East Coast
Sri Lanka’s East Coast is a beautiful coastal belt with broad endless beaches, serene lagoons, Hindu Kovils, mosques and remote fishing villages. The seas in this region are in season and safe for swimming and surfing from around March to September. Travelling south along the A4 roadway from Trincomalee in the north east to Arugam Bay in the south east, is an interesting experience.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is situated in the north east and is a popular beach destination. The turquoise seas and white sandy beaches of Nilaveli, Uppuveli and Kuchchaveli attracts many. There is much to explore in Trincomalee beyond the sun and surf. Trinco’s natural harbour that has continued to attract seafarers from the colonial period to today; the colonial period Fort Fredrick, and the sacred Konewawaram Hindu temple set on a rocky outcrop with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, are interesting to explore. Trincomalee can be accessed from the Cultural Triangle in the north central region.
Pasikudah
About two hours south of Trincomalee is Pasikudah Bay lined with boutique hotels and beach resorts that offer luxurious accommodation and a range of watersports including scuba diving, snorkeling & water skiing. Pasikudah is an ideal family beach getaway and can be accessed travelling south from Trincomalee or from the north central region. The Eastern hills can be reached from this region turning in land from Batticaloa.
Arugam Bay
The picturesque 3 hour journey from Pasikudah to Arugam Bay along the east coast is fascinating. The area is dotted with remote villages, tranquil lagoons that attracts many species of birds; lush paddy fields, colourful Hindu Kovils and Mosques. Once in the south east, Arugam Bay…. Sri Lanka’s most popular surfing destination, comes into full view. Here, ardent surfers ride the waves and enjoy barefoot living by the sea. There are many surf points for beginners and the more advanced including Whiskey Point, Pottuvil Point and Crocodile Rock. Surfing season starts towards May and goes on till September. The bay is lined with beach side bars and cafes; surf schools and surf shops; and guesthouses and beach hotels to suite any budget. There is much to this region other than the sun and surf. Venture off on an adventurous jeep safari into Kumana National Park where resident and migrant birds flock, and wild buffalo, sambar, deer, and the endangered Leopard, roams free. There are also several ancient heritage sites in this region dating back the 3rd century BC, that are interesting to explore. Arugam Bay can be reached via the south coast travelling from Wellawaya; or along the east coast travelling from Pasikudah.
- Take a stroll along the secluded beaches of Trincomalee and take in the mesmerizing sunrise.
- Go scuba diving around Pigeon Island in Trinco.
- Bask in the sun in Pasikudah.
- Ride the waves and enjoy the laid back vibe in Arugam Bay.
- Go on an adventurous jeep safari in search of the elusive leopard in Kumana.
Accommodation on the East Coast
Uga Jungle Beach, Trincomalee
Uga Jungle Beach is a luxurious holiday retreat located half an hour north of Trincomalee town. Situated in the remote village of Kuchchaveli and surrounded by a lagoon and lush wilderness that leads to the Indian Ocean, this is a tranquil setting that is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a romantic escape.
Nilavali Beach Hotel, Trincomalee
Nilavelli Beach Hotel fronts the white sandy beaches of Nilaveli, which is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. This mid-range holiday retreat offers well-appointed bedrooms, delicious cuisine, a welcoming ambience, and a spectacular beach setting that is ideal for friends travellilng together or families with children.
Ocean Front Condos Nilaveli, Trincomalee
A beachside holiday retreat offering apartment living by the sea in Trincomalee. Fronting the white sandy beaches of Nilaveli, the Ocean Front Condos consists of two to three bedroom apartments with living and dining areas, and fully equipped kitchens.
Malu Malu, Pasikudah
Maalu Maalu Resort is a laid back beach getaway fronting the pristine beaches of Pasikuda Bay on Sri Lanka’s East Coast.
Karapaha Sands, Pasikudah
Karpaha Sands is a dreamy beach retreat set on Kalkudah Bay on the East Coast. Situated on a coconut plantation, Karpaha Sands enjoys a 15km secluded beach frontage.
Kalkudah Beach House by Tear Drop, Pasikudah
Situated on a 25 acre coconut plantation, the Kalkudah Beach House is a secluded 5 bedroom beach villa fronting the pristine beaches of Kalkudah Bay on the East Coast.
Spice Trails, Arugam Bay
The Spice Trail is a welcoming holiday retreat in the heart of Arugam bay – Sri Lanka’s most popular surfing destination. Immersed in an acre of lush gardens and just a two-minute stroll away from the turquoise seas