TRINCOMALEE Weather

Trincomalee

Trincomalee, known by locals as Trinco, offers visitors a unique experience into local life in regional Sri Lanka. The beautiful beaches contrasting with the colourful temples and the hustle bustle of the main street markets makes for an eventful experience. Trinco also sits on one the world’s finest natural harbours. This historic city is old almost beyond reckoning: it’s possibly the site of historic Gokana in the Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle). Although most people just pass through the city on their way to the nearby beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, the town has plenty of charm, plenty of history and a great melange of people – where four religions exist in one town, pretty extraordinary.

Some of the best kept secrets of Trinco include the free roaming deer in and around the Fort area. Walking through the Fort which leads up to the well-known Koneswaram Temple you’ll be able to spot, deer, peacocks, monkeys, cats, dogs and an array of birdlife.

Accommodation wise there’s everything from slick AirBNB guest houses in Dutch Bay, to homestays 3km north in Uppuveli, to boutique hotels further north in Nilaveli, as well as a number of larger well-established hotel chains.

Koneswaram Kovil

Located in Trincomalee, the Koneswaram Kovil is one of the most important Hindu temples in the region, dating back hundreds (if not thousands) of years. Positioned atop a cliff face, the views are also breathtaking.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Open daily from 6am to 1pm, reopens from 4pm to 6.45pm

2km from Trincomalee Central Bus Stand

Top tip: As respect, visitors are requested to cover the shoulders and legs

Diving & Whale Watching

Diving and whale watching are two key water activities in and around the beaches in Trincomalee. There are a number of wrecks and sites for diving, as well as opportunities throughout the year to catch a glimpse of the blue whale, orcas and dolphins.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

February to November

Diving and whale watching operators are located on Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches

For moderate to advanced divers, night time diving offers rare glimpses to see glowing plankton

Eagle Golf Links

Have you ever played golf with a crocodile? Trincomalee's Eagle Golf Links 18 hole course is a unique experience, featuring a few ponds home to native animals. Open all year for beginners to advanced golfers.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

All year

Located in China Bay, 20 minutes drive from Trincomalee Town

Grab a bite to eat or a drink at the club house afterwards

Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple

Arguably one of the most jaw-dropping Hindu temples in the country, be prepared for colour overload from the temple’s connected shrines. Known by locals also as the “Kali Kovil”, it is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhadrakali. Certainly a must-see on your list when in Trincomalee.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Open all year

200m south from Trincomalee Central Bus Stand

Top tip: Try visiting on a festival day to see the temple rituals come alive, namely February/March and September/October

Nilaveli Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast with its crystal-clear water and untouched vibe. Nilaveli is home to Pigeon Island, ideal for snorkeling, whale watching and a number of dive sites.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Swimming February – November, Diving March – October, Whale watching February – October, Pigeon Island open all seasons

Approximately 15km north of Trincomalee, 20 minutes by car/tuk tuk

Top tip: Bring water, sun cream and snacks if you’re visiting for a day trip as there are limited venders in the area.

Uppuveli

Located only 3km from Trincomalee town, Uppuveli offers a great balance between the palm tree laden sandy beach and water front bars and an array of accommodation options.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Best season February – November

Three kilometers north of Trincomalee, 10 minutes by car

Top tip: Uppuveli looks straight East onto the Indian Ocean, making it another perfect location on the East to view a ocean front sunrise.

Marble Beach

If you’re looking for a sandy beach with little to no waves then Marble Beach is the go-to. Currently managed by the Sri Lankan AirForce, beach access requires a small fee per vehicle, accommodation is also available.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Best season February – November

Approximately 17km from Trincomalee, 30 minutes by car

Top tip: The beach is split into two sides, a public beach and an area run by the AirForce where you can get a massage and sit under a beach cabana.

Trincomalee Fort Frederick

Fort Fredrick, also known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, is a fort built by the Portuguese at Trincomalee

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Open daily from 6am to 10pm

2km from Trincomalee Central Bus Stand

Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province, encompassing a total area of 471.429 hectares. The island's name derives from the rock pigeon which has colonized it

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Open daily from 6am to 10pm

The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province,

SAMPOOR LIGHT HOUSE

Sampoor light house was built in 1863 and is located on the point at the southern entrance to the trincomalee harbour in east coast of srilanka.the 32 m height council stone tower display one white flash in every5 seconds and visible up to 22 nautical miles .the light house damaged during the war is now being repaired.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

8 AM to 5PM

SOBER ISLAND

The Sober Island, located within environs of the Magnificent Trincomalee harbour is part of a selected band of properties in Sri Lanka which is home to an island resort. The Sober Island encompasses an envious pedigree with a tapestry woven around a rich history and nostalgia

