Kirinda is a beautiful beachfront town located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka near Tissa. Crowded with ancient ruins, the town has a great historical and religious value. Legends say that this is the place where Vihara Maha Devi, the heroic princess of Sri Lanka landed after sacrificing herself to the sea to save the country form a great Tsunami. Today there is a Buddhist temple built with a giant statue of Vihara Maha Devi.
The seashore temple at Kirinda is linked with the legend of Princess Viharamaha Devi, who sacrificed herself to the sea to protect her people. Modern day travelers can see the temple perched on a rocky outcrop, view stunning sights of the Indian Ocean, and learn about its historical as well as cultural importance. The peaceful surroundings also make it a perfect place for meditation and reflection.