Red Dot Tours | Sri Lanka | East coast highlights

North East Coast

Snapshot

Sri Lanka’s equivalent of the Maldives, with never-ending white sandy beaches, coral islands and shimmering blue seas, the North East coast is distinctly different from the coastal areas of the rest of the island. The North East Coast covers Trincomalee and Pasekudah in Batticaloa. This region 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 and Pasekudah Bay, go snorkelling and discover the magnificent marine life around the coral reefs, or take a whale-watching expedition. It is not all about the sun and surf on the North East Coast. Explore ancient Hindu temples dating back centuries, and the breathtaking views of the Trincomalee harbour – the world’s deepest and largest natural harbour.

Don’t Miss

White sandy beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli in Trinco

Snorkelling around Pigeon Island in Trinco or Pasekudah Bay

Ancient Koneswaram Kovil and Fort Federick

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

Whale and dolphin-watching expeditions

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

Getting There

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 takes about 2.5 hours. The coastal village of Pasekudah in Batticaloa can be accessed via Polonnaruwa and Giritale on the A11 route which has been fully developed and takes only about 1.5 hours.

Historical Background

Trincomalee, referred to as `Trinco’ is 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 26-years of terrorism 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. Pasekudah located south of Trincomalee is a coastal fishing village that was at one time a popular beach destination with several small beachside guesthouses. Pasekudah’s secluded cove like beaches and magnificent underwater marine life is once again accessible to all.

Accommodation

Trincomalee and beaches: Nilaveli Beach Hotel 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. Chaaya Blu is located in Uppuveli just before Nilaveli and is now one of the finest hotels on the north eastern coast of Sri Lanka with a `retro chic’ theme running through the hotel. Upgraded and new hotels are due to come on stream from 2011 onwards and the best will be on the Red Dot website.

Pasekudah Bay: Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa opened in June 2011 and is the first beach resort to be developed in the district of Batticaloa after the dawning of peace in 2009. Set on a on a pristine stretch of beach fronting the turquoise waters of Pasekudah Bay, the resort is designed along the lines of a `wadiya’ or fishing village with the public spaces and accommodation in the form of eco-friendly timber chalets with thatched roofs. The resort offers luxurious chalets equipped with all modern conveniences, an infinity swimming pool, restaurant serving international cuisine, an Ayurvedic spa and watersports.

Food & Drink

Trincomalee: Chaaya Blu serves Sri Lankan and international cuisine buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner at their main restaurant. The speciality seafood restaurant by the beach, offers a range of fresh seafood dishes, especially crab, prepared to your liking. The Nilaveli Beach Hotel has an indoor restaurant that serves a set menu of Sri Lankan and western dishes and is laid out in buffet style. The poolside garden restaurant opening out to the sea has an a la carte menu and serves a range of light snacks and seafood specialties. Both Chaaya Blu and Nilaveli Beach Hotel organises beach BBQs on Saturday nights under a starlit sky. If you are up for sumptuous Italian food, then Palm Beach guest house in Uppuveli is a must.

Pasekudah: For authentic home-made local cuisine, dine at the Nandawanam Guesthouse in Kalkudah which is located just 10 minutes away from Pasekudah. Half an hour north of Pasekudah in Panichankerni, Vakarai is the Tranquil Coral Cottages, a rustic, small beachside guesthouse which also serves a tasty rice and curry lunch including fresh seafood purchased directly from the local fisherman. Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa in Pasekudah, serves a range of seafood specialties, Sri Lankan and international cuisine.

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. Fresh seafood can be purchased directly from the fishing boats in the mornings as they come ashore after a night of fishing.

Activities

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 Koneswaram Kovil a Hindu Kovil located at the end of the spit.

Koneswaram Kovil & Swami Rock
Past Fort Frederick 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.

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.

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 and dolphin spotting
The waters around Trincomalee are inhabited by dolphins and whales including the gigantic Blue Whales, Bryde’s Whale and the Sperm Whale as well as spinner and bottle nosed dolphins have been spotted here. Whale and dolphin spotting excursions are offered during the season from May to October when the waters are sufficiently calm to go into the deep seas.

Boating and Snorkelling in Pasekudah Bay
Join a fisherman on his catamaran and wade through the turquoise waters of Pasekudah Bay. Visit the nearby uninhabited coral island and spend a few hours snorkelling. The coral reef that surrounds this island is home to colourful coral gardens and exotic species of reef fish.