Fantastic Places to go on the East Coast

Sri Lanka’s East Coast offers some of the best places to go for an unforgettable vacation. The pace of life is slower than on the west and southern coasts, so you can indulge in a more serene vacation. What’s more, there are incredible destinations you can visit in addition to the stunning beaches.

Sri Lanka’s East Coast offers some of the best places to go for an unforgettable vacation. The pace of life is slower than on the west and southern coasts, so you can indulge in a more serene vacation. What’s more, there are incredible destinations you can visit in addition to the stunning beaches. The East Coast has several national parks that draw in smaller crowds. So you can enjoy a safari without overcrowding the park. The vast majority of the region is left as wilderness, so wildlife can thrive in safety. You can also visit ancient ruins and old battlegrounds hidden within the greenery of the landscape. Of course, no one can forget the incredible beaches of the East Coast. Several resort towns offer the perfect vacation spot for locals and tourists alike. Since many of the local villages depend on fishing, you can always count on fresh seafood, which brings us to another reason to visit the East Coast – the cuisine. Some of Sri Lanka’s finest crabs can be found in the lagoons and sea around Batticaloa. So make sure to sample some during your visit! And now, without further ado, here are the top East Coast attractions and destinations you shouldn’t miss.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is one of the best places to go if you love surfing. This East Coast destination is popular among surfers from around the globe. They would spend weeks in Arugam Bay surfing around the many excellent surf points scattered around the neighbourhood. There are several places of worship in Arugam Bay that you can visit. One of these places, Muhudu Maha Viharaya in Pottuvil, has an intricate legend attached to it. So if you visit, you can learn more about Sri Lanka’s history and the legends inspired by facts and events of the past.

Don’t miss the nearby Kumana National Park, one of the must-visit East Coast attractions, where you can spot a variety of wildlife including elephants and leopards. You can even take a lagoon safari in the nearby Pottuvil Lagoon. Keep your eye out for crocodiles sunning themselves on half-submerged logs or even on the muddy banks!

Arugam Bay also has a lively nightlife and a laid-back atmosphere. The resort town caters to the preferences of tourists, so it comes alive after sunset when the heat goes down.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is rich in history and cultural heritage. The Koneswaram Temple, perched on a cliff, offers stunning views and a deep sense of history.

The town is also home to some of the most famous East Coast beaches in Sri Lanka. Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches are great honeymoon destinations. Trincomalee is also a great place to go if you want to enjoy whale-watching. These beaches are perfect to set off on the expedition. The whale watching season lasts from May to October in the East Coast. However, to catch the largest mammal on earth – the blue whale – time your tour to July.

Trincomalee town is a bustling place with an ancient Dutch Fortress. Fort Frederick protected the area since its natural harbour made Trincomalee an ideal port town. Today, the Sri Lankan military occupies it. Nevertheless, you can still explore much of the fort.

The Pigeon Island National Park is an adventure waiting to happen. Located a few kilometres off the coast from the mainland, the island is a scenic little spot with plenty of marine life teeming in the sea that surrounds it. You can even take a swim with friendly sharks if you like.

Don’t forget to take a dip in the hot springs in Trinco!

Batticaloa

Batticaloa is one of the greatest places to go on holiday. The powdery sand of its beaches invites you to play in the shallow and gentle sea. While it is not strictly the perfect location on the East Coast to watch the sunrise, you can still enjoy the dawn hours at the beach in peace.

The lagoon in Batticaloa is home to singing fish. Whether you experience this phenomenon or not, you will enjoy a visit to the lagoon. The lagoon also produces some of the finest crabs in Sri Lanka. So don’t be surprised to see crabs featured on many menus around Batticaloa!

The Dutch Fort, a historical site, provides a glimpse into the area’s colonial past. Although much of it now houses administrative buildings, you can still see some canons pointed towards the sea.

Pasikuda

Located between Trincomalee and Batticaloa is a cute resort town. Pasikuda is a famous beach destination popular for its shallow and calm waters. Thus, it is an ideal spot for swimming and water sports. The luxurious resorts along the beach offer the perfect setting for a pampered stay. You can also explore the coral reefs and marine life, making it one of the most exciting East Coast attractions. If you prefer less crowded places to go, Kalkudah Beach is perfect. This peaceful East Coast destination is less than 10 minutes away from Pasikuda. It is perfect for relaxation and long walks along the shore. You can also visit nearby Hindu temples and local markets to experience the local culture.

Kumana National Park

Be sure to go on a safari around Kumana National Park. This is a must-visit place to go for any wildlife and bird enthusiasts. The park is a rich biodiversity hotspot. Many national parks have one species that makes the park famous. In Kumana, the wealth of birdlife draws in the crowds. However, you can take a safari to spot a variety of animals, including elephants, deer, and leopards. Within the park, you can also find historical ruins and ancient sites, adding to its allure as one of the top East Coast destinations.

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