Red Dot Tours | Sri Lanka | East coast highlights

East Coast

Snapshot

The East Coast extends from the Yala East National Park and Arugam Bay in the South all the way to Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee in the North east. Sri Lanka’s equivalent of the Maldives, with never-ending white sandy beaches, coral islands and shimmering blue seas, the east coast is distinctly different from the coastal areas of the rest of the island. Trincomalee has a long season that extends from March to October when the seas are at their best. Bask in the sun on the secluded beaches of Trincomalee or snorkel around the reefs of Pigeon Island. Arugam Bay, famously known as one of 10 best surf spots in the world, is best for surfing from July/August when the swells are high and the wave breaks are thrilling. But it is not all about sun and surf on the East CoAst. Explore ancient ruins and rock sculptures dating back centuries, untouched wilderness where elephant roam free, and the breathtaking views of the Trincomalee harbour – the world’s deepest and largest natural harbour.

Don’t Miss

Secluded white sandy beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli in Trinco

Snorkelling on around Pigeon Island in Trinco

Ancient Koneswaram Kovil and Fort Federcik

Breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Trincomalee harbour from Swami Rock

Surfing in the laid-back beach settlement of Arugam Bay in July/August

Eating spicy Roti and fresh seafood at one of Arugam Bay’s beachside restaurants

Catching the sunrise over the shimmering ocean

Saturday nights at Mambo’s overlooking Surf Point

Wild elephants in Lahugala National Park

Pottuvil lagoon where crocodiles bask in the sun and waterbirds search for their prey

Jungle trek to the 2nd century ruins of Kudimbigala

Ancient Buddhist rock sculptures of Buduruwagala and Maligavila

Ruins of Magul Maha Vihara dating back to the 6th century

Photo Gallery

Getting There

The holiday destinations in the East are located in Trincomalee and Arugam Bay. The beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli in Trincomalee in the North East are reached via Habarana in the Cultural Triangle. The A6 route from Habarana to Trincomalee is fast being developed and takes about 2.5 hours. Arugam Bay on the South East can be reached via Moneragala which can be accessed when travelling from Colombo, the southern highlands (Badulla, Ella, Haputale), Kandy via Mahiyangana or the South Coast via Buttala and Wellawaya. The direct journey to the East Coast from Colombo on the A4 route is a long one and takes about 8 hours. This road is gradually being developed right up to Pottuvil which makes travelling easier. For those wanting to avoid the more winding parts towards Beragala on the A4, it is recommended to cut across Uda Walawe and Tanamalwilla. On this route and overnight stay at Uda Walawe is recommended for those who enjoy wildlife and nature. Returning from Trincomalee and Arugam Bay there remain a few routine security checks and guests are advised to travel with their passports or if Sri Lankan, National Identification Cards. Travelling at night on the A6 route beyond Habarana and the A4 route beyond Moneragala is not advisable.

Historical Background

The history of the south east dates back to the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom of the 3rd century B.C. ruled by King Kavantissa, father of Dutugemunu. Excavated ruins in the Deegawapi in Ampara including ancient temples, rock inscriptions and ancient caves are now protected by the Department of Archeology. The Deegawapi Archeological museum exhibits ancient stone, metal, terracotta findings within this area. Further north along the east coast lies Trincomalee referred to as `Trinco’. Blessed with beautiful beaches and the worlds deepest and largest natural harbour, Trinco has been the envy of many a colonial power which has battled for this strategic port beginning with the Portuguese in the 17th century followed by the Dutch and the British. During World War II Trincomalee was established as a naval base by the British and still continues to be used by the Sri Lankan Navy. This beautiful region has undergone much hardship in the past as a result of the 30-year separatist war waged by the LTTE as well as the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. Terrorism was eradicated from the North and the East of Sri Lanka in May 2009. Recovery in these areas is now underway with renewed efforts at rebuilding lives and regaining the glory of this beautiful region making it once again an appealing holiday destination.

