Sammanthurai

Understand

History Sammanthurai is an important and historical place, and was the first place where Dutch people arrived in Sri Lanka. Sammanthurai derives its name from ‘Sampan,’ the vessel, and ‘Sammankaran’ who were Muslims from India who came to Sammanthurai during the Portuguese period.

Culture Most people are Tamil-speaking Muslims. Clothes are generally conservative but some young people are contemporary. Muslim women wear Hijab or Saree while the men wear Sarong, which could be either white or colour with typical Sri Lankan patterns. It is advisable for women, especially unaccompanied ones, to dress modestly and limit their interaction with unfamiliar local men.

Climate The climate of Sammanthurai is tropical. Sammanthurai has two main seasons - summer and monsoon. Weatherwise, the best time to visit is during the North East monsoon season, which is November to April. Sammanthurai summers are humid and should be avoided.

Getting there

By bus There are several private bus services operating between Colombo and Sammanthurai. The drive takes about 7 hours and costs around Rs. 900.

By train Take the train to Batticaloa, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Sammanthurai (1½ - 2 hours).

By plane The nearest airport is in Ampara, 18 km west of Sammanthurai. From Ampara either you can take a taxi or public transportation to Sammanthurai.

Getting around

The local "Three-Wheelers" ('Tuk-Tuk) are an amazingly cheap and exciting way of seeing the town, and they run virtually all day long. Walking is also recommended - around the Hijra junction area which is the main part of the town - as a way of seeing mosques and shops, and you can visit the Islamic Da'wa Institute and Hijra Mosque by on foot as well.

By minivan These are private hire minivans, best if you need transportation for the whole day.

See

1 Grand Mosque Sammanthurai (by car or three wheeler from Hijra junction). 24/7. A mosque from the 17th century. Free entry. 2 Rice Research Station Sammanthurai (by bus, car or three wheeler from Hijra junction). 9AM-5PM. A rice research centre. Free. 3 South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (by bus, car or three wheeler from Hijra junction), ☏ +94 67 2255062, +94 67 2255063, +94 67 225506, fax: +94 67 2255217, [email protected]. 9AM-5PM. Faculty of Applied Sciences. Free. 4 Amir Ali Public Library Sammanthurai (by bus, car or three wheeler from Hijra junction). 9AM-5PM. A modern library. Free. 5 Islamic Da'wa Institute and Hijra Mosque, Sammanthurai (by bus, car or three wheeler from Hijra junction). 9AM-5PM. An Islamic Da'wa Centre and a landmark building. Free.

Do

Swimming, volleyball, badminton and gym in Presidential Sports Complex Hiking in the hilly countryside Photograph historic, iconic religious places, hills, rivers, local markets, street vendors, landmarks and green rice paddies including rice harvesting in season.

Buy

Amana Bank, the Bank of Ceylon, Seylan Bank, People's Bank, the National Savings Bank and the Hatton National Bank all have ATMs.

Cargills Food City, 32/2, Ampara Road, Viliniyady Junction Sammanthurai (Walking distance from Hijra Junction), ☏ +94 67 2261477, [email protected]. Departmental store. Hijra Super Market, Hijra Junction Sammanthurai (A few steps from Hijra Junction). Grocery store.

Eat

Grand Eastern Hotel, Ampara Road, Sammanthurai. Daily 10AM–11PM. One of the finest restaurants in the town. Sri Lankan Cuisine, full of innovative dishes. Famous for Eastern Koththu rotti. 1 Kadaphi Hotel, Police Road, Sammanthurai ( front of ZED office). Daily 7AM–10PM. Sammanthurai dishes, samba rice and curry, samosas. All are Halal foods. Registered hotel. 2 Raheem Hotel & Bakery, Ampara Road, Sammanthurai. Daily 7AM–10PM. Being a rice farming area, rice is the staple food. Biriyani, vattalappam and seafood are popular here. The cuisine is hot and spicy and provides delectable variety in chicken, mutton, beef and fish dishes. Special foods of Sammanthurai:

Mayyokka Fries (Sammanthurai French Fries) Babath (cow intestine) curry or fried Curd Kothu Rotti mutta kothu cow leg soup Samba Rice Pongal (Tamils' special food) available in special functions at home and Kovil Niyyath Soru (milk rice of Sammanthurai) Normal Samba rice & curry Traditional foods:

Vaarappam Murukku Paniyaaram Idiyappam Palaharam Payaththam Paniyaaram Thookkachu Sovi Niyyath

Drink & nightlife

Just because local people drink tap or well water doesn't mean you should. Stick to bottled water as always. Other drinks

King Coconut Special "Iftar food" available in Ramzan (Ramadan):

Nombu Kanji Sarbath Fruit juices Fresh and cooked cow milk Mutton soup and beef soup in "Sammanthurai Tastuk Kade"

Sleep

Gaffoor Rest Inn, Ampara Road, Sammanthurai.

Go next

Arugam Bay - The bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka. The bay is located about 73 km south of Sammanthurai. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Lahugala National Park - The park is next to the town of Pottuvil in the Ampara district. The park is about 76 km south of Sammanthurai and is an important habitat for the Sri Lankan elephant and endemic birds of Sri Lanka. Senanayaka Samuthra - The largest water tank in Sri Lanka near the Amopara town in the Ampara district.