Ampara

Ampara, located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, offers a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rural charm. Formerly a hunters' resting place during the British colonial period, Ampara became an official town in 1949 under the Galoya scheme, initiated by D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. While relatively small and often visited as part of a broader travel route, Ampara boasts several noteworthy attractions that make it a destination worth exploring. The area is known for its biodiversity, with highlights like Kumana National Park, famous for birdwatching and migratory species. Visitors can also enjoy picturesque beaches like Arugam Bay, a world-renowned surfing spot, and the quieter Passikudah Beach, known for its shallow waters and soft sands.

One of the most popular attractions in Ampara is the Kumana National Park; a fantastic place to visit, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. Covering an extensive area of 35,664 hectares approximately, this park houses a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Some other well-known attractions are Deegavapi Stupa (an ancient Buddhist temple that is well-visited for its historical and religious significance) and Peace Pagoda (a peaceful temple built in 1988 to promote non-violence and world peace). So, while most people do not prioritise this town in their must-visit places in Sri Lanka, one should make some time for this budding tourist-town.