Sights

Most travellers head for the white sandy beaches north of Trincomalee in Nilaveli & Uppuveli. These secluded beaches that stretch for miles are different to the coastal areas of the rest of the island and is more similar to the beaches of Maldives. The coral reef around Pigeon Island, located a short boat ride away is ideal for snorkeling. Trincomalee’s natural harbour is considered to be the finest in the world and can be viewed from the Konewswaram Kovil & Swami Rock situated on a rock outcrop. Arugam Bay on the South East coast, offers high-class surfing (the best on the island), deserted beaches, ancient ruins and an astonishing range of fauna and flora in the wetlands, jungles of Lahugala National Park and Yala East National Park.

Accommodation

Trincomalee: Nilaveli Beach Hotel offers the most luxurious accommodation in Trincomalee. The hotel was badly affected by the Tsunami and reopened its doors in 2007 after a complete renovation by renowned Sri Lankan architect, Channa Daswatte. The hotel now offers spacious and stylish a/c rooms with all modern conveniences. Guests can once again relax on the pristine white sands of Nilaveli situated just by Pigeon Island - an excellent site for snorkelling. Club Oceanic, situated in Uppuveli, offers comfortable beach chalets and a/c rooms. The garden restaurant serves excellent seafood and the broad secluded beach here is perfect for relaxing. An Italian-run guest house, Palm Beach located in Uppuveli provides a homely feel just five minutes walk from the beach. Home-cooked Italian meals are popular here.

Arugam Bay: Arugam Bay has several beachside guest houses with accommodation in individual chalets or cabanas. The Stardust Hotel, situated at the beginning of the main strip, is the biggest hotel in town with eight double rooms and several cabanas. Galaxy Lounge and Aloha Cabanas are smaller guest houses with comfortable cabanas on stilts. Aloha Cabanas also has an in-house surf shop where surf boards can be rented and is popular with surfers. On the landside across the road, just 5 minutes stroll to the beach is the Hideaway set amidst a flowering garden and has individual chalets as well as tastefully done a/c rooms; the Danish Villa which has 4 a/c bedrooms, living and dinging room, is rented out as a whole or by the room and comes with a caretaker who will assist with the meals.

Food & Drink

Trincomalee: Club Oceanic serves tasty luncheon buffets with a range of Sri Lankan and western dishes. Dinners are served in the garden restaurant with sea views and serves up a variety of seafood specialties including prawns, crab, and lobster prepared to your liking. A BBQs is held every Saturday on the beach alongside a roaring bonfire. If you are up for sumptuous Italian food, then Palm Beach in Uppuveli is a must.

Arugam Bay: Walk along Arugam Bay’s main strip and there are several small eateries serving excellent spicy Rotis. For snacks and desserts try Café del Mar or Geckos (has delicious home made ice creams, breads, and cookies). The Siam View Hotel serves authentic Thai cuisine, the Hideaway serves good Chinese, Sri Lankan, and western dishes; and the Stardust Hotel which is the most expensive, serves excellent western cuisine amidst an atmospheric setting overlooking the sea. Mambos who also owns a beachside restaurant and nightclub in Hikkaduwa, is located nearby the Surf Point and serves light meals and drinks. Mambos come alive on Saturdays nights with music and dancing.

Shopping

Trincomalee town has small shops and markets where drinks, groceries and basic personal care products can be purchased as well as a few internet cafes and banks. Arugam Bay’s main strip has several internet cafes, surf shops where surf boards can be hired and some also provide surfing lessons, a few wayside clothing shops selling beach shorts to batik t-shirts (similar to Hikkaduwa), a small art gallery, a few grocery shops, two banks, pharmacy, and post office. Fresh seafood can be purchased directly from the fishing boats in the mornings as they come ashore after a night of fishing.

Events

Surfing in Arugambay: Listed as one of 10 best surf spots in the world, Arugam Bay comes alive each July/August which is the surfing season. The UK Pro-Surfing Association’s Sri Lanka Surf Championships returned to Arugam Bay in July 2009 with plans for an annual event. Promoted by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism and Sri Lankan Airlines, this surfing event saw over 45 local and foreign contestants from the UK, South Africa, Australia, and Japan participate.

