Panama: Sri Lanka’s Hidden Eastern Paradise

 

Panama: Sri Lanka’s Hidden Eastern Paradise

Nestled in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, Panama is a charming village located about 12 km from Pottuvil, positioned right between Arugam Bay and Kumana National Park. 

It is said that Sinhala people fleeing British forces during the 1818 Uva-Wellassa Rebellion settled here. Today, the area still preserves a unique rural culture and distinct local dialects. Panama is especially famous for its rich traditions, including the Ankeliya ritual and Esala Perahera festival held at the historic Panama Pattini Devalaya. Folklore notes that the region—known as Panama Pattuwa—originally consisted of seven villages, including Egodagama, Megodagama, and Sastrawela. Additionally, Panama serves as the last major boundary village where Pada Yatra pilgrims traveling on foot from Jaffna to Kataragama rest before traversing the Kumana and Yala national parks. 

How to Get to Panama

By Road from Colombo:

Route 1: Travel via Monaragala, Siyambalanduwa, and Pottuvil. 

Route 2: Travel via Hambantota, Tissamaharama, and Yala. 

Local Transport from Pottuvil:

Regular SLTB state buses, private buses, and three-wheelers (tuktuks) operate directly from Pottuvil Town to Panama. 

Safety Warning: Wild elephants frequently roam the road between Panama, Kumana, and Okanda after 5:00 PM, so extra caution is strongly advised when traveling in the evening. 

Top Attractions in Panama

·        Panama Beach:

A tranquil, uncrowded coastline featuring golden sand dunes.  

·        Panama Lagoon:

A scenic mangrove ecosystem ideal for bird watching and relaxed boat tours. 

·        Panama Lake:

A prime spot for wildlife viewing, considered one of the best locations in Sri Lanka to see wild crocodiles. Visitors can climb the lakeside rock boulders to observe large crocodiles swimming freely in the lake. 

·        Kudumbigala Monastery:

An ancient forest monastery built among massive rock formations deep in the jungle. It houses Sri Lanka’s first cylindrical stupa and lies along the road from Panama toward Kumana. 

·        Kumana National Park:

A world-renowned national park famed for its dense birdlife and diverse wildlife. 

·        Okanda Devalaya:

A historical shrine located past Panama on the way to Kumana National Park. 

·        Sastrawela Maha Viharaya:

An ancient sacred site featuring Brahmi rock inscriptions and caves. Local legend holds that it was once home to ancient sages and meditative monks. 

·        Radella Beach & Lagoon:

A scenic coastal spot near Panama known for its red-ochre sand dunes and vibrant mangrove ecosystem. 

Surfing Hotspots Near Panama

Peanut Farm & Elephant Rock: Excellent surf spots with solid wave breaks and far fewer crowds than nearby Arugam Bay. 

Okanda Surf Spot: A famous surfing beach along the coastal stretch past Panama toward Okanda. 

Best Time to Visit

May to September: The dry season along the eastern coast brings sunny weather, making it the ideal window for sightseeing, beach activities, and surfing. 

October to January: The North-East Monsoon brings rain, which fills Panama Lake and the lagoon—creating the best season for bird watching. 

Accommodations in Panama

·        Wild Waves Kumana Safari & Surf Resort Hotel (Kumana Road, Bird Village) 

·        Peanut Farm & Wild Resort (Located right on Peanut Farm Beach) 

·        Panama Vista Villa Homestay Unit (Sastrawela, Panama) 

·        Moon Light Villa (Situated inside Panama Village) 

·        Waypoint Arugam Bay (Located on the road between Arugam Bay and Panama) 

·        Wild Edge Panama

·        Nilana Beach Cabana

·        Panama Sambu Cabana

·        Mango Villa Homestay