Flaunting the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, the towns of Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara and Arugam Bay have been renowned for all the scenic coastal nuances which lie within the shores of these towns, for not just the keen traveller, but the local folk too! Regarded as one of the most highly sought for tourist locations in the entire country, there’s much to do over here up in the East – the choices are literally endless!

When is the best time to visit the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka?

With Sri Lanka having both wet and dry seasons owing to its tropical climate, the island’s Eastern Province experiences the Maha Monsoon which bears rainfall between October and January annually, with a mean precipitation rate of 1000mm per year.

While the amount of rain that this region in particular experiences is much less in comparison to the Western and Southern provinces of the country, the climate here is considerably drier as a result.

Henceforth, the ideal season for visiting the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka is between May and September annually.

While this just provides a rough idea on when to visit, the entire country overall is much welcoming and pleasant in terms of climate and things to do as sunshine is abundant, all Thanks to authentic tropical weather dominating the entire country all year round.

3 Reasons to Enjoy East Coast Sri Lanka Holidays & Things to do

1. Breathtaking coastal beauty

While it is obvious that the East Coast beaches of Sri Lanka are clearly acclaimed for their incessant beauty and serenity, there are a number of key attractions which can be explored by the avid visitor, such as:

• Simple bathing and swimming (namely Passikudah, Kalkudah and Trincomalee),
  A variety of water sports if you’re up for some adrenaline gushing excitement such as surfing, water skiing, parasailing, diving and snorkelling (while most of the best beaches in East Coast Sri Lanka that are concurrently popular will have most of these sports available for partaking in, it pays to mention that Arugam Bay shall be exceptionally delightful for surfing, owing to being proclaimed as one of the 10 most desirable surfing locations in the world!).
• Whale and dolphin watching (this is carried out most popularly over the ‘Princess of Lanka’ ferry by the Sri Lankan Navy in Trincomalee).
• Mesmerizing wildlife along the Batticaloa District – especially along its lagoons.

With the lagoons of Batticaloa a prime source for fishing by the local folk in the area, these water bodies are also known for their ‘singing fish’. Yes, between the months of April and September every year a visit to the Kallady Lagoon during evenings when winds are at a minimum and the sky is lit by the moon and stars is the ideal setting for these fish to hum their singing sounds to the awe of visitors at the site.

With the golden sands and unspoilt shores of the East Coast Sri Lanka is undoubtedly replete with a plethora of interesting activities to partake in, regardless of age or whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or in a group.

2. Resplendent multi-cultural heritage

When it comes to the East Coast Sri Lanka stands apart from its Southern cousin owing to a confluence of cultural heritage in its region, especially with a significant distribution of Hinduism in towns such as Trincomalee. Apart from paying homage to some of the best beaches in East Coast Sri Lanka Trincomalee also presents the famous Koneswaram Kovil which is perched on top of the sacred Swami Rock, and is the temple of Lord Shiva.

Renowned for its Dravidian architecture ever since the 17th century, the temple in itself is a monument which is now being habited upon numerous bouts of renovation and restoration throughout the centuries. Also known as one of the most affluent and intricately designed temples in all of Asia, large numbers of people flock in to visit this temple year round, be it for pilgrimages and otherwise.

Taking a trip over to the Batticaloa District, the township of Puliyanthivu is plentiful in numerous spots of historical interest, such as the Old Dutch Fort which was built by the Portuguese during the 17th Century. Built out of solid rock and overlooking the area’s pristine lagoons, this structure now consists of governmental offices, but is yet worthy of a quick stroll in order to explore the vicinity’s intriguing past, nonetheless.

3. Delectable gastronomic experiences

With Sri Lanka’s array of spices an insignia of the country’s lush, tropical foliage owing to fertile soil, abundant sunshine and breezy winds, there’s no doubt about the fact that the island’s palette is also very much catered to infusions of the very same, with the right ingredients and in the right amounts.

While coconuts are also plentiful here, feel free to stumble upon cuisine that is replete with this tropical fruit as well, either as milk or as chunks – nowhere else but right here at the East Coast Sri Lanka!

With towns such as Trincomalee by the coast and Batticaloa a fishing village by origin, prepare to be delighted with the very exquisite in seafood cuisine, cooked to a spicy blend of the right ingredients for revelling in the very best of gastronomy.

Did you know? Batticaloa is popularly known for the cordial hospitality that is offered by the town’s local folk to tourists! The best way to experience this hospitality is by availing accommodation at home stays of these local people, in order to experience the local cuisine and the region’s daily course of life. If you’re due to be staying here then you may also get the opportunity to visit a nearby temple either for a puja or festival with these very local people, in order to be a part of the customary activities that take place herein!

If you are unable to cater to one of these home stays in your agenda, then visiting any one of these local homes for lunch or dinner in the least is still sufficient to give you an insight on how life, culture and food is along the East Coast of Sri Lanka!

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