Top 9 Reasons to Travel to Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast

By / September 27, 2023

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Top 9 Reasons to Travel to Sri Lanka’s Eastern Seaboard

Southern Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast, including the coastal town of Galle and the tea plantation-covered mountains of Kandy, is swiftly gaining a reputation as one of the world’s popular vacation places. What do we suggest? Stay ahead of the crowds by heading to Sri Lanka’s east coast before everyone else does.

1. The beaches on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast are a major magnet for vacationers.

The eastern coast of Sri Lanka is home to endless stretches of pristine white sand, despite the fact that resorts are springing up in some areas (such as Passekudah beach, north of Batticaloa). You may expect to have your favourite Sri Lanka beach beach holiday in a total solitude, you may encounter perhaps the occasional crab. Kalkudah Beach is fantastic, but we also really like the stretch of shore that begins just south of Kuchaveli and features secluded coves and palm tree groves.

2. Uncrowded Beaches

Parts of the eastern coast have been earmarked for future development (usually via the creation of Special Economic Zones; SEZs), while other parts remain completely uninhabited. This includes the beaches to the north of Trincomalee, which were on the front lines during the civil war and hence were not developed. Uppuveli and Nilaveli beaches, as well as Pigeon Island National Park, a protected area with a few strictly regulated designated dive sites, are two more unknown beauties worth seeing.

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3. Animal Life

Off the east coast, it is not uncommon to witness pods of up to a thousand dolphins, thus whales and dolphins watching is a very popular activity in Sri Lanka east coast . Snorkelling allows you to see the incredible marine life without having to learn to scuba dive. Not just marine life, but also land creatures, thrive in this region. Visits to Yala East National Park and Kudumbigala Forest Hermitage, a reserve known for its birdlife, can be easily arranged from the beautiful Arugam Bay, which is located near the southernmost point of the eastern coast.

4. Diving

Excellent diving spots can be found all along the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, and the country is quickly rising in popularity as a top diving destination. The best time for holiday in Sri Lanka east coast and best time to go diving here is between May and October. Nilaveli Beach is popular among scuba divers and snorkelers because the shallow seas make it easy to access the adjacent shipwreck. The nearby Pigeon Island National Park is renowned for its abundance of colourful corals, sharks, and turtles. Trincomalee’s huge harbour is the largest natural harbour in the world, making it a popular destination for scuba divers. Many ships have gone down in this area, and some of them have brought down British fighter planes with them. Passekudah, with its many shipwrecks, is another great spot for snorkelers.

5. Delicious Cuisine

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that seafood is the focal point of the cuisine in this part of Sri Lanka. Aromatic mackerel, green chiles, mustard, turmeric, and coconut will provide a touch of the region to your seafood recipes. The delicious variety of Eastern Sri Lankan cuisine can be attributed, in part, to the peaceful cohabitation of the island’s three main ethnic groups: the Sinhalese, the Muslims, and the Tamils. Try some thosai, the delicious lentil pancakes that are popular in the east and north of the country. Flaky paratha flatbreads and freshly baked roti cooked with grated coconut, wheat, water, and salt are just two examples of the numerous delicious breads available.
For more information about Sri Lankan food, see our picks for the best dishes to taste.

6. History of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast

Sri Lanka has a complicated history. During the civil war, the eastern coast was divided between territory held by the government and the LTTE. Cities, towns, and once-thriving beach resorts were demolished by the former before they were pushed out in 2007. One of the reasons why the East Coast doesn’t have more popular tourist destinations has always been this. The Dutch and the Portuguese left their mark as well, but less obviously. Beautiful Dutch and Portuguese buildings dot the coast, with the Portuguese constructing Fort Frederick in Trincomalee back in the seventeenth century. The Maritime and Naval History Museum in Dutch Bay is another fascinating option, as it is housed in a colonial-style building. A former official residence of the Dutch Naval Commissioner, this palace has a rich history.

7. Religious sites of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast

Beautiful mosques and temples can be seen on the eastern seaboard. The Hindu Koneswaram temple at Dutch Bay is a good example; it is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the water. The native fisherman of Sri Lanka pray to the goddess of the sea at one of the country’s most revered temples. The Velgam Vehera Buddhist temple remains may be found just outside of Trincomalee. The building, which had been standing since 992 A.D., was razed. Those responsible for its destruction then helped pay for its restoration.
We’re using the fact that Sri Lanka’s main airport is located in Colombo (near the Red Mosque, also known as the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque) as an excuse to shine a spotlight on one of the city’s most impressive landmarks.

8. Surfing in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast

Yes, that’s right. Sri Lanka has the potential to become the most popular new surfing destination in Asia (for more information, check out our most recent piece). It rains on the west coast when it’s sunny on the east, and vice versa. The best time to hang is between April and October. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, is widely regarded as the country’s and the world’s premier surfing destination. Stand-up paddleboarding has gained popularity here as well.

9. Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast: Easy to reach

The accessibility of the eastern shore is improving, which contributes to its growing popularity. This suggests that there is an increase in the number of tour operators offering scheduled trips along the East Coast. Travel agencies on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast provide a wide variety of unique experiences, from guided sailing trips to surf camps and even completely personalised vacation packages.
Feeling inspired by our reasons for visiting Sri Lanka’s eastern coast? Explore the world with the help of a vetted local expert and our newest travel option, tailor-made travel.

How to book a trips to Sri Lanka

How to book a trips to Sri Lanka East Coast A trip to Sri Lanka is available in many forms. The tourist can even book a Sri Lanka one-day tour to the east coast from many cultural triangle cities such as Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla. However, a one-day tour from Colombo to the east can be a daunting task due to the long distance to cover. The tourists might need to plan at least a 2-day Sri Lankan trip in order to visit the east coast of Sri Lanka from Colombo. Tour operators like Serendipity Tours organise Sri Lanka tour packages with inclusions of the east coast throughout the year. If you would like to book a Sri Lankan tour itinerary with the East Coast, please get in touch with us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, call us, or WhatsApp us at 0094774440977.

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