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

WELGAM VIHARA

Velgam Vehera is a historical Buddhist temple situated in Kanniya. It also known to Hindus as Natanar Kovil. Historically Velgam Vehera wasone of important Buddhist temples in the country, worshiped by bothSinhala and Tamil Buddhists.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

BRITISH WAR CEMETERY

A peaceful, well-kept oasis of silence on the road between Upaveli and Nilaveli, Trincomalee War Cemetery preserves memories of British soldiers and auxiliary staff who perished during World War II. This serene, meticulously maintained location has graves of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists alike, all of whom died during the last days of the war.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

The cemetery is located on Trincomalee–Nilaveli (A6) Road, approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north of the town of Trincomalee

LANKA PUTUNA VIHARE AND BEACH

Lanka Putuna Viharaya in Trincomalee is one of the Oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It dates back to the time it was brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of king Kithsiri Mewan also known as Kirthi Sri Meghawanna (303-331) who was the son of King Mahase.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

KANTHALE TANK

Located on the Kandy-Trincomalee road, the Kantale Tank is an ancient reservoir built by King Agrabodhi II (604-614"'AD) covering an extent of 3,750 hectares. Constructed for the irrigation of crops in this arid region, its source of water is the mahaweli River, the longest in the island, Which flows out to the sea at Trincomalee.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

ARISIMALE BEACH

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Arisimale Beach lies off the beaten track about 50 kms North of Trincomalee in the town of Pulmude.

KANNIYA HOT WATER SPRINGS

Kanniya hot water springs is a site with hot wells located in trincomalee, sri lanka. There are seven wells in a square shape. Wells are only 3–4 feet deep and you can clearly see the bottom. The temperature is considerably high but varies slightly from one spring to another.[1] wells run out of water when 10-15 buckets of water are taken out.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

ORR’S HILL ARMY MUSEUM

From Trinco take the Kandy Road and go up to Orr’s Hill Road where you can find Orr’s Hill Army Museum.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Distance from Trinco – 3.3 km (6 minutes)

SERUVILA RAJA MAHA VIHARA

Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient temple which is among the sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines [Solomathana] in Sri Lanka.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

GIRIHANDU SEYA THIRIYAI

Tiriyaya hamlet is situated in the East Kaddukulam Pattu District Secertary’s Division of the Trincomalee District. Tiriyaya is accessible from the turnoff between the 27th and the 28th mile posts on the Trincomalee-Pulmuddai Road.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Tiriyaya is accessible from the turnoff between the 27th and the 28th mile posts on the Trincomalee-Pulmuddai Road.

KINNIYA BRIDGE

Kinniya bridge is the longest bridge in srilanka with a length of 396m (1299 ft.).

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

24hvrs Open

KOKKILAI BIRD SANCTUARY

Srilanka is widely considered to be a birder's paradise. with numerouls bird parks and nature reserves strewn across its vivid landscape, the island attracts flocks of bird enthusiasts from around the world each year. The kokkilai bird sanctuary is situated along the kokkilai lagoon and is home to and abundant of exotic migratory, resident, and endemic bird species. Explore this aquatic habited for a glimpse of the rare and endangered black- necked stork or the large number of pelicans that feed here regularly.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Trincomalee Natural Harbour

Trincomalee Harbour is a seaport in Trincomalee Bay or Koddiyar Bay, fourth largest natural harbour in the world and situated on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Located by Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in the heart of the Indian Ocean, its strategic importance has shaped its history. There have been many sea battles to control the harbour. The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and the British have each held it in turn. In 1942 the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Trincomalee harbour and sank three British warships anchored there.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

The Port of Trincomalee works on a 24-hour basis. It is open every day of the year, except on May Day, when only daylight navigation is open

The harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, is overlooked by terraced highlands, and its entrance is guarded by two headlands. The harbour has 1630 hectares of water, while the entrance channel is 500 metres wide. The bay includes the first of a number submarine canyons, making Trincomalee one of the finest deep-sea harbours in t

Knox Tree

Robert Knox (8 February 1641 – 19 June 1720) was an English sea captain in the service of the British East India Company. He was the son of another sea captain, also named Robert Knox. The two Knoxes sailed for Persia in January 1658 in a ship named Anne. They suffered the loss of the ship’s mast in a storm on 19 November 1659, forcing them to anchor the ship at Koddiyar Bay in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Adjacent land south of this bay was known as Kottiar according the great chronicle Mahawamsa and Chulawamsa and this was a Sinhalese dominated area at the time and was under the control of Kandyan King. Today this area is called Kinnia, Muttur and Sampoor.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

