Okanda

Okanda, located in the Ampara District, is a place where spirituality meets the wild frontier of Sri Lanka's East Coast. It is home to the ancient Okanda Murugan Temple, a vital stop for pilgrims on the annual Pada Yatra foot pilgrimage. The beaches here, such as Okanda South Beach, are legendary among the surfing community for their challenging points and lack of crowds. The coastline, including Helawa, Girikula, and Kunukala beaches, remains rugged and largely undisturbed. Adjacent to the Kumana National Park, Okanda gives unique opportunities to spot wildlife, including elephants and leopards, often venturing near the shores of Kirigal Ebey. The remote nature of Okanda means limited facilities, preserving its raw beauty and peaceful ambiance. Whether you are exploring the vast sands of Okanda North Beach or watching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean, Okanda provides an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience for nature lovers and surf enthusiasts.

Nearby cities

Karaitivu

A peaceful coastal community in eastern Sri Lanka, known for its authentic atmosphere and fishing traditions.

Panama

A remote village on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, known for its untouched nature, wild beaches, and world-class surfing spots.

Akkaraipattu

A dynamic coastal town in eastern Sri Lanka, known for its agriculture and wide beaches.

Addappalam

An authentic coastal village in Eastern Sri Lanka, characterized by paddy fields and untouched nature.

Oluvil

A significant port town on the east coast featuring an iconic lighthouse and long sandy beaches.

Ampara

Ampara is an agricultural town in the Eastern Province, surrounded by rice paddies and large water reservoirs.

Batticaloa

Batticaloa is an important city on the east coast, surrounded by a massive lagoon system and known for its 'singing fish'.

Chenkaladi

A strategic junction near Batticaloa, serving as a gateway to the pristine beaches of Kaluwankerny.

Pasikuda

Famous for its incredibly shallow, turquoise waters and luxury resorts in one of the island's safest bays.

Palatupana

A wild coastal paradise on the edge of Yala National Park, known for its pristine dunes and proximity to exotic wildlife.

Moneragala

Moneragala is a remote town in the Uva Province, characterized by dry landscapes, national parks, and agriculture.

Kirinda

A historic fishing village featuring a seaside rock temple, famous for the legend of Queen Viharamahadevi.

Hambantota

Hambantota is a city in the deep south, rapidly developing into an economic hub thanks to new infrastructure projects.

History & landmarks

Arugam Bay

A famous surfing destination on the east coast of Sri Lanka with a laid-back vibe.

Kataragama

Kataragama is a sacred pilgrimage town revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the indigenous Vedda people alike.

Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama is an ancient royal city and the gateway to Yala and Bundala National Parks, famous for its massive stupas and man-made lakes.

Wellawaya

A strategic southern junction known for the monumental Buduruwagala rock carvings and its proximity to majestic waterfalls.

Nature

Mahaweli River

The longest river in Sri Lanka, passing through deep gorges, fertile valleys, and generating a significant amount of the country's hydroe…

Nilaveli Coast

A pristine coastline on the east coast, famous for its white sand and clear blue waters.

More places

Kumana National Park

Known for its massive flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds, this park is a paradise for bird watchers.

Gal Oya National Park

Established to serve as a catchment area for the Senanayake Samudraya, it is known for its swimming elephants.

Kumana National Park

A national park known for its important bird sanctuary.

Lahugala Kitulana National Park

One of the smallest national parks, but an important habitat for elephants and endemic birds.

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka's most famous national park, renowned for its high density of leopards and diverse ecosystems.

Bundala National Park

An internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka, famous for large flocks of flamingos.

Lunugamvehera National Park

An elephant sanctuary serving as a corridor between Yala and Udawalawe.

Koneswaram Temple

A classical-medieval Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee dedicated to Lord Shiva.