AKKARAIPATTU

AKKARAIPATTU (AKP)

About

Want to explore the beauty of the beach and green field at the same place with some really spicy street food?? If so, Akkaraipattu is a place you should not miss. Akkaraipattu also known as ‘Karunkodithivu / Karunkoditheevu’ is one of the popular cities in Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka. This 6000-hectare land which was under the Batticaloa district during the British rule, now is a part of Ampara district. The terrain of Akkaraipattu lies 39m above sea level. People from all four religions live here with peace, although majority is Muslim community. It is one of the major cities lying in the middle of three main cities of Ampara, Kalmunai and Pottuvil. 

Most of the days are hot sunny days here as it lies in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Agriculture and Fishing are the two main occupations for the people living here. Akkaraipattu also was affected by tsunami and local war and then bounced back to build the economy and business that were lost during that time.

Way to AKP from Colombo

Akkaraipattu is 393 km from Bandaranaike Memorial International Airport. To reach AKP from Colombo there are two main routes of public transport, either Colombo-Kurunegala-Batticaloa-Akkaraipattu or Colombo-Ratnapura-Monaragala-Akkaraipattu. If travelling by a private vehicle the best and fastest route is through travelling down south using the Expressway up to Hambantota and then taking the highway route. It will be a travelling time of less than six hours if you use a private vehicle or it may take around 8 hours for public transport. Via the Batticaloa route you may be able to witness many ancient heritages of Sri Lanka such as Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa fort and Batticaloa fort and Minneriya Tank is one of the best elephant and birds spotting places in the country if you love wildlife.

To look around in AKP?

Beach

Akkaraipattu has a beach stripe of almost 3.5 km to its east end which attracts most of the local people living around. You can see hundreds of people gathering with their family to spend their leisure time here. The morning sunrise view, street foods, ice-cream, tuk-tuks, fishermen and little cabs are some of the things you should not miss here. Annual magic shows, circus and the special sales are other things you may watch if you are lucky enough to visit at that time.

Batticaloa-Colombo Highway

If you wander along the main road in Akkaraipattu there is a lot to look around. Akkaraipattu water park is another main spot for relaxing and for jogging. It was built by the Municipal Council of Akkaraipattu and is very successful for the purpose it was built. Many mosques can be found along the road. But at this special tri-junction located at the Pottuvil Road after passing the fish market you can find a Buddhist Temple (Sri Vijayarama Maha Viharaya), a Hindu Kovil (Maruthadi Sri Manikka Pillayar Temple) and a mosque (Mahlarathul Quadiriya Hallaj Makkam) which shows the unity among the Akkaraipattu people with different racial background. The famous kanthuri event happens annually at Mahlarathul Quadiriya Hallaj Makkam. Muslims from all around the island visit this mosque during this special cultural event. Roads will be filled with colourful bulbs and free food will be provided for the people visiting the mosque. Many small businesses are targeting this event as more people visit this.

West of AKP

If you love to see some green fields and water sources, take the Ampara Road from the Bus Stand. Farmers riding to their lands, cattle, buffaloes, small tanks and some best tea shops in the town can be found. Ilukkuchenai tank, Irakkamam Wewa, Vangamam and Malayadi tank are some of the most visited places by the locals on their vacation time. These places are very remote for the people outside. But they are very special for freshwater baths, corn, elephants and birds to watch.

Foods 

You can find many local food shops everywhere in the town of Akkaraippattu. Although the main food is rice and curry here there are several other food items available at other times of the day. String hoppers, hoppers, Parotta, Kohath, varieties of Vada, Manioc Fries and peanuts are a few of them. If you just walk around you can find thousands of such junk food items in a variety of tastes from spicy to sweet. 

On the way to Arugam Bay

Arugam bay is known for Surfing and water sports is one of the reasons many tourists visit Sri Lanka. If you are travelling there through Akkaraipattu there is a lot to not miss. The two famous Sinna Muhattuvaram and Periya Muhattuvaram in Thampaddai are the best places to take photos if you are photogenic. The bridges along the road passes above the Periya Kalappu. East of the Bridge is the ocean and west is the lake. Here you can witness stunning visuals of both the sunrise and sunset. Komari lagoon and Sagamam Kulam are some other tanks around this area. Along the way to Arugam Bay you can see many kinds of birds, monkeys, elephants and some forests. If you travel along this way after 5 in the evening you will never miss the elephants passing across the roads.

Verdict

One of the most populated and multicultural cities in the Eastern Sri Lanka, there are lots of places to explore nearby from beaches to paddy fields. Known for the tasty foods and great hospitality of the locals it is also a main transport hub for the bottom part of Eastern Province. If you ever visit Arugam Bay, never miss this beautiful town and its people who always wear a smile on their face.