26Km- Trnco Town ? Knox tree ?Muthur Town - 1.5km

This is the White Man's tree under which Robert Knox Captain of the ship "Ann" was captured. A.D. 1660. This stone was placed here in 1893

Deer Park Tricomalee

The deer is an eye-catching icon in Trincomalee. You will see many deers roaming in the city. We believe that they’re not harmed due to God’s blessing. It is also illegal to harm them. People feed them at this deer park

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

8.00 am to 4.00 pm

PASIKUDA Weather

Pasikuda

Pasikuda is home to some of Sri Lanka’s finest large hotels. Located on a calm and quiet bay, the sunrise over the Indian ocean is absolutely breathtaking. Primarily a resort-based location, there are also many guest houses offering authentic food and hospitality experiences including day trips to nearby Batticaloa, the East Coast’s largest city. The best way to get to Pasikuda is by car, however, with the number of flights operating from Colombo to Batticaloa increasing it is worth checking if that is an option. If you’re exploring the East Coast, Pasikuda is a great mid-way location between Trincomalee and Arugam Bay.

If you’re visiting between June to August, peak time, nearby beach Kalkuda is worth a visit if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Keep in mind hotels, temples and culinary experiences are open 365 days, so there’s no need to rule out the quieter months between November and February.

Pasikuda, Sri Lanka

Open all year, best season February - November

265km from Colombo International Airport

Top tip: Catch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean (around 6am)

No Things To Do Found

BATTICALOA Weather

Batticaloa

If you’re looking for an undiscovered, authentic and local town to explore, Batticaloa will tick all the boxes. Known also as “Batti”, the biggest town on the East Coast is well known for its excellent food including the crab curry, fishing on its beautiful and enormous lake, the historical Kallady Bridge and the Batticaloa Fort. Located around 20 minutes from Pasikuda, 2.5 hours from Trincomalee or 2.5 hours from Arugam Bay, it makes for a great stop over if you’re on an East Coast (or island wide) road trip. Batti was hard hit by the Tsunami in 2004, but as a result as fascinating temples which survived, like the Kallady Hindu Temple – well worth a look.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

All year

288km from Colombo International Airport

Top tip: Batticaloa has some of the best food on the island, if you like seafood try the Crab Curry at Riviera Hotel

Batticaloa Light House

Batticaloa Lighthouse is a lighthouse in Sri Lanka, situated near the estuary in Palameenmadu. It was built in 1913 and is 28 meters high

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Open daily

Batticaloa's lighthouse is around 5 km from Batticaloa city

Dutch Fort, Batticaloa

The Batticaloa Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1628 and was captured by the Dutch on 18 May 1638. From 1745, the fort was used by the British. The fort has a structure of four bastions and is protected by the Batticaloa Lagoon on two sides and a canal on the other two sides

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Al Aqsa

Al Aqsa Grand Jumma Masjith is a large and beautiful mosque located in Kattankudy, Sri Lanka. It is the third largest mosque in Sri Lanka, and is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the country for Muslims.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

7.00 AM to 9.00 PM

6.5 Km from Batticaloa Railway Station

* Dress modestly when visiting the mosque. * Remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. * Be respectful of the other worshippers.

Heritage Museum, Kattankudy

Along this unique road lies the Kattankudy Heritage Museum where cultural heritage of the Muslim community is being attempted to preserved. The museum was opened on 15th April 2015 and lies in a 3 storied building. The museum carries a good collection of old, weapons, household items and ceramics etc and life size clay models display the cultural events of the community.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

8.00 am to 4.00 pm

Located a few kilometres away from the city centre of Batticaloa

Passikudah Beach

Pasikuda Beach is situated in Pasikuda in the Eastern part of Sri Lanka. It is a palm-fringed sandy beach with turquoise blue waters in a bay backed by resorts with an offshore reef. Pasikuda Beach is a beautiful location to view the amazing sunset in all its glory. The turquoise blue waters of Pasikuda attracts many tourists and it is a popular area for swimming and surfing.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

located approximately 35 kilometers away from the town of Batticaloa

KALLADY BRIDGE

When Kallady Bridge was first built by the British in 1924, it was Sri Lanka’s longest iron bridge. Its purpose was to connect the island-suburb of Kallady to the mainland. However, over time the bridge became too small and the government built a new one while the original bridge is now being used by cyclists and pedestrians

