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Do volunteer
work after the tsunami
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Revisit Nilaveli’s
shimmering beaches
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Surf at Arugam Bay as the
regeneration begins
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Visit the little-known Gal
Oya national park
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Investigate the quieter
areas of Yala game park |
Sri Lanka's east coast was hardest hit of all by the Boxing
Day tsunami. It continued a tale of great misfortune for
this region of Sri Lanka, which for much of the past 20
years, had been off limits to all but the most redoubtable
travellers because of the civil war in the north and east.
Before the tsunami wreaked such havoc, the ceasefire between
the government and the LTTE, brokered by the Norwegians
was tempting back tourists of more independent spirits,
welcomed with open arms by friendly locals eager to make
a fresh start.
Recovery once more is slowly underway. And those eager
to support the region in hard times will be rewarded by
scenes of great natural beauty -- Sri Lanka's equivalent
of the Maldives, with never-ending white beaches, mangrove
lagoons, coral islands and a shimmering blue sea.
The conservative mindset of many holidaymakers will mean
that only a handful of intrepid travellers will consider
the east coast for the foreseeable future. But that may
suit you just fine. If you wish to travel – and
try to make a small difference -- Red Dot will discuss
your aims and priorities.
You may be able to assist with volunteer work –
not just in the east, but in Galle ands the south coast,
too. Many who have just turned up, hoping to help, have
been disappointed. It is best to try to at least make
some contacts before you go.
The East coast is not easily travelled. Realistically,
it splits into two sections:
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The Trincomalee and Nilaveli area
towards the north, which is best reached via the
cultural triangle.
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Arugam Bay, further south, which can be reached
via the Southern Highlands, or by travelling up
the coast from Yala game park, in the deep south-east. |
Most travellers head for the beaches north of Trincomalee,
praised by Horatio Nelson as possessing the finest harbour
in the world. Nilaveli Beach Resort is an extremely popular
hotel, situated on a prime, untouched beachfront that
looks out onto Pigeon Island, a coral island with excellent
snorkelling.
South of Trincomalee there are also wonderful beaches
as well as a series of lagoons and waterways. However,
this area, which has suffered some of the worst ravages
of the civil war and tsunami, and has minimal tourist
comforts.
Arugam Bay, south of Batticoloa and north of Yala National
Park, in the south east of the country, gained a reputation
as an escapist surfing spot, and has attracted a steady
flow of visitors for years, even during the troubles.
Its guesthouses suffered badly, but the only choice will
be to rebuild and regenerate.
The east coast is best visited between from March to October.
A decision to travel east should be taken with a keen
knowledge of the political and humanitarian situation.
Red Dot will advise you. The final decision is yours.
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