 |
Copyright Notice: Please obtain permission from the author before duplicating, re-publishing or adapting content of a trip report |
 |
Be a responsible traveler! Watch this video before you hit the road! Download Video: MP4|3gp |
 |
Do you like to contribute a Trip Report? learn how to or download template and start straight away! |
| Year and Month | September 2009 |
| Number of Days | 4 |
| Crew | 9 families (aged 5 to 50) |
| Accommodation | Ampara- Monty Hotel |
| Transport | Cars and SUV’s |
| Activities | Wildlife, sightseeing, exploring ruins, bathing |
| Weather | excellent |
| Route | Galle -> Hambantota -> wellawaya -> Siyambalanduwa -> Inginiyagala -> Ampara -> Sakamam -> Komari -> Arugam bay -> Moneragala -> Maligawiala -> Wellawaya -> Galle |
| Tips, Notes and Special remarks |
|
| Related Resources | Forum Discussion: Exploring the east and east coast of Sri Lanka – Routes, Attractions and Tips |
| Author | Sachitha |
| Comments | Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions in Lakdasun Forum on the thread |
This was a family vacation involving a group of my father’s friends’ families. The road we took was A2 up till wellawaya. It was almost “perfect” except for a small bit near wellawaya which was under construction. After that we took the A4 till siyambalanduwa and turned onto the ampara road all of which was carpeted. Just after entering the eastern province we took the inginiyagala route instead of the Damana route. This route was OK to travel in although not the best. Because it was the tail end of the dry season the lakes and reservoirs had very low amounts of water and the area was very dry after passing Hambantota. (Hambantota was surprisingly wet and green)
The next 2 days we toured Digawapiya, Buddangala, and did a mini elephant safari near a lake in Buddangala. There was a pretty large herd and it’s surprising how close to the town they are. We nearly hit an elephant on our return. 
The kondawattawan wewa was nice to have a bath and had a very gentle slope. It was the only lake full of water because it receives water from the senanayake samudraya.
On the 3rd day we went to arugam bay. We ook the akkaraipattu road for a short while and then took a shortcut which linked us with the akkaraipattu pottuvil road near sakamam. Then we took the A4 till Pottuvil and arugam bay.
Arugam bay itself was heavy with loads of local tourists and the litter was adding up too. L The presence of a lot of fishing activity ruins the scenery and atmosphere somewhat but the beach on the southern end and beyond is very unspoilt and deserted. Bathers should be careful of the strong waves and steep shelving. The central part is the best for this and bathing is a uniquely pleasant experience unlike in places like unawatuna.
We toured the muhudu maha viharaya in pothuwil but there isn’t much to see here. The magul maha viharaya in lahugala has very extensive ruins and definitely worth a visit.
On the return journey we visited the galebedda pokuna near moneragala, dematamal viharaya in okkampitiya and maligawila.
Senanayake samudraya
Digawapi
Unrestored ruins
Moonstone
Can you spot the elephants??
Gal oya mountains : Frair’s Hood is seen in the centre right
Magul Maha vihara
Magul maha viharaya : This is the place where viharamaha devi and King Kawanthissa are said to have married
Magul Maha viharaya
Galebedda Pokuna
Ancient Toilet seat 
Sunrise Arugam Bay