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

Unnichchai Tank

Unnichchai Tank has a length of 31.77 kilometres and this is the water resource for the drinking water for people in Batticaloa district. The estimated terrain elevation above sea level is 58 metres Water is pumped to the water resource management system and filter and distribute. This is an excellent place for having a bath. Nice place to have fun. In December it’s risky to have a bath there because at that time they will open the tank’s gate to supply water to the paddy.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

8.00 am to 4.00 pm

Mamangam Temple

The Mamanga easwarar temple is one of the oldest Hindu Kovils (temples) in Batticaloa as well as in the eastern province of the country is situated around three kilometers from Batticaloa town According to some historical records and myths, this temple belongs to the period of 2nd to 3rd Century AD, and constructed at the place where Prince Rama had performed his prayers towards Lord Shiva during his search for Princess Seeta and had placed a handful of rice to denote Lord Shiva. This lump of rice had become a lingam and the area derived its name Maamanga-Easwara According to an ancient book named Mattakalappu Maanmium.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Batticaloa Lagoon

Batticaloa Lagoon is a very large estuarine lagoon in Batticaloa District, eastern Sri Lanka. The city of Batticaloa is located on land between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean.Batticaloa district is flourished with three lagoons, such Batticaloa lagoon, Valaichchenai Lagoon and Vakari Lagoon. Among them, Batticaloa lagoon is the largest lagoon in Batticaloa District. Batticaloa lagoon is a long and narrow lagoon situated in the east coast of Sri Lanka with the total area of approximately 11,500 ha of water.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

St. Mary's Cathedral, Batticaloa

The Cathedral of St. Mary is a Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Batticaloa in Puliyanthivu. The cathedral is a landmark and Catholic historical icon in the district of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. It was first built in 1808 by Paschal Mudaliyar.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

6.00 am to 6.30 pm

Kallady Beach

Kallady beach is one of the most stunning beaches in sri lanka. First, a wooden walkway that extends onto the beach leads you towards the water. The sandy beach has the occasional palm tree popping up along the shore, making for a cool spot to set up your hammock (if you’ve got one!).

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

6.00 am to 6.30 pm

4.4Km Batti Town - Kallady beach

Batticaloa Gate and Gandhi Park

Located within the peaceful confines of the Mahatma Gandhi Park, the Batticaloa Gate is one of the few historic monuments in the island of Puliyanthivu. Although a recent addition in the city of Batticaloa, it commemorates the arrival of Methodism in the city of Batticaloa. It is believed that it is in the island of Puliyanthivu that the first Methodist missionary arrived at Batticaloa in the form of Rev. William Ault in 1814 to establish and preach the peaceful teachings. Due to the significant Methodist community that dwells within the city, the Batticaloa Gate was built in memory of the historic event.

Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

4.7km Batticaloa Town?Gate

ARUGAM BAY Weather

Arugambay

Arugam Bay, A-Bay, has been a lesser known top surf spot for surfers around the world since the 1970s. Even during the civil conflict in the 80s and 90s surfers continued to enjoy the waves on the southern point of the East Coast. Today, Arugam Bay offers much more than surfing and is picking up as a key destination for national and international visitors to Sri Lanka.

Most accommodation options are located in the moon-shaped bay itself, making the local restaurants, cafes, yoga studios and shops all within walking distance. For surfers, there’s a number of board rental shops, surf lessons for women and men as well as guides to take you to various breaks like Peanut Farm or Whiskey Point.

Whether it’s surfing, a relaxing beach holiday, a yoga retreat or you’re just looking for one of the hottest spots in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is sure to impress.

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Best time to visit, all year; Surfing, March to October

325km from Colombo International Airport

Top tip: Arugam Bay is becoming more than a surf hot spot, from yoga to healthy eating to beach bars, best to stay at least 3 nights to enjoy all the area has to offer

Arugam Bay

Renowned for some of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere ideal for solo travelers and families. Many local guest houses and hotels offer yoga classes and tours to local temples.

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

All season, Surfing March – November (peak season July – September)

Approximately 6/7 hour drive from Colombo, 5 hours from Trincomalee or 4.5 hours from Kandy

Top tip: Yoga is increasingly becoming popular at most guest houses and hotels, not to mention the beach parties

AMPARA WEATHER

Ampara

Ampara is the southern most district in the East, home to a number of national parks like Lahugala, Kumana, Gal Oya and Maduruoya as well as the region’s best surfing spots, like Arugam Bay, Whiskey Point, Peanut Point and Elephant Rock.

The region is also home to many Buddhist Pagodas and Stupas to view roadside and off the beaten track, like Ampara’s Japanese Peace Pagoda, the Mahudu Maha Vihara near Pottuvil, the Buddhangala Monastry 7km from Ampara town or the Deegawapi Raja Maha Vihara.