Activities

Art Galleries & Museums
The Deegawapi Museum maintained by the Department of Archeology, is situated in the village of Deegawapi in Ampara has exhibits of excavated ancient ruins including stone, metal terracotta findings. The Museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. except for Tuesdays.

Fort Frederick
High above on a rock outcrop in Trinco staring into the Indian Ocean is Fort Frederick. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1624, this Fort was used by subsequent colonial powers as a naval base. Currently the Fort is used as barracks by the Sri Lankan Navy, but visitors are permitted to pass through to visit the Kneswaram Kovil a Hindu Kovil located at the end of the spit.

Koneswaram Kovil & Swami Rock in Trincomalee
Past Fort Frederck is Swami Rock also refereed to as `Lover’s leap’ – a shear cliff which is about 350 feet above sea level and looks straight down into the ocean below. It is said that the name `Lovers Leap’ was coined after an incident involving a Dutch Officer's daughter who had leapt into the sea at this point following a broken love affair. At the end of the spit which leads to the pinnacle of the rock, stands the newly built Konesvaram Kovil. The original ancient Hindu Kovil that stood here is said to have been destroyed by the Portuguese. At dusk each day, poojas (religious services) are conducted here. The views of Trincomalee’s natural harbour and the Indian Ocean are magnificent from here.

Velgam Vihara
Situated about 10 km northwest of Trinco, this Buddhist temple and ancient ruins dates back to the 2nd century AD and is a rare example of a Buddhist temple used by Tamils. Maintained by subsequent Chola Kings, the ruins of the ancient dagoba, image house and ancient inscriptions still remain.

Kudimbigala Forest Hermitage
Located near Panama, this forest hermitage is situated in a wilderness area that covers about 4,700 hectares and dates back to the 1st century BC with rock caves, inscriptions, and ruins of stone buildings. The spectacular views from the rock extend as far as Kataragama.

Magul Maha Vihara in Potuvil
Situated east of Lahugala National Park, the ancient ruins of the Magul Maha Vihara dates back to the 3rd century B.C. The ruins of an image house, dagoba, guard stones and moonstones can be seen.

Okanda Hindu Kovil
This is an ancient Hindu shrine located on top of the Okanda Mali rocky outcrop associated with ancient legends. This is an important resting place for Hindu pilgrims traveling on the 'Pada Yatra' (pilgrimage on foot) to Katragama. Pilgrims cleanse themselves here in the sacred natural pools on the rock.

Deegawapi ruins
Ruins of ancient Buddhist temples, stone buildings, caves and inscriptions that date back to the 3rd century B.C. remain in Deegawapi, Oluvil and Mollikulum in Ampara.

Swimming & snorkelling in Trinco
The beautiful white sandy beaches north of Trincomalee in Nilaveli & Uppuveli stretch for miles and is safe for swimming during the season from May to October. The coral reef around Pigeon Island, located a short boat ride offshore from Nilaveli is ideal for snorkelling.

Surfing in Arugam Bay
Listed as one of ten top surf spots in the world, Arugam Bay is a popular haunt for surfers especially during the season between July and August. There are several popular point breaks including Ullah Point, Pottuvil Point, Surf Point, Peanut Farm Point, Surf Point, and Crocodile Rock. `Surf Point’ that breaks at the headland in front of Arugam Bay is suitable for body surfing and beginners; Pottuvil Point situated on a deserted beach north of Arugam Bay is more suitable for experienced surfers; and Crocodile Rock another challenging surf point is located south of Arugam Bay. Waves of up to 5-6ft and up to a 400 metre `ride’, the relatively isolated beaches and simple, laid-back lifestyle, away from the main tourist haunts, are a major attraction to surfers.

Arugam Bay Sea Safaris
A community-based eco tourism project run by the United Deep Sea Fishermen’s Co-operative Society in Arugam Bay offers sea safaris for spotting Dolphins, Marine Turtles, and whale watching. This community-led initiative provides a much-needed income to the villagers.

