Wadinagala/Ampara

 

Built damming the water of Pallan Oya River Jayanthi Wawa near the towering Wandinagala is an idyllic sight in an evening scattered with a few fishing boats and the ever present elephants around it gathered for a dip. 

Built in 1960 to the south of Senanayaka Samudraya Jayanthi Wawa stores nearly 93,000 square acres of water, irrigating fields of paddy and sugar cane. It is also source of livelihood to freshwater fisherman and provides drinking water to the Ampara district.

The reservoir is a source of water to the elephant herds who roam the bordering Gal Oya National Wildlife Park and the flocks of bird like Little Cormorant, Malayan Night Heron, Lesser Whistling-duck and spot billed pelican, who gather at the reservoir in search of food and nesting ground. 

The elephants also roam the mountain of Wadinagala, which stands 2400 feet tall challenging the brave and the reckless. 

It is famed to be a mountain, one considered as an alternative to bear the foot mark of Lord Buddha and its heritage in ancient Buddhism is visible in many ruins scattered around the mountain. Beautiful guard stones, rocks pillars and moonstones lie amidst the towering forest of ebony and satinwood, which is been plundered by treasure hunters and illegal loggers to whom Wadanagala had become a heaven of profit.  

Being the second highest peak of the Gal Oya sanctuary, the climb towards the peak is perilous and should be undertaken with an experienced guide as the mountain is streaming with wild elephants.

 

Things To Do: Sightseeing, elephant watching, bird watching, photography and hiking