Escape to Panama Beach: A Symphony of Sun, Sand, and Seclusion Awaits Your Arrival

 

Panama is a seaside village situated in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, positioned 126 kilometers (78 miles) to the south of Batticaloa and 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Arugam Bay. Positioned within the Ampara District, it serves as the final inhabited settlement in the southernmost region of the province.

How to reach Panama Beach from Colombo?

The distance from Colombo to Panama beach is about 422 Km through Southern Highway. It will take approximately 06 hours 43 minutes to reach to the destination.

Panama beach is well known for beach camping among local tourists. The beach is not much popular within the foreign tourists. The coastal area is closer to the lagoon, facilitating a unique blend of marine and inland influences on the local environment. Panama also offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife, as the Kumana Bird Sanctuary and Heritage Park run along its southernmost boundaries (lovesrilanka.org, 2023).

Hidden Gem Destinations

There are many Buddhist Shrines situated around Panama Beach & these shrines possess immense historical and archaeological value.

·         Neelagiri Seya

·         Lahugala Magul Maha Viharaya

·         Sengamuwa Natabun Viharaya

·         Veherakama Buddhist Shrines

·         Kudumbigala Temple

·         Panama Wewevehera Rajamaha Viharaya

There are several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries located around the Panama Beach.

1.      Gal Oya Valley National Park

2.      Kumana National Park

3.      Kudumbigala Sanctuary

Hidden Gem Accommodation

There are only few hotels established near Panama Breach and provide decent accommodations to the guests.  

·         Panama Lagoon Cabanas

·         Owilka Village Resort

·         Wild Edge Panama

Things to do at Panama Beach

·         Beach camping

Beach camping is famous among the local visitors. Travelers can setup their own camps and also there are few camping facilities providers.  

Jungle Surf  Camp has become popular after the “Travel with Wife” YouTube influencers Vlog.
You have the option to camp independently or utilize their compact cabins based on your preferences (campoinglanka.com, 2023). 

The Importance of Panama Beach as a Tourist Destination.

Panama Beach stands as a untouched haven, steadfastly preserving its natural charm. Travelers are presented with unique opportunities to venture beyond its shores, unlocking memorable  experiences in the surrounding destinations. Whether exploring nearby coastal wonders, delving into vibrant local cultures, or immersing oneself in the diverse ecosystems.

Panama Beach serves as a gateway to a memorable and enriching journey. The commitment to preserving its natural beauty ensures that each traveler can take part in an unforgettable experience, surrounded by the untouched charm of this coastal paradise.

How can Panama Beach develop into a prominent tourist attraction while emphasizing sustainability?

Promoting eco-friendly travel practices in lesser-visited beach destinations involves a combination of awareness, instruction, and community engagement. Below are some strategies to encourage sustainable tourism in Panama Beach.

Community Involvement

·         Engage with local communities to understand their perspectives and involve them in sustainable tourism initiatives.

·         Collaborate with local businesses, residents, and authorities to create a sense of ownership and responsibility towards eco-friendly practices.

Partnerships with Travel Agencies

·         Collaborate with travel agencies to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their itineraries.

·         Encourage tour packages that showcase the area's natural beauty, with a focus on responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

Support Local Conservation Projects

·         Allocate a portion of tourism revenue to local conservation projects or community initiatives that promote environmental sustainability. This needs to initiate by the local government or regional authorities.

·         Highlight these projects to tourists, showing them the positive impact of their visit on the local environment & economy.

Social Media and Online Presence

·         Utilize social media platforms and online channels to showcase the beauty of the destination and the efforts taken to preserve it.

·         Encourage YouTube influencers and bloggers to promote responsible tourism practices and share their experiences.

Promote Responsible Tourism Guidelines       

·         Develop and promote a set of responsible tourism guidelines for visitors. This may include waste reduction, wildlife protection, and respect for local cultures.

·         Distribute informational materials such as brochures or signage at key tourist points to encourage responsible behavior.

Photo Gallery 

Bibliography

campoinglanka.com, 2023. Panama Camping - Jungle Surf Camp. [Online]
Available at: https://campinglanka.com/panama-camping-jungle-surf-camp-98
[Accessed 15 November 2023].

lovesrilanka.org, 2023. PANAMA TANK. [Online]
Available at: https://www.lovesrilanka.org/panama-tank/
[Accessed 15 November 2023].