Sri Lanka, often called the “Island of the Dhamma,” has a deep Buddhist tradition that goes back more than 2,500 years. This long history can be seen in the many temples, monasteries, stupas, and forest hermitages found across the island. The Tissa area in the Southern Province is a special spiritual region where ancient Buddhist practices, peaceful natural surroundings, and living monastic life come together. This study explores how forest monasteries support and promote spiritual tourism, with a special focus on Karandulena Aranya Senasanaya and several important Buddhist sites in the Tissa region, including Nimalawa, Madunagala, Situlpawwa, Kirinda, Tissamaharama, and Kiri Vehera in Kataragama.

The research draws on historical records, archaeological remains, site visits, and observations of present-day religious life. It looks at the history, spiritual meaning, physical features, and present importance of these sacred places. Special attention is given to Karandulena Aranya Senasanaya, an ancient forest monastery dating back to the 1st century BCE. The monastery is closely linked to early meditation traditions, the Sacred Tooth Relic, and the life of Arahant Cittagutta Thera. Its quiet forest setting, rock caves, ancient inscriptions, and active community of monks show that forest monastic life is still very much alive in Sri Lanka today.