Sri Lanka East Coast Itinerary: Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay

From May to September, while the south-west monsoon brings rain and rough seas to the south and west coasts, Sri Lanka's east coast enjoys dry, sunny weather and calm water. It's less developed than the south, with long empty beaches, Hindu temples, coral reefs and a strong Tamil and Muslim cultural influence.

Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Uppuveli (3–4 days)

Trincomalee sits on one of the world's largest natural harbours. Highlights:

• Koneswaram Temple — a Hindu temple on Swami Rock, high above the sea. Visit at sunset.
• Pigeon Island National Park — a short boat ride from Nilaveli, with reef sharks, turtles and colourful fish. Go early before the crowds. See our snorkelling and diving guide.
• Whale and dolphin watching — Trincomalee's season runs roughly March to August. See our whale watching guide.
• Beaches — Nilaveli is long, wide and quiet; Uppuveli is closer to town, with more restaurants.
• Marble Beach and the hot wells at Kanniya are easy half-day trips.

Pasikudah and Kalkudah (2 days)

Pasikudah Bay has one of the longest stretches of shallow, sheltered water in Sri Lanka — you can wade out a long way, making it perfect for families. It's lined with resort hotels. Neighbouring Kalkudah is wilder and quieter.

Batticaloa (1 day)

Batticaloa is a lagoon town with a small Dutch fort, a lighthouse, churches and temples, and the famous "singing fish" said to be heard from the lagoon bridge on full-moon nights. It's a good stop on the long drive south.

Arugam Bay (3–5 days)

Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's surf capital, at its best from April to October. Even non-surfers love it:

• Surf at Main Point, or take lessons at gentler breaks such as Whiskey Point and Peanut Farm. See our surfing guide.
• Safari at Kumana National Park for birds, elephants and the chance of a leopard, or the lagoons near Pottuvil.
• Sunrise at Elephant Rock and lagoon safaris to see crocodiles and birds.
• Kudumbigala forest hermitage and the ruins at Muhudu Maha Viharaya.

Getting there

• From the Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya to Trincomalee is about 2.5 hours by road.
• Trincomalee to Pasikudah: about 2.5 hours. Pasikudah to Arugam Bay: about 3 hours.
• From Ella: about 3.5 hours to Arugam Bay — a great way to link the hill country with the coast.
• By train: lines run from Colombo to Trincomalee and to Batticaloa.

Sample 10-day summer route

1. Negombo (1 night)
2. Sigiriya (2 nights) — Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, safari
3. Trincomalee / Nilaveli (3 nights)
4. Pasikudah (1 night)
5. Arugam Bay (3 nights)

Extend with Kandy and Ella before Arugam Bay, then fly home from Colombo. Our 3-week itinerary shows a summer version.

When to avoid the east coast

From November to February, the north-east monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas. Many guesthouses and surf businesses in Arugam Bay close during this time.