Things to do in Ampara

A palm-backed crescent of golden sand and one of the world's classic right-hand point breaks, the heart of Sri Lanka's east-coast surf scene.

A serene forest monastery on rocky outcrops just outside Ampara, dotted with ancient ruins and a white stupa amid the jungle.

An ancient sacred stupa north of Ampara, counted among the sixteen holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and linked by legend to a visit of the Buddha.

The only national park in Sri Lanka offering boat safaris, famous for elephants swimming between islands on the vast Senanayake Samudra reservoir.

A remote 3rd-century-BCE cave monastery in the jungle south of Panama, with hundreds of rock shelters and a hilltop stupa offering sweeping views.

One of Sri Lanka's smallest national parks, whose reservoirs draw elephants and water birds within easy reach of Arugam Bay.

An ancient ruined temple in the jungle near Lahugala, traditionally said to mark the royal wedding of King Kavantissa and Queen Viharamahadevi.

A mangrove-fringed lagoon a short ride from Arugam Bay, explored by boat safari for elephants, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.