Ampara - Visit to Digamadulla

Ampara 

Ampara is a town located in Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and is the capital of Ampara district which is situated in south East of Sri Lanka. Ampara area was historically known as Digamadulla and was important place as it was a large rice producer for the Ruhunu Kingdom which was based in Southern Sri Lanka rivaling Rajarata Kingdom in the North Central region. Ampara is situated in the Gal Oya valley area and many more small rivers and streams are available.

But unfortunately both Rajarata and Ruhunu Kingdoms collapsed and so did the glory of Digamadulla leading these areas to be covered in thick forest. But after the construction of the Senanayake Samudraya using the water of Gal Oya river Ampara has again become leader in paddy cultivation. 

How to Reach Ampara

Reaching Ampara is easy you can use two routes. 

1. Either you could come to Mahiyanganaya via Kandy using 18 Wanguwa road and use Inginiyagala road after reaching Bibile.

18 wanguwa Road 

18 wanguwa view point 

2. Else you could reach Bibile using Raja Mawatha from Kandy and continue in the Inginiyagala road.

Gal Oya park

Both the Roads are scenic and you could see 18 wanguwa view point , Mahiyanganaya dageba or Victoria and Randenigala Reservoirs on the way.

Mahiyanganaya 

Mahiyanganaya 

Accommodation 

You can find small hotels and inns close to Ampara and also accommodation can be found in Deegavapi temple also. But if you travel to Arugam Bay which is close by you can find better accommodation with more facilities. But I recommend you to make reservations or arrangements for accommodation prior to the visit as it will save your time.  

Places of Interest 

Deegavapi Temple

This is believed to be one of the "Solosmastana" temples or the 16 great temples of Sri Lanka. Is most respected by Sri Lankan Buddhists.  This temple is currently being restored and is in ruins. A huge dageba can be seen in the location which is in ruins and shrine house which is a modern building.  Apart from these you can see many more ruins scattered here and there

Buddhangala 

Buddhangala is a ancient Buddhist Temple situated inside a forest reserve very close to the Ampara city itself. 

This place has many ancient ruins and few modern statues and dagebas and you could experience a beautiful scenery from the top of the small hill there.

Senanayake Samudraya Dam and the Surrounding. 

Senanayake Samudraya or Inginiyagala Reservoir is the largest manufacturer made reservoir in Sri Lanka.  This famous tourist attraction is situated in the Ampara district on the way from Bibile to Ampara on Inginiyagala road.  

This reservoir has been named after the first Selling Lankan president Mr. D. S. Senanayake. This has been built by blocking the Gal Oya river originating from the central hills of the Sri Lanka and flows through Gal Oya valley.

This reservoir is important as this provides water for agricultural activities in the Gal Oya area and provides a hydro electricity.

Dam can be reached from Inginiyagala road and the view from the top is magnificent. There is a statue of Mr. D. S. Senanayake in a nearby hill.

Gal Oya National Park 

Gal Oya national park is a wild life Sanctuary. It acts as a catchment area for the various Reservoirs in and around the park and is home to wild array of various animals including elephants.

Park is famous for safari rides and camping activities and hiking in various small hills in the park.