East Coast of Sri Lanka Holidays

Sri Lanka’s east coast is vibrant with life during the high season - from April to September - and exudes a sense of real calm in the low season. Beautiful beaches decorate the coast, whilst inland, wild animals wander freely in national parks. Look out for elephants on the road, and try some blue whale watching while sunbathing.

In the north the natural harbour of Trincomalee is steeped in history. Attracting many seafarers, amongst whom Marco Polo and Ptolemy, the city has changed colonial hands numerous times as nations fought for control of the port. In recent years, the city gives access to colourful Hindu temples, Kanniya hot water springs, and two well-known picturesque beaches, Uppuveli and Nilaveli, from which boat tours depart for Pigeon Island.

As you journey south to the coastal resort of Passikuda, renowned for its glowing white sands and sickle shaped beach, take a small detour inland to visit Somawathiya National Park. Home to the largest concentration of Elephants on the island, along with Flood Plains National Park, the grasslands and water basins foster a wide variety of plant life, numerous birds and mammals including Sambar deer, Golden Jackals, Fishing Cats and Water Buffalo.

Following the coast, weave through the lattice of sandy beaches backed by sweeping lagoons. For a surfing experience like no other, Arugam Bay offers a world-famous location to catch the waves. At the most south easterly point of the island, Yala National Park is home to elephants, leopards and crocodiles. A variety of breeding water birds make this area a bird watcher’s paradise.