The East
A bustling, attractive place set around a central garden, there are 11 large, clean and comfy rooms here in a two-storey block. The restaurant features lots of Chinese-style mains (Rs 300 to 600).
The owner, the genial Terrel, can set up boat safaris (from Rs 4800) in the local lagoons and lakes.
29.02 MILES
This once-mighty fort is now home to administrative offices, and though large sections of the structure are crumbling, it's still an evocative sight. It…
26.82 MILES
This fine new museum plunges deep into the history of Muslims and Arab traders locally. Spread over three floors, it tells a compelling story about…
29.34 MILES
About 12km west of Pottuvil lies this evocative 5th-century ruin, set in a peaceful forested spot. Probably built by King Dhatusena (r 459–77), the site…
29.11 MILES
This lovely modern park along Old Batti's waterfront is popular with strolling couples and includes features such as the Batticaloa Gate, which was a 19th…
7.42 MILES
According to legend, Deegawapi is the one place in southeastern Sri Lanka that the Buddha visited. The stupa was built during the reign of King…
3.33 MILES
Rising above the forest north of Ampara, this 150m-high hill offers panoramic views from its rocky summit (including, occasionally, of wild elephants at…
1.73 MILES
This pagoda, 4km west of town, is a graceful stupa with a twist or two, including a vaguely Roman-looking colonnade ringing its lower level. Niches…
Thiruchendur Murugan Alayam Temple
29.76 MILES
Built in 1984 as a stopping point on the Pada Yatra pilgrimage to Kataragama, the temple's Murugan image is said to have opened its own eyes before the…
0.22 MILES
The central Buddhist Mandala Mahavihara has a large pagoda. Its interior is somewhat tackily painted with Buddhist scenes and a cloud-dotted ‘sky’.
0.96 MILES
The Sri Manika Pillaiyar, which boasts an array of Hindu statuary illuminated by fairy lights, gives Ganesh a lovely view across Ampara Tank. It's about…
1.73 MILES
This pagoda, 4km west of town, is a graceful stupa with a twist or two, including a vaguely Roman-looking colonnade ringing its lower level. Niches…
4. Buddangala Rajamaha Viharaya
3.33 MILES
Rising above the forest north of Ampara, this 150m-high hill offers panoramic views from its rocky summit (including, occasionally, of wild elephants at…
7.42 MILES
According to legend, Deegawapi is the one place in southeastern Sri Lanka that the Buddha visited. The stupa was built during the reign of King…
6. Heritage Museum of Kattankudy
26.82 MILES
This fine new museum plunges deep into the history of Muslims and Arab traders locally. Spread over three floors, it tells a compelling story about…
7. Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar
28.76 MILES
Of the many Hindu temples, the expanding Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar is visually the finest, with a magnificent gopuram (gateway tower) that’s…
28.79 MILES
Off the A4 between the 308km and 309km posts is Kotawehera, the ruined remains of an ancient brick stupa, which enjoys a magnificent situation upon a…