A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peak into Panama
- Panama has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times when it was an important centre of trade and commerce.
- The area was inhabited by various ethnic groups over the centuries, including Sinhalese, Tamils, and Moors, each leaving their mark on the culture and architecture of the region.
- Panama was also influenced by various religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism, which can be seen in the ancient temples and shrines that still stand today.
- Panama was part of the British Empire during the colonial era, and many of the village's buildings and institutions reflect this period of history.
- Despite the changes brought by modernization and tourism, Panama retains much of its traditional charm and character, making it a unique and authentic destination.
HIGHLIGHTS
Must-See Attractions in Panama: Highlights You Can't Miss
- Panama is home to several beautiful beaches, including Panama Beach and Arugam Bay Beach, which are great for surfing and sunbathing.
- The village is surrounded by lush forests and scenic hills, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking.
- Visitors can explore local markets and shops, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
- Panama is a great bird-watching destination, with various exotic bird species to spot in the nearby Kumana National Park.
- The village is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in Sri Lanka.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Best Time to Visit Panama: Seasonal Guide
- The best time to visit Panama is from November to April when the weather is dry and sunny.
- During this time, visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities without the risk of rain.
- However, Panama can be visited year-round, with temperatures remaining relatively consistent throughout the year.
- The off-season (May to October) is a great time to visit to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Panama is an excellent destination for anyone seeking natural beauty and adventure, regardless of when you visit.
WORTH A VISIT
Why Panama Is Worth Visiting: Top Reasons to Go
Arugam Bay Beach
- Arugam Bay Beach is a surfer's paradise, offering consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere.
- The beach is popular with beginner and experienced surfers, with various breaks and swells.
- Visitors can rent surfboards, take lessons from local surf schools, or relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
- Arugam Bay Beach is also an excellent destination for nightlife, with several beach bars and restaurants offering live music and entertainment.
- The beach is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with lush forests and scenic hills to explore.
- Whether you're a surfer or simply seeking relaxation, Arugam Bay Beach is a must-visit destination in Panama.
- Don't forget to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the Indian Ocean, which are exceptionally breathtaking from Arugam Bay Beach.
Kumana National Park
- The Kumana National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, offering a variety of exotic bird species to spot.
- The park is home to over 200 bird species, including several rare and endangered species, such as the black-necked stork and the great thick-knee.
- Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, which is led by experienced naturalists and offers a chance to see the birds up close.
- The park is also home to wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.
- The Kumana National Park is an excellent destination for nature lovers, offering stunning natural beauty and a chance to reconnect with the outdoors.
- Visitors can also explore the nearby mangrove swamps, home to several fish species and crustaceans.
- A visit to the Kumana National Park will surely be an unforgettable and enriching experience.
Panama Beach
- Panama Beach is beautiful and secluded, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic hills, offering stunning views and a sense of tranquillity.
- Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas or lay out a towel and soak up the sun.
- The beach is relatively quiet and undeveloped, offering a sense of peace and serenity that is hard to find in more touristy areas.
- Panama Beach is an excellent destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
- The beach is also an excellent spot for fishing, with various fish species to catch and prepare for a delicious seafood meal.
- Panama Beach is a must-visit destination in Panama whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure.
DISCOVER MORE
Panama Hidden Gems: Discover More Wonders Beyond the Ordinary
Okanda Devalaya
- The Okanda Devalaya is a historic Hindu temple dating back to ancient times and offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
- The temple is dedicated to the god Skanda, a popular destination for devotees and pilgrims.
- Visitors can explore the intricate carvings and architecture of the temple, which reflect the influences of Hinduism and Buddhism.
- The temple is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with lush forests and scenic hills to explore.
- The Okanda Devalaya is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka's culture and spirituality.
- Visitors can also participate in the temple's religious ceremonies and rituals, which offer a chance to connect with the local community.
- A visit to the Okanda Devalaya will surely be a memorable and enriching experience.
Outdoor Activities
- Panama is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, surfing, and bird watching.
- Visitors can explore nearby nature reserves and parks, such as the Kumana National Park and the Panama Jungle Reserve.
- The area is home to several scenic hiking trails, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to reconnect with nature.
- Surfing is popular in Panama, with several world-class surf spots such as Arugam Bay Beach and Whisky Point.
- Visitors can take lessons from local surf schools, rent a board, and hit the waves.
- Bird watching is another popular activity in Panama, with various exotic bird species to spot, such as the greater flamingo and the painted stork.
- Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Panama's great outdoors has something for everyone to enjoy.
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Panama Culture & Traditions: A Guide to Island Life
- The primary language spoken in Panama, like the rest of Sri Lanka, is Sinhala. However, English and Tamil are also widely understood and communicated.
- Sri Lanka is known for its religious diversity, which is also reflected in Panama. Most of the population practices Buddhism, while smaller communities also follow Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
- The vibrant festivals celebrated throughout Sri Lanka are likely observed in Panama. Festivals such as Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudu), Vesak (commemorating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death), and Pongal (a Tamil harvest festival) are likely to be celebrated with enthusiasm and traditional customs.
- Sri Lankan cuisine, with its spices and flavours, will likely be enjoyed in Panama. Local dishes such as rice and curry, hoppers, string hoppers, and seafood delicacies would be part of the culinary offerings in the village.
- Sri Lanka's traditional arts and crafts may also be found in Panama, including wood carvings, handloom textiles, and intricate silverwork. Local artisans may create and sell these traditional handicrafts, showcasing the region's cultural heritage.
