Trincomalee & the East

Trincomalee & the East

Trincomalee is one of the finest natural deep-water harbours in the world and is located 257 kilometres North East of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is home to the fine beaches of Nilaveli, Uppaveli, Pasikudah and off-shore Pigeon Island. Recently Trincomalee has become popular as a whale watching destination too. If you arrive in March through to May, then don’t miss out on catching the Blue Whales and Sperm Whales — some of the largest creatures to inhabit our planet, coming home to one of the smallest islands in the world. The friendly Spinner Dolphins swim in by the hundreds to play, dance, and show off their acrobatic skills with pomp and flare, throughout the months of May to September.
The East Coast offers some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, unspoilt and pristine, extending from Arugam Bay in the South to the Nilaveli beach in the North. This area of Sri Lanka is not overcrowded with tourists. The North East coast is distinctly different from the coastal areas of the rest of the island as there are kilometres of Maldives-like white sandy beaches.
Pasikudah beach is located at the south eastern edge of the bay. You can enjoy snorkelling and diving to see colourful fish such as damselfish, cardinalfish, butterflyfish and a handful of snappers and sweetlips.

Kayankerni Reef is a shallow coral reef, off Kayankerni, ideal for snorkelling and shallow diving. Branching corals, coral bommies and table corals provide an interesting seascape populated by colourful tropical reef species such as surgeonfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, and damselfish.
The Bar Reef, Sri Lanka’s largest reef, is a great place to snorkel and dive, spanning an impressive 3 nautical miles in length and 1 nautical mile in breadth. All underwater activities are conducted by well-trained UDI and PADI instructors giving you the confidence, safety and enjoyment. Diving and snorkelling is generally best during April – September when they are at their calmest.
Pigeon Island is located north of Trincomalee, it is a paradise of turquoise-coloured waters with coral life and abundant fish, making this beautiful island a stunning underwater experience. A 20 minute boat ride transfers you to an Island that is watched over by rock pigeons and surrounded by white sand. The beaches resemble a bit of heaven while the shallow reef offers ideal conditions for snorkelling.
Batticaloa offers a wonderful fusion of culture. Explore the ancient architecture of the Batticaloa Dutch Fort, which remains resolute against the test of time. Or visit Fort Frederick in Trincomalee. The Koneswaram Kovil dating back almost three millennia is one of the most important kovils on the island. Witness bygone splendour at the Magul and Muhudu Maha Vihara in Pottuvil or Neelagiri Stupa. Experience the religious fervour at the Kudumbigala Monastery and Okanda Kovil in Panama.
Watch exotic and endemic birds, witness reptiles and travel through beautiful forest landscapes. Kumana National Park and Lahugala National Park are some of the best places to discover the East’s wildest. On the borders of the province are Gal Oya National Park, Maduru Oya National Park and Somawathiya National Park.