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    East Coast

    Sri Lanka

    East Coast

    Region

    Sri Lanka's east coast stretches from Trincomalee in the north to Arugam Bay in the south, forming the Eastern Province with the districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sri Lanka
    7. East Coast
    Sri Lanka's east coast stretches from Trincomalee in the north to Arugam Bay in the south, forming the Eastern Province with the districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara. This is where you travel primarily in summer: While the monsoon brings rain to the southwest coast, the east coast is dry and the sea calm from around May to September.The region combines long sandy beaches and shallow bays with a rich, layered history. Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhalese communities shape the towns and cuisine, while Portuguese and Dutch forts recall the colonial era.
    To the north of the region, Trincomalee features one of the world's largest natural harbours, the Hindu Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock, and Fort Frederick. Some 16 kilometres further north lie the beach town of Nilaveli and Pigeon Island National Park, one of the country's two marine national parks, with coral reefs and blacktip reef sharks.Further south lies Pasikudah with its shallow, reef-protected bay, about 35 kilometres from Batticaloa, with its lagoon and colonial fort. To the very south, Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's best-known surf spot and a starting point for the Kumana and Lahugala-Kitulana National Parks.The Eastern Province experienced severe destruction during the civil war and the 2004 tsunami. Since 2009, tourism has significantly recovered, but development has remained restrained compared to the southwest coast. Current travel and safety advice can be found at the UK government's FCDO travel advice (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice).
    Trincomalee
    Ceylon Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Place 1 of 4

    Trincomalee

    Trincomalee, the capital of the Eastern Province, is home to one of the world's largest natural harbours.

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    Nilaveli & Pigeon Island
    AntanO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Place 2 of 4

    Nilaveli & Pigeon Island

    Nilaveli is a beach resort about 16 kilometers northwest of Trincomalee on the east coast.

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    Pasikudah
    Imaadwhd / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

    Place 3 of 4

    Pasikudah

    Pasikudah is a coastal resort on the east coast, about 35 kilometres northwest of Batticaloa. You come here for the sheltered bay: a reef runs across the beach, the water remains shallow far out, and you can walk about 50 metres into the sea.

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    Arugam Bay

    Place 4 of 4

    Arugam Bay

    Arugam Bay is located on the southeastern coast, approximately four kilometers south of Pottuvil and about 320 kilometers east of Colombo.

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    Round trips through this region

    East Coast and North: Trincomalee, Jaffna and Arugam Bay

    East Coast and North: Trincomalee, Jaffna and Arugam Bay

    This route takes you to the island's rain shadow during the southwest monsoon: to the bays around Trincomalee, to Tamil-influenced Jaffna and the surf coast of Arugam Bay. It's ideal for May to September.

    15 Days
    7 stops

    Nearby

    Pasikudah

    Pasikudah

    Pasikudah is a coastal resort on the east coast, about 35 kilometres northwest of Batticaloa. You come here for the sheltered bay: a reef runs across the beach, the water remains shallow far out, and you can walk about 50 metres into the sea.The once small Tamil hamlet was severely affected by the civil war and the 2004 tsunami. Since 2009, several resorts have emerged along the bay, but strict environmental regulations have prevented mass development. Pasikudah lies north of the headland, and to its south is the quieter beach of Kalkudah.For a day trip, Batticaloa is worthwhile, with its Portuguese-Dutch fort, the extensive lagoon, and the legend of the singing fish.
    Polonnaruwa

    Polonnaruwa

    Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second great royal city after Anuradhapura, boasts an extensive ruined city, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. Palace complexes, temples, and the rock sculptures of Gal Vihara can be easily explored by bike in a day.The city lies east of the Cultural Triangle, by the Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Its archaeological zone stretches north of the current city, while the modern center with train and bus stations is about three kilometers south in the Kaduruwela district.After Vijayabahu I captured the city in 1070, it flourished under Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. From this era derive the Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle with the Vatadage, and irrigation systems surpassing those of the Anuradhapura period.
    Minneriya National Park

    Minneriya National Park

    Minneriya National Park, located in the Cultural Triangle, protects the catchment area of an ancient reservoir and is famous for the so-called Gathering: during the dry season, large numbers of elephants gather on its banks. Estimates range from 150 to 200 animals, with some reports mentioning up to 700.The park is situated approximately 182 kilometres from Colombo, between Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, and covers nearly 8,900 hectares. King Mahasena commissioned the Minneriya Reservoir in the 3rd century.Declared a protected area in 1938, Minneriya became a National Park in 1997. Besides elephants, Sambar deer, White-bearded langurs, Toque macaques, and rarely leopards live here; additionally, around 160 bird species are recorded, including Grey Pelicans and Painted Storks.
    Trincomalee

    Trincomalee

    Trincomalee, the capital of the Eastern Province, is home to one of the world's largest natural harbours. You come here for the Koneswaram Temple high above the sea, Fort Frederick, and the beaches north of the city, which are at their best from May to September.The circular harbour is framed by two headlands and terraced hills; Admiral Horatio Nelson reportedly called it the most beautiful harbour in the world. Fort Frederick is situated on the peninsula between the harbour and the open sea, with Swami Rock and the temple rising at its tip.Most accommodation and restaurants are not found in the centre, but in the northern beach district of Uppuveli, which is considered the city's resort area. From here, it's just a few kilometres to Nilaveli and Pigeon Island National Park.
    Sigiriya

    Sigiriya

    Sigiriya is an approximately 180-meter-high granite rock in the Cultural Triangle, on whose summit plateau King Kashyapa had his palace built in the 5th century. The rock fortress, with water gardens, frescoes, and the Lion Gate, is one of Sri Lanka's most famous archaeological sites and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982.The rock is located near the city of Dambulla. At the foot of the complex lies Sigiriya village, with accommodations and restaurants along a main road. Just under a kilometer north rises Pidurangala Rock, from which you can look out over Sigiriya.Kashyapa reigned, according to common dating, from 477 to 495 and made the rock both his palace and capital. The ascent leads through garden and terrace complexes, past the Mirror Wall and the Fresco Gallery to the Lion Gate, and from there up stairs to the plateau.

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