Yoga & Meditation
The Stardust Hotel in Arugam Bay conducts daily Yoga lessons during July/August. There is also a wellness programme that offers a blend of massage techniques ranging from Deep tissue and Zen shiatsu to Acucrystal pressure and Reflexology. Aromatherapy oils are used for these massage techniques.

Pigeon Islands
consisting of two small islands covering an extent of off the coast of Nilaveli in Trincomalee, is a protected National Park under the Department of Wildlife & Conservation. A breeding site for Blue Rock Pigeon, these islands are surrounded by coral reefs and soft coral which are ideal for snorkeling. The Pigeon islands are only a short boat ride off the coast in Nilaveli.

Whale spotting
The waters around Trincomalee and Arugam Bay are inhabited by Dolphins, Marine Turtles and Whales during specific times of the year. Blue Whales, Bryde’s Whale and the Sperm Whale have been spotted.

Arugam Bay’s Eco Guides
Certified Eco Tour Guides from the Community Based Eco Guides Association offers half-day and full-day eco tours that covers the archeological and natural wonders of the Pottuvil, Arugambay and Panama areas. This community led initiatives provides income-generating opportunities for the villagers. Bookings are undertaken at the Community Training Centre which is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Pottuvil Lagoon Eco Tours
A unique community based eco-tourisms project aimed at conserving the mangrove eco-system in Pottuvil Lagoon. The eco tours are conducted by the area fisherman in paddled canoes. Pottuvil Lagoon home to over 70 species of birds both resident and migratory species as well as monitor lizards, crocodiles, and monkeys. There is also a Mangrove Education Centre that displays information about Mangrove conservation. This project is done by the Hidayapuram Fisheries Cooperative Society which consists of the area fisherman.

Gal Oya National Park near Ampara
Established in1954, this National Park of 260 sq kms borders the Senanayake Samudra (reservoir) and consists of forest and grassland which is home to over 32 species of mammals including leopard, sloth bear, elephant and over 150 species of birds.

Kumana or Yala East from Potuvil
With an extent of 18,000 hectares, this National Park is joined to the main Yala National Park on the west side by the Block 2. The villu’s of Kumana are nesting sites for species of herons, storks, pelicans and a numerous other water birds. (Due to reopen in December 2009)

Maligawila Buddha statues
Situated south of Monaragala en route to Pottuvil, are the two ancient Maligawila Buddha statues crafted out of crystalline limestone and ancient ruins set amidst wilderness. The statue on the left as you entre the area is an 11 metre high standing Buddha. A walk in the opposite direction takes you to the Maitreya or Avalokitesvara statue dating back to the 7th century AD.

Buduruwagala’s ancient rock sculptures
The ancient rock carvings at Buduruwagala, close to Welawaya, date back to the 8th century. Seven gigantic Buddhist figures are sculpted into a 70ft cliff including a colossal image of Lord Buddha spanning a height of about 50ft.

Lahugala Kitulana National Park near Potuvil
This 1,554 hectare park was a favorite with elephants that used to converge in their hundred to Lahugala tank (lake) and the adjoining Kitulana tank. An elephant’s delicacy – a species of grass known as `Beru’ which only grows in these two tanks was the main attraction for these wild elephants. Unfortunately, unchecked logging has reduced the forest cover here and the elephants inhabiting the park have reduced. (Due to reopen December 2009)

Bundala National Park
Bundala is an important and beautiful Wetland Sanctuary combining 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub which host more than 150 bird species. These wetlands are home to winter migratory birds and large flocks of flamingoes. The lagoons prove popular with crocodiles whilst on dry land herds of up to 60 elephants can be seen, as well as civets and giant squirrels. From October to January the area, near Tissamaharama on the south coast, also receives visits from the endangered marine turtles that lay their eggs on the shore. A visit to Bundala will reward all those who’ve sought out this lesser-known National Park.