driving directions: see on Google Maps

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