Trincomalee

Nilaveli is a beach resort about 16 kilometers northwest of Trincomalee on the east coast. You come here for the long sandy beach and, above all, for Pigeon Island National Park, which is only about one kilometer offshore and is considered one of Sri Lanka's best snorkeling spots.After the 2004 Tsunami and the civil war, visitors stayed away for a long time, but tourism has recovered since 2010. The village itself mainly consists of hotels, guesthouses, and simple restaurants along the coast; tourist life is concentrated on the beach section opposite the island.The name is often interpreted as a combination of Tamil Nilā (moonlight) and vèli (open land). The best time for boat trips and snorkeling is from about April or May to September; outside these months, the Northeast Monsoon makes the sea rough.

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, 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.

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.

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.