The East Coast
Empty beaches, world-class surf and snorkelling when the south is rainy.
When the monsoon hits the south-west, the east coast comes into its own. Trincomalee has one of the finest natural harbours in the world, the cliff-top Koneswaram Temple and the white sands of Nilaveli and Uppuveli, with snorkelling around Pigeon Island. Further south, Pasikudah’s shallow bay is perfect for families and Arugam Bay is the island’s surf capital from April to October. Kumana and Gal Oya national parks add wildlife with far fewer jeeps than Yala.
Highlights
- Snorkelling at Pigeon Island
- Surfing Arugam Bay’s Main Point
- Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock
- Boat safari on Gal Oya reservoir
Places to visit in The East Coast
beachThe East Coast
Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka's surf capital, with a long right-hand point break and several breaks within a short tuk-tuk ride. Outside the surf season it is very quiet and many places close.
Best: April to October (surf season)
beachThe East Coast
Trincomalee
A historic port with one of the finest natural harbours in the world, the cliff-top Koneswaram Temple and nearby beaches at Uppuveli and Nilaveli. The best beach base on the east coast from May to September.
Best: May to September
wildlifeThe East Coast
Gal Oya National Park
The only park in Sri Lanka with boat safaris, on the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir, where elephants sometimes swim between islands. Remote, peaceful and rarely visited.
Best: March to July
wildlifeThe East Coast
Kumana National Park
The wild eastern extension of Yala, famous for its mangrove swamp bird colonies, plus elephants and leopards. Usually reached on a safari from Arugam Bay, with very few other vehicles.
Best: April to July (birds)
natureThe East Coast
Batticaloa Lagoon
A long lagoon wrapped around the town of Batticaloa, known for its Dutch fort, lighthouse and the legend of the 'singing fish' heard on still, full-moon nights.
Best: May to September
beachThe East Coast
Kalkudah Beach
The wilder, quieter neighbour of Pasikudah, with a long beach and few buildings. Bring your own shade and check sea conditions before swimming.
Best: May to September
beachThe East Coast
Pasikudah Bay
A shallow, reef-protected bay where you can wade far out in calm, clear water — one of the most child-friendly beaches in the country. Mostly lined with resort hotels.
Best: May to September
wildlifeThe East Coast
Pigeon Island National Park
A marine national park off Nilaveli with coral, reef fish and blacktip reef sharks in shallow water. Go early, don't touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Best: May to September
beachThe East Coast
Uppuveli Beach
A relaxed beach village just north of Trincomalee town with guesthouses, beach restaurants and easy access to dive and whale-watching trips.
Best: May to September
beachThe East Coast
Nilaveli Beach
A long, quiet stretch of pale sand north of Trincomalee, with calm sea in season and boats out to Pigeon Island. Good for families and slow beach days.
Best: May to September
religiousThe East Coast
Koneswaram Temple
A revered Hindu temple to Shiva on Swami Rock, a cliff above the sea in Trincomalee's Fort Frederick. Visit around a puja and look out for whales and dolphins from the cliffs in season.
Best: Year-round