THE EAST COAST
This sun-drenched region offers pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant Hindu culture, and a tranquil escape from the crowded south.
Discover the calm waters of Trincomalee, the surf breaks of Arugam Bay, and the historic charm of Batticaloa, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Why Visit The East Coast?
Best Beaches & Calm Waters: Home to some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and uncrowded beaches with tranquil waters for swimming and snorkeling.
World-Class Surfing: Arugam Bay is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, especially during the summer months.
Untamed Wildlife: Explore untouched national parks like Kumana for spectacular birdwatching and elephant sightings.
Smart Travel
Peak Season (May-September): This is the ideal time, as the East Coast experiences its dry season, offering sunshine, calm seas, and the best surfing conditions in Arugam Bay.
Shoulder Season (April & October): A quieter time to visit with good weather, though you might encounter occasional rain showers. Prices are lower, and the beaches are nearly deserted.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): The region experiences its monsoon, leading to rough seas and frequent rain. Many tourist businesses may be closed, but accommodation prices are at their lowest.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Trincomalee & Nilaveli
Trincomalee (or ‘Trinco’) is a historically important port city with beautiful beaches like Nilaveli and Uppuveli, which offer excellent snorkeling and diving. It’s famous for its natural deep-sea harbor, the historic Fort Frederick, and Koneswaram Temple.
Your Smart Tip: To see the blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins that migrate past the coast, book a responsible boat safari from Trincomalee between May and August.
Arugam Bay
Known locally as ‘A-Bay,’ this is a picturesque crescent-shaped bay internationally recognized as one of the best surfing spots in the world. It maintains a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, attracting surfers and backpackers alike. Nearby lagoons are perfect for canoe safaris and spotting crocodiles.
Your Smart Tip: The main surf break at Arugam Bay can get crowded. Head south to Peanut Farm or Okanda for equally great waves with fewer people, especially early in the morning.
Batticaloa
This historic town is built on an island surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and is often called the ‘Land of the Singing Fish’ due to a rare musical phenomenon heard under its bridges. Its main attractions are the Dutch Fort and the peaceful lagoon-side setting. It offers a glimpse into the local Tamil culture.
Your Smart Tip: To experience the mysterious ‘Singing Fish’ (which can only be heard under certain conditions), rent a boat and listen by placing an oar into the lagoon near the Kallady Bridge, preferably around a full moon.
Kumana National Park
Located to the south of Arugam Bay, Kumana is the East Coast’s premier wildlife destination. It is most famous for its rich birdlife, particularly the Kumana Villu, a natural tank where thousands of birds nest during May and June. It’s also an excellent place to see elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.
Your Smart Tip: The best time for birdwatching is from May to July when the tank is at its highest and migratory birds are present. Hire a private jeep safari from Arugam Bay or nearby Panama.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is tropical, but the monsoon seasons are reversed from the rest of the island. The dry season runs from May to September, with hot, sunny weather and average temperatures between 28ºC to 35ºC. The wet season is from November to February.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Respect for Religion: This region has a strong Tamil Hindu presence. Be mindful of dress codes when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees) and remove your shoes.
Language: Tamil is the most widely spoken language, followed by Sinhala. English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Tamil phrases is appreciated.
Modesty: Due to the conservative nature of the region, especially away from the main tourist beaches, it is advisable for women to dress modestly when in towns or villages.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels/Guesthouses ($15–$35), mid-range hotels ($50–$90), luxury resorts ($100+). Prices are highest in Arugam Bay during the surf season (June-August).
Food: Local rice and curry ($2–$5), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($8–$15 per person), fresh seafood dinner ($15–$30).
Transport: Local bus (very cheap), tuk-tuk ride ($1–$4), private taxi/car with driver ($50–$80/day).
Activities: Surfboard rental ($5–$10/day), surf lesson ($20+), half-day safari in Kumana ($30–$50 per person including jeep/entry).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $40–$70 (guesthouses, local food, bus/tuk-tuk transport).
- Mid-range: $80–$140 (mid-range hotels, tourist restaurants, occasional taxi).
- Luxury: $150+ (boutique resorts, fine dining, private driver).
Getting Around
By Tuk-Tuk: The most common and flexible way to travel short distances within towns and along the coast. Always negotiate the price beforehand.
By Bus: The cheapest option for inter-city travel (e.g., Trincomalee to Batticaloa). Buses are often crowded but an authentic experience.
By Motorbike/Scooter: Available for rent in Arugam Bay and Trincomalee, offering the most freedom to explore the remote areas (ensure you have a valid license).
Must-Try Food
Jaffna Crab Curry: While typically a Jaffna dish, the East Coast prepares a fantastic version. It’s a fiery, thick crab curry often served with roti or rice.
Kothu Roti: Shredded roti (flatbread) stir-fried with vegetables, egg, or meat on a flat iron griddle—a famous, noisy street food (try a cheese kothu variation).
Pittu: A mix of rice flour and shredded coconut, steamed in a bamboo-like cylinder, often eaten with savory curries.
Isso Wadei: Deep-fried lentil patties, topped with prawns, found at street stalls, especially near beaches.
Murunga Curry: A curry made from Drumstick pods—a nutritious and flavorful local vegetable.
Sothi: A mild, thin coconut milk curry/sauce that often accompanies many staple dishes.
Seafood Fried Rice: Excellent due to the abundance of fresh daily catches (prawns, calamari, or tuna).
Vada/Wade: Savory, deep-fried snacks made from lentils or various beans.
Curd and Treacle: A sweet, thick buffalo milk yogurt (curd) drizzled with Kithul (a local palm syrup/treacle)—the classic Sri Lankan dessert.
A-Bay Street Pancakes: Arugam Bay street vendors often sell sweet crepes filled with banana and chocolate.
Must-Try Drinks
Arrack: The national spirit of Sri Lanka, distilled from the fermented sap of the coconut flower (try it with ginger beer or soda).
Lion Lager/Stout: The most popular local beer brands, widely available across the coast.
Toddy: A mildly alcoholic drink made from fermented palm sap, best consumed fresh—a truly local experience (less common in highly touristed areas).
King Coconut (Themba Li): A hydrating, bright-orange coconut variety, sold chilled at roadside stalls, offering a refreshing drink.
Fresh Fruit Juice: A huge variety, including passion fruit, mango, papaya, and lime, blended to order.
Iced Coffee: Often a very sweet and strong coffee, heavily laden with condensed milk, perfect on a hot day.
Faluda: A cold, sweet drink made with rose syrup, milk, basil seeds, vermicelli, and often a scoop of ice cream.
Ceylon Tea: While not the main growing region, you can still enjoy high-quality Sri Lankan tea (black or with milk and sugar).
Wood Apple Juice: A unique, slightly tangy and sweet fruit juice with a pungent aroma.
Ginger Beer: Non-alcoholic, spicy, and very refreshing.