Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
According to legend, Deegawapi is the one place in southeastern Sri Lanka that the
Buddha visited. The stupa was built during the reign of King Saddhatissa (137-119 BC)
and patched up in the 2nd and 18th centuries AD before becoming lost in the jungle.
Rediscovered in 1916, for decades it has been at the centre of disputes; many Sinhalese
say the area's predominantly Muslim population deliberately settled on ancient dagoba
(read: Sinhalese) land, while many Muslims, who have lived in the region for centuries,
see the claim as a bridgehead for Sinhalese colonisation.
The site might not be interesting enough to warrant the lengthy detour: the vast central
red-brick dagoba stub is massive, but it lacks a particularly scenic setting. An excavation is
ongoing. The small, nearby archaeological museum ( 8am-5pm) has potential.
Batticaloa
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Historic Batticaloa (Batti for short) enjoys a spectacular position surrounded by lagoons
with palm-filtered sunlight glancing off the water. There's a mellow vibe to the town, and
though there are no dramatic or must-see sights, a morning exploring the compact centre
and its huge fortress and many churches is time well spent. It's not a large place and ideal
to explore on foot. Sandy beaches are close by, but these were hit hard by the 2004
tsunami.
Sights & Activities
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