Itineraries — East Coast

Sri Lanka's East Coast stretches for nearly 250 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal, from Pottuvil and Arugam Bay in the deep south-east, up to Trincomalee and Nilaveli in the north-east, via Batticaloa, Kalkudah and Pasikuda. A region long closed by civil war (1983-2009), it has been rediscovered for fifteen years at a tranquil pace, broadly escaping the massive tourist flows transforming other parts of the island.

For a short trip (3-4 days) focused on the East Coast, choose by profile: Trincomalee/Uppuveli if you are looking for family beach holidays and diving at Pigeon Island, or Arugam Bay if you are a surfer or backpacker seeking international atmosphere. These two destinations are too far apart from each other (5 hours by road) to be combined on a short week.

Over 5 to 7 days, the ideal itinerary covers both poles: 2-3 nights at Trincomalee (Uppuveli/Nilaveli beaches, Pigeon Island trip, Koneswaram temple, Kanniya hot springs) then 2-3 nights at Arugam Bay (surf or relaxation, Kumana safari, Pottuvil lagoon). Transfer between the two is by the coastal road (5h) or via the centre through Polonnaruwa (interesting option if you combine with a cultural visit).

With 10 days and more, the East Coast naturally combines with the Cultural Triangle from Polonnaruwa (2h from Trincomalee) or with a Yala safari from Arugam Bay (3h by road, alternative to the Kumana safari). It is the ideal itinerary for travellers coming between June and September who want to enjoy heritage, wildlife and beaches without suffering the south-west monsoon that affects the classic west coast.