Ampara City
Ampara: District in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, showcasing diverse landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, historical sites, and cultural attractions, perfect for exploration and adventure.
Okanda
Okanda, located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, is a small village known for its spiritual significance, scenic coastal beauty, and proximity to Kumana National Park. Okanda is often visited by pilgrims on their way to the sacred Kataragama Shrine, as it serves as an important stopover during the annual Pada Yatra pilgrimage. This centuries-old pilgrimage is deeply rooted in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, attracting devotees who walk for miles to pay homage to Lord Kataragama.
The Okanda Murugan Temple is the main spiritual attraction in the village, dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda or Kataragama Deviyo). It is a place of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists, making Okanda a symbol of religious harmony in Sri Lanka. The temple is set amidst the stunning natural surroundings of the coastal wilderness, creating a serene atmosphere for prayer and meditation.
Okanda is also known for its unspoiled beaches, which stretch along the southeastern coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. These beaches are relatively untouched by tourism, providing a peaceful escape for those seeking solitude in nature. The rocky outcrops and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for beach lovers and photographers.
Nature enthusiasts visiting Okanda can explore the nearby Kumana National Park, one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife sanctuaries. The park is famous for its rich birdlife, particularly during the migratory season, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.
In summary, Okanda is a unique blend of spiritual significance, natural beauty, and wildlife. It is a destination where pilgrims, nature lovers, and adventurers can experience the deep cultural and environmental richness of Sri Lanka.
About Ampara District
Ampara is belongs to the Eastern Province. of Sri Lanka It is a remote city on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, about 360 km from the capital city of Colombo.Ampara is the largest paddy harvesting province in the country, and has the Indian Ocean on the east coast of Sri Lanka as a fisheries resource. Most of the civilians are Sinhala, while Tamils and Moors also live in the coastal parts of the district.
About Eastern Province
The Eastern Province is one of the 9 provinces of Sri Lanka. The provinces have existed since the 19th century but they didn't have any legal status until 1987 when the 13th Amendment to the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka established provincial councils. Between 1988 and 2006 the province was temporarily merged with the Northern Provincee to form the North-East Province. The capital of the province is Trincomalee. The Eastern province's population was 1,460,939 in 2007. The province is the most diverse in Sri Lanka, both ethnically and religiously.
Eastern province has an area of 9,996 square kilometers (3,859.5 sq mi).The province is surrounded by the Northern Province to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Southern Province to the south, and the Uva, Central and North Central provinces to the west. The province's coast is dominated by lagoons, the largest being Batticaloa lagoon, Kokkilai lagoon, Upaar Lagoon and Ullackalie Lagoon.