FOOD FUN FASHION
Panama: Where to Eat, Play, and Shop in Style
Food
- Rice is the staple food in Sri Lanka, and a typical meal consists of rice served with an assortment of curries. These curries can be vegetarian or include meat, fish, or poultry and are flavoured with various spices and coconut milk.
- Hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut batter. They can be served plain or with an egg cracked into the centre, creating an egg hopper. They are often enjoyed as breakfast or as a snack.
- Kottu Roti is a popular street food dish made by stir-frying shredded flatbread (roti) with vegetables, eggs, meat, and spices on a hot grill. The rhythmic chopping of the ingredients on the grill is a unique aspect of preparing this dish.
- String Hoppers are delicately steamed rice noodles made from rice flour dough. They are typically served for breakfast or dinner with various curries, sambols, and coconut milk.
- Lamprais is a traditional Sri Lankan dish influenced by Dutch colonialism. It consists of a combination of meat (usually chicken or beef) or vegetables, rice, and sambols, all wrapped and baked in a banana leaf, resulting in a flavourful and aromatic dish.
Fun
- Climb the ancient rock fortress and marvel at the stunning views from the top.
- Discover ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla, with impressive archaeological sites.
- Spot wildlife on an exciting safari, including elephants, leopards, and exotic bird species.
- Relax on golden sandy beaches like Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Bentota.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of tea plantations and misty mountains as you travel on the scenic train route from Kandy to Ella.
Fashion
- The traditional attire for women in Sri Lanka is the saree, a draped garment made of colourful fabric. Men often wear the sarong (also known as a "thambi"), a wrapped garment made of cotton or silk.
- Sri Lanka embraces a mix of traditional and contemporary fashion. Western-style clothing, such as jeans, shirts, dresses, and suits, is popular among urban dwellers.
- Sri Lanka is renowned for its batik fabric, which is hand-dyed and decorated with intricate designs. Batik clothing, including dresses, shirts, and accessories, showcases the country's artistic craftsmanship.
- Religious and cultural practices influence traditional clothing styles. For example, Muslim women may wear hijabs or abayas, while Tamil women may wear colourful and embellished saris for cultural events and festivals.
NATURE & SAFARI
Panama Nature Escapes: Explore Marine Life and Wildlife
- Yala National Park: Located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is renowned for its wildlife. Embark on a safari tour to spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and various bird species.
- Wilpattu National Park: Known as the largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is famous for its leopard population. Enjoy a jeep safari through its dense forests and witness the diverse wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, and endemic bird species.
- Minneriya National Park: Visit this park during the dry season to witness "The Gathering" phenomenon, where large herds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank. It is a spectacular sight to behold.
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja is a tropical rainforest offering unique biodiversity. Take a guided trek through its lush greenery and discover various endemic bird species, colourful frogs, and diverse flora.
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Panama Festivals and Events: When to Join the Celebration
- Kandy Esala Perahera: This grand festival takes place in Kandy and is one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka. It includes nightly processions featuring traditional dancers, drummers, acrobats, and adorned elephants. The festival honours the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
- Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated by the Hindu community, Maha Shivaratri is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasting, perform religious rituals, and visit temples like the historic Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee.
- Vel Festival: The Vel Festival, also known as the Kataragama Festival, is an important religious event in Kataragama. Devotees gather to pay homage to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, engaging in various rituals, ceremonies, and processions.
FIRST-TIME TO
Panama Travel Tips: Your Essential Guide to Getting Around
Safety
Given the reputation of several South Asian nations, you may be wondering if it is safe to travel (mainly if you are female). Don't be concerned — the island is home to some of the world's friendliest and most hospitable people, and it is safe for single travellers. However, you must be cautious with your valuables and mindful of your behaviour in a strange country.
Transport
Travelling across Sri Lanka is typically seen to be inexpensive and straightforward. If you only need to go a short distance, you may hail one of the country's colourful tuk-tuks from the side of the road. You may also request a car to pick you up using a ride-hailing app like Uber or PickMe. However, taking public transportation, such as a bus or train, would be significantly more cost-effective.
Locations
Some cities are more expensive for tourists, especially in more significant "tourist" locations. Many tourist destinations have ticket costs far higher than those charged to residents. However, if you select your trips intelligently, you may enjoy your holiday for much less money.
Accommodation
Sri Lanka has a wide range of visitor lodgings accessible, ranging from boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Use services like booking.com to compare hotel prices rapidly. Homestays are a popular choice among budget travellers since they allow you to live more like a local, eat home-cooked meals, and your money goes directly to the local community.
Food
Many high-end restaurants in Sri Lanka provide a variety of foreign cuisine, but if you want to dine well for less, try some of the country's delectable indigenous delicacies. Rice and curries are famous on the island. Still, you can broaden your horizons by trying string hoppers, kottu roti, or lamprais - all delicious, satisfying dishes that satisfy your stomach and your wallet. Vegetarian meals are the least expensive, with modest price increases when adding proteins such as chicken, beef, or seafood.
Should I schedule my transportation in advance through a travel agent?
Travel agencies with local contacts, experience, and skills can make your visit to Sri Lanka more canker-free and fun-filled. We can plan your holiday, obtain the most excellent deals, and provide you with transportation. And other services to make your holiday special. Schedule a comfortable holiday with a local travel company like Sri Lanka World holiday vibes. It all depends on your decision.