Things to do in Ampara
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Japanese Peace Pagoda
West of the clock tower and bus station, DS Senanayake Rd leads towards Inginyagala, passing scenic Ampara Tank. After about 2km a short right turn brings you to the graceful Japanese Peace Pagoda. The pagoda itself is large rather than beautiful, and despite still being a spring chicken in pagoda years it’s starting to look a little tatty.
reviewed
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Monty Guest House
You can feast on a wide range of local dishes, as well as passable pasta and burgers, on either the pleasantly cool outdoor terrace or the spacious indoor dining room. It’s a good place to meet up with NGO workers and the odd passing tourist.
reviewed
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Chinese & Western Food Court
Set in a tropical garden, this is far and away Ampara’s most alluring dining place. The wide range of well-prepared dishes includes stir-fried cuttlefish and excellent ‘crumb chicken’ – think Kentucky smeared with crushed garlic.
reviewed
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New City Food Cabin
The cleanest and brightest of several budget eateries around the clock tower, this place rings with the deafening knife-work of the kotthu rotti (doughy pancake chopped and fried with meat and vegetables) maker each evening.
reviewed
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Image Room
The incense-smoked image room next door to the Japanese Peace Pagoda, with its gaudy collection of Buddha statues, is interesting, and the friendly resident nun is liable to hand out sweets if you’re well behaved!
reviewed
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Mandala Mahavihara
The central Buddhist Mandala Mahavihara has a large pagoda. Its interior is somewhat tackily painted with Buddhist scenes and a cloud-dotted ‘sky’.
reviewed
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Why Not Pastry Shop
A bright, clean and modern pastry and snack shop that is an ideal spot for a cold drink and some respite from the steamy streets.
reviewed
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Sri Manika Pillaiyar
The Sri Manika Pillaiyar gives Ganesh a lovely view across Ampara Tank; it’s at the 24km post.
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