Far East from the capital Colombo, has a beautiful coastline village. You cannot imagine how gorgeous this particular coastline is. A childish, soft sun rises behind the east horizon every morning with a low light pink colour. The sea beach is very calm. The Indian Ocean is still sleeping. Tiny waves come to the shore without even any kind of noise. Birds wake up early. And fly around above the sea to find a fresh breakfast. But still, even tiny little fish do not give a chance to the birds. They are still deep under the water.
The eastern coastline in Sri Lanka is filled with fishermen every morning. The fishing industry is one of the leading businesses around there. Why not? Tourism also makes a massive contribution to the area.
The south east coast of Sri Lanka is filled with natural beauty, covered mainly by deep jungle, including Kumana National Park, a world tourist destination.
Kumana Road/Pix by Priyantha Wijekoon
Pottuvil town is the central city of that area. Then Arugam bay, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Once you pass those two towns, you will enter the long road directly to the last town of south east Sri Lanka. At the end of that long road. This small town is called Panama stuated. Beyond that town you can’t go by any car or van except motor bicycle and four-wheel vehicles like a safari jeep.
There is nowhere to go behind Paanama town but a deep jungle. Anytime wild animals roam around. Especially in the evening while the sun goes down under the jungle canopy behind Panama Lake. Wild elephants roam freely on both sides of the road if you walk or ride a bike, even a motorbike, around the village or main road directly to the Arugam bay.
From panama town, there are three roads—one road headed to the Trincomalee and Batticaloa via Aarugam bay Pottuvil towns. One of the two other roads led to the Kumana National Park and some remote villages, while the other one straight to the panama beach.
Panama Beach is the most isolated beach in Sri Lanka. It is a marvellous beach with whitish sands. Drive through the jungle for around two kilometres from Panama. At the end of the road, there is a natural beauty of the land and sea with a fantastic beach filled with people from all over the world who come to feel the Naturality of Nature.
If you want to go on safari, there is a Kumana National Park around 17 kilometres from Panama town. People can go there with a safari jeep or their vehicle, but there are only allowed safari jeeps inside the park.
Kudumbigala view point/Pix by Priyantha Wijekoon
When you go for the safari into the deep jungle, you will see wild elephants passing the road alone and a bunch of 100-plus elephants with calves and tuskers, most probably in the evening or early morning. Also, Kudumbigala Monastery is another place to visit. That is a historic place with a viewpoint. Once you climb to the top of the vast rock hill, you can see all around the area filled with jungle beauty.
Kumana National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including various bird species, elephants, and other animals. Leopards are also known to inhabit the park, although they are not as commonly seen in other national parks in Sri Lanka, such as Yala National Park. Leopards are elusive and solitary animals, making them challenging to spot in the wild. Visitors to Kumana National Park may have the opportunity to see leopards, but it’s not guaranteed.
Panama Lake, also called crocodile lake, is another attraction in Panama. It is situated on the same road as the Kumana National Park. But not far like kumana. That is a beautiful lake filled with a lot of crocodiles. In September and October, visitors could see 100s crocodiles on the rocks in the lake.
Panama Lake/Pix by Priyantha Wijekoon
This time of the year is the dry season on the south east coast of Sri Lanka. All lakes are mostly dry. Crocodiles emerge from the water in the morning and evening and climb to the rocks with bunches. But if visitors want to watch more crocodiles, it is a suitable time to go there in the middle of the day with proper sunshine. Sometimes, wild elephants roam in the evening for food and water. Visitors can see 100 to 300 elephants in one place at this lake if they are lucky enough.
