If Sri Lanka is serendipity, beach lover will fine lots of it on the east coast. The coastline here is uneven with many bays and sheltered coves. The East Coast has to offer some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, unspoilt and pristine, extending from Arugam Bay in the South to the Nilaveli beach in the East.
The port town of Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Kalkudha and Arugam Bay are its more famous tourist centres. The east coast is ideal for beach addicts from April to November when the sea is at its best. Although scarred by close to three decades of conflict, the East has not lost its allure to its die-hard fans, and its crystal clear water, wide white sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs make the East a haven for diving enthusiasts and sun worshipers. On some beaches you can walk a mile into the sea.
With the dawn of peace the East coast is reaping the benefits as it has blossomed into a much sought after beach destination. Historically, dating back to the 3rd c.B.C. the region was within the domain of the Ruhuna Kingdom and the area abounds in ruins of temple and ancient caves with rock inscription.
Is famed for its natural harbour. Described by admiral lord Nelson as the finest harbour in the world when he visited aboard HMS seashore in 1770. It is ranked as the world’s 5th largest natural harbours. During the second world war the harbour became the base for the combined East Asian Fleet of the Allied powers. It is the ideal beach resort. All water sports are available here including fishing and sea angling. Whales watching is a specialty.
Located at the mouth of Sri Lanka’s longest river MahaweliGanga, Trinco’s most famous landmark is fort Frederick’s promontory is associated with a tragic romantic tale woven around a Dutch maiden who is believed to have jumped to her death from this spot seeing her fickle lover sailing away.
The Thirukoneswaram Kovil which stands on the top most pinnacle of the Swamy Rock is a highly venerated Hindu shrine dedicated to lord Shiva. About 11km from west of Trinco are the Kanniyai Hot-Spring, sacred to Hindus who believe them to be a creation of God Vishnu. The Dagoba enshrining hair relics of the Buddha-Tiriyai dating back to 8th Cen.AD is a short distance from Trinco’s coast 15 km from Trincomalee off the Trincomalee-Horowpothana road lies the ancient Velgam Vehera temple dating back to 2 AD.
Described by some as the finest beach on the East Coast this 15 Kilometres stretch of beach extends from Uppuveli which is 5km away. With crystal clear blue water and white beaches, Nilaveli beach is a very popular destination amongst sun worshippers. Close to Nilaveli is Red Rock Beach an estuary perch and pinkish colour boulders.
A short boat – ride off the beach and you may visit Pigeon Island which lies 2 km off the coast of Nilaveli, great for diving, snorkelling and sea bathing (boat services available)
You may also visit the recently re-opened Marine Park which was closed for nearly two decades. Visitors could enjoy the rare corals and marine animals and of course during the tour observe endemic and migrant bird species.
The National Park extends over 450 hectares and the wildlife authorities are planning to increase the facilities to visitors in the near future.
Batticaloa is the market centre of the southeast coast, locally known as Batti. Is famous for its’ singing’ fish and the picturesque lagoon. Batti is often skipped by visitors to venture forth towards the beautiful beaches of Kalkudah and Pasekudah.
