My nephew, a forum member who paved way for me to Lakdasun, came back from abroad with a very expensive set of camera equipment to test in our poor country. So we decided to try Gal Oya National Park. When inquired, Park Officials suggested us a place to stay over night. The owner of the lodge has a jeep and Wildlife Office was able to facilitate a land trip as well as a boat trip.

On a peaceful day I arrived at Ampara and took the Maha Oya road towards Piyangala junction and got down near the temple. There were a fleet of steps which took me towards a well-built “Kutiya” with an inscription. At that time there were about 100 visitors howling around forgetting that this was a monastery where monks meditated.

The Distance between Ampara to Mahaoya is 60km. My objective of this journey was to visit at ancient places at A-27 road from Ampara to Mahaoya. Places were; Samanabadda rock cave shelter, Udayagiri ancient temple, Samangala hermitage, Rajagala ruins, Piyangala hermitage, Pulukunawa ruins, Aranthalawa