The Crossing and Experiences in Ampara
The Crossing
Senanayaka Samudraya is the only place in the entire country where you could witness “The Crossing”. Elephants swim from the mainland to several of the islands in the water tank in search of food. The best time to witness this marvelous spectacular is during the month of August when the water levels are low. There’re only two boats that’re available at the moment & they’re both being operated by the Wildlife Department. If you visit to witness “The Crossing” please note that elephants are vulnerable during their swim & therefore are not to be approached directly, so that the animals may be scared & may even drown trying to escape from the boats. This is a very delicate matter which needs to be witnessed from a far. Nature such as this should only be witnessed, not experienced.
Nilgala Forest
Nilgala forest is very famous for its bio diversity & its bird population. 93 bird species have been recorded in the park so far including Painted Francolin, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, etc. There’re several campsites inside the forest which can be rented out for less than US$ 10 (as at 2012). Elephants can be witnessed roaming around the forest in small herds. This is the only place in the entire country where you could witness the properties of a normal forest & the properties of a primary rain forest. There’re several archeological sites in the area as well.
Makare
A river flows grandly towards the Senanayaka Samudraya – The Ocean of Senanayaka. The river meets an obstacle in the shape of huge rocks & ll of a sudden the river disappears & appears again some 30-40 feet away. This point is called makare. During the month of August, visitors can clearly see how water flows beneath the rocks to surface again on the other side.
Kings’ Path
King Dutugemunu went to the historical war with King Elara from India during 161 BC to save the country from foreign invasion. This victorious army marched from Kataragama to Anuradhapura. The path which they went is still visible from place to place by the markings of black stones. Part of this path is still there inside the Nilgala Park.
Rathugala Veddas
The 7th generation of the “Forest Dwellers” of Sri Lanka lives in Rathugala, some 20 KM from the Nilgala forest. This is a dying race, which have been exposed to the modern world & the old ways are dying. Poverty is compelling them to move away from their ancestral ways & adapt to the new world. Their leader, Dhanigala Mahabandara is the last surviving member who resembles of the by gone era.
Deegawapi Temple
This is one of the 16 venerable places in the country where Lord Buddha had visited. Lord Buddha visited Deegawapi temple during his 3rd visit to the country, after visiting the Sri Pada or popularly known as Adam’s Peak. The temple is in a very bad condition where parts of the structure are falling down & wild trees have been allowed to grow extensively. The monks at the temple are trying to build the biggest buddhist temple in the world, around the current holy grounds. However they’re facing some political disturbances to go ahead with the project.
