‘Thoppigala’ excursion Adventure climb in Batti

‘With the end of the South Western tourism season due to the onset of the monsoon, the Eastern tourism season has begun with a boom for the year 2025. The popular Passikudah Bay, identified as the top attraction in the Batticaloa District, is drawing a considerable number of foreign tourists, who are heading east to experience its untapped adventure and wildlife activities.  

With a variety of attractions — including adventure and wildlife activities, religious and cultural sites, and water sports, the East has emerged as one of the most diverse tourism hotspots in Sri Lanka.

‘Thoppigala’ has become a major attraction for travellers to the Eastern Province, helping to establish Batticaloa as a key hotspot within the ‘Tourism East’. Nestled in dense jungle just 42 kilometres northwest of Batticaloa, Thoppigala is the highest peak in the district, standing at 1,629 feet above sea level. Known as ‘Baron’s Cap’ during British Colonial times and as ‘Kudumbimalai’ by local villagers, ‘Thoppigala’ is referred to as Thoppikkal in Tamil. For many years, the area remained inaccessible due to LTTE terrorists. Surrounded by vast plains, rivers, tanks, and dense jungle, the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

Archaeological evidence suggests that the rocky mountain and its surrounding jungle were once the site of a large monastery dating back to the Anuradhapura era. Stone inscriptions found at the summit detail various donations made by King Kanishta Tissa to the monastery complex.

Thoppigala is part of the traditional, expansive Vedda territory, stretching from the vicinity of Maduru Oya National Park to Ampara. The area was once considered an ideal hunting ground due to its rich wildlife, with deer, elephants, and leopards commonly roaming the region.

The main attraction is the trek to the summit of Thoppigala. The climb begins with a manageable ascent up the ‘bottom part of the hat’ before transitioning into a steep vertical climb. After an 800-metre climb, hikers are rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view....

The road to Thoppigala is challenging and not easily navigable. With the guidance of an experienced local guide, a visit to Thoppigala typically takes the form of a full-day excursion. 

Thoppigala Rock is surrounded by approximately 400 square kilometres of protected dry zone scrub jungle. In April 2013, the area was designated as a nature conservation project and officially opened as the Thoppigala Heritage Park. The Heritage Park also houses the Thoppigala Memorial, dedicated to the lives lost during the decisive battle between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the last LTTE terrorist stronghold in the Eastern Province. 

‘A Day in Kudumbimalai’ is a popular tour. After visiting the military museum, guests climb the 1,629-foot-high Kudumbimalai (Thoppigala) rock, which offers breathtaking views of the peaceful surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a traditional village meal with a local family and take a leisurely walk to explore the village way of life and a hidden pond nearby.

The main nature trail leads to the summit of Thoppigala peak. From the visitors’ centre, it is about one kilometre to the base of the rock—a stretch that is also accessible by jeep. A well-maintained path guides climbers up the slope. At the base, numerous caves—once used as LTTE terrorists’ hideouts—can be explored. Near the final, sheer rock face, a stairway and a newly installed ladder by the army help visitors navigate the most challenging section. At the summit, visitors will find the remnants of a small ancient ‘dagaba’ and a solitary tree known as the ‘Ehela’. 

However, the biggest attraction is the trek to the summit of Thoppigala. The climb begins with a manageable ascent up the ‘bottom part of the hat’ before transitioning into a steep vertical climb. After an 800-metre climb, hikers are rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view stretching across Batti, Passi Beach, Aralaganwila, Vakarai and of course towards Ampara.

‘Thoppigala Heritage Park’ is the result of a collaboration between Dilmah Conservation, the Forest Department, and the Sri Lankan Army. Dilmah Conservation, the social responsibility arm of the Dilmah Tea Company, is engaged in eco-friendly projects aimed at promoting sustainable environmental practices in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

However ‘Thoppigala’ jungle remains a free wildlife park, home to hundreds of wild elephants, deer, leopards, a wide variety of birds and many other species.

For more details of excursions log onto www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-passikudah

Pix by Sanath Weerasuriya