Kalmunai - largest Muslim town in Sri Lanka
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With a population of more than 100,000 Kalmunai in Ampara District, just at the border to Batticaloa District, is among the 10 biggest cities in Sri Lanka. In particular, it's the largest town in the Eastern Province and Sri Lanka’s largest Muslim town, too. When Muslims living near Colombo were expelled by Portuguese in the 17th century, King Rajasinghe II of Kandy resettled those Muslim refugees in Kalmunai.
The name "Kalmunai" most probably originates from the Tamil terms "Kal" and "Munai," which translate to "stone" and "corner" respectively.
Kalmunai is situated halfway between the popular holiday beaches of Pasikuda and Arugam Bay and 42 km (26 miles) south of Batticaloa. The long beaches of Kalmunai are not yet a tourist destination in itself. The underwater currents are too strong, swimming is not safe in this area. There are almost no hotels in Kalmunai, only budget accommodation is available in the city and mainly booked by native Sri Lankans. Sea Breaze hotel and restaurant has views to the ocean. The next holiday resort with swimming pool is Thompukandam Village in Nintavur, 12 km (7 miles) south of Kalmunai.
For cultural tourists interested in exploring the rarely visited ancient sites araound Ampara, such as Digavapi, Buddhangala and Rajagala, Kalmunai might be worth considering as an option to stay nearby on the beach.
The name "Kalmunai" most probably originates from the Tamil terms "Kal" and "Munai," which translate to "stone" and "corner" respectively.
Kalmunai is situated halfway between the popular holiday beaches of Pasikuda and Arugam Bay and 42 km (26 miles) south of Batticaloa. The long beaches of Kalmunai are not yet a tourist destination in itself. The underwater currents are too strong, swimming is not safe in this area. There are almost no hotels in Kalmunai, only budget accommodation is available in the city and mainly booked by native Sri Lankans. Sea Breaze hotel and restaurant has views to the ocean. The next holiday resort with swimming pool is Thompukandam Village in Nintavur, 12 km (7 miles) south of Kalmunai.
For cultural tourists interested in exploring the rarely visited ancient sites araound Ampara, such as Digavapi, Buddhangala and Rajagala, Kalmunai might be worth considering as an option to stay nearby on the beach.
