Location: Ampara
Top Things to do in Ampara
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What to do and see in Ampara, Sri Lanka: The Best Places and Tips
Ampara (Sinhalese: අම්පාර, Tamil: அம்பாறை) is the main town of Ampara District, governed by an Urban Council. It is located in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, about 360 km from the capital city of Colombo.
Restaurants in Ampara
1. Kumana National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Chris M
We opted for an early morning tour of the park, departing at 5am from Arugam Bay. A jeep with Ceylon Walking Tours cost 8,000LKR including driver and guide, and we split it among 4 people. The journey to the park entrance takes about 40 minutes. We arrived as the park opened up at 6am. Entrance for 4 tourists was 8600LKR, so 2150LKR each. As with everything else in Sri Lanka, it is much cheaper for locals, and you do get the feeling you are once again just subsidising their own domestic tourism industry, rather than supporting a good cause.
The climate is noticeably cooler at this time of day. The park is enormous. We spent about 4 hours there in total, driving all the way to the river which divides it and Yala Strict Natural Reserve. Along the way we spotted one large and very surprised elephant, mongooses, deer, crocs, water buffalo and numerous wild bird species (although our guide informed us that we had missed the main migratory season to see all the bird life). All the while we were desperately looking for any sign of a leopard, straining our eyes up to every tree branch and rock we passed. However despite bumping along miles of track, all we saw were pawprints.
Disappointing but given a park of this size where animals are also free to roam into Yala, understandable. It was a shame because we did feel we were mis-sold the trip a little, in that we were assured the morning would be a great time to spot leopards, and many visitors had seen them recently.
Go with limited expectations, and a packed lunch, and you won't be disappointed!
2. Gal Oya National Park - The Crossing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Haritha T
Gal oya national park is a nice place for camping which is having a several good camping sites with easy water accessibility. Don't expect to see a huge variety of wild species except deer and elephants.
"මකරේ" (Makare) is one of the MUST see place in Gal oya.
3. Buddhangala Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Bandu N - DC
This is one of the highly respected temples with a long history in Ampara. The location is very beautiful and is within a sanctuary (Buddhangala sanctuary). you may see elephants on your way and be careful also. It was very annoying that a Buddhist temple is discriminating visitors based on the social status (visible or perceived) to provide vehicle access to the temple.
4. Deegavapi Stupa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By sakukidentalhospital - Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
this shows the beauty and weltheness of antient sri lankan society.this stupa now has been ruined but if you could re construct it will be the biggest stupa in the country. done 1600 years ago with marvelous architecture and engeneering in ancient sri lanka
you can't beleive our development in kings era...
5. Crocodile Rock
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By MortenSara - Oslo, Norway
Bring a beer and some samosa and enjoy the sunset from Crocodile Rock. You can see the sunset but also the ocean. Beautiful and nice spot!
6. Rajagala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Sudesh I - Matara
Ancient ruins are spread over more than 1000 acres in the site. So you need to spend a day here to see maximum area. Minimum 4 hours. It's advisable to visit in early in the morning. Wild elephant may come in the evening, so you may leave from the site early in the evening.
It's better to you get to know about site and history, before you enter this site. Then you can get the real teast of this valuable place.
7. Lahugala Kitulana National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Hemal M - Gampaha, Sri Lanka
This par is an important habitat for Sri Lanka n Elephants and birds. Lahugala, Kithulana and Sengamuwa reservoirs boarder this national park. It also boarder the Heda oya. This has been designed as a Wild life sanctuary in 1966 and upgraded to national park in 1980.