Although Ampara is one of the furthest locations from Colombo International Airport, it is accessible by road from the north (Trincomalee and Batticaloa) and the west (Ella and Nuwara Eliya).

Ampara town is a great pit stop for your East Coast road trip, located perfectly in between Batticaloa and Arugam Bay. Make the most of the relaxed, authentic and local vibes.

Photo Credit Lucy Calder, Ampara Japanese Peace Pagoda

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Best time to visit, all year

303km from Colombo International Airport

The perfect location for a day trip to/from Arugam Bay

Thiruchendur Murugan Alayam Temple

Located off the beaten track, this Buddhist Vihara is an important ancient place of worship. Built over 2,000 years ago, the scattered statues and relics in and among the sand dunes has been capturing the attention of locals and foreigners (but not enough to feel any bit of a “tourist” vibe). It is one of the few Buddhist temples in the East.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Open all year

Navalady Road, 1.5km from Kallady Bridge in Batticaloa

Top tip: Shoes must be removed so if you’re visiting during the day, bring a pair of socks to avoid burning your feet.

Kumana National Park

One of the more untouched National Parks on the island, Kumana National Park allows visitors to get up close to nature and animals without the crowds. Located at the southern tip of the Eastern Province, it's a day trip from Arugam Bay.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Open all year, National Park hours are 6am – 4pm

28km (approximately 45 minutes) south of Arugam Bay by car

Top tip: For bird lovers, Kumana is Sri Lanka’s key destination

Muhudu Maha Vihara

Located off the beaten track, this Buddhist Vihara is an important ancient place of worship. Built over 2,000 years ago, the scattered statues and relics in and among the sand dunes has been capturing the attention of locals and foreigners (but not enough to feel any bit of a “tourist” vibe). It is one of the few Buddhist temples in the East. Located off the beaten track, this Buddhist Vihara is an important ancient place of worship. Built over 2,000 years ago, the scattered statues and relics in and among the sand dunes has been capturing the attention of locals and foreigners (but not enough to feel any bit of a “tourist” vibe). It is one of the few Buddhist temples in the East.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Recommended to go outside of the hours of 11am and 3pm due to the heat

Muhudu Maha Vihara Mawatha, 5km north of Arugam Bay Beach via Panama Road

Top tip: Avoid visiting during the middle of the day due to the heat

Lahugala National Park

Lahugala is one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka, but despite its land area, the park is an important habitat for elephants and endemic birds.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

18km (approximately 45 minutes) west of Arugam Bay by car

Top tip: The impressive Buddhist Magul Maha Vihara is located just 2km from the National park Office, make sure to take a little detour to check it out

Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya has one of the largest water reservoirs in the country, making it a picture perfect place to get amongst nature and marine wildlife. There are a few lodges located near the entrance, as well as various tours.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Open all year, National Park hours are 6am – 6pm

18km (approximately 45 minutes) west of Arugam Bay by car

Top tip: The impressive Buddhist Magul Maha Vihara is located just 2km from the National park Office, make sure to take a little detour to check it out.

Maha Oya Hot Water Springs

This is said to be the hottest spring of all the hot springs on Sri Lanka. Here you will find well maintained 7 wells with different temperatures

Ampara, Sri Lanka

9.00am to 5.00 pm

Mahaoya Hot Springs is located about 2km off Mahaoya town

POTTUVIL LAGOON

Srilanka has large potential for attracting “ high value “eco tourist .if this potential is mismanaged, the natural resource upon which such ecotourism depend will quickly be degraded and destroyed. The approach promoting ecotourism in potthuvil lagoon should be of interest to government departments, donors, local tour operators and other engaged in the business.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

We started our laggon tour at 5 am which made it possible to watch elephants (seven of them) and a gigantic crocodile next to all the beatiful birds (loads and loads of herons, some pelicans, eagles ...). The price is more than acceptable and the two oarsmen let the fishers show us their catch.

Oluvil Light House

Oluvil light house is a light house situated on the southern east coast of srilanka at oluvil which isolated approximately 12KM (7.5 mi) south of kalmunai. The light house is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka ports Authority.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

12 km (7.5 mi) south of Kalmunai

OKANDA BEACH

Okanda is located at the entrance gate of kumana national park, 20km south of Arugam- bay.okanda’s picturesque coastline is free of hotel building and tourism and traffic noise and pollution, although it’s one of the island’s most beautiful beaches

Ampara, Sri Lanka

20km south of Arugam- bay.okanda

Kalmunai Beach Masjid

Kadatkarai Palli is one of the oldest mosques in Kalmunai, Sri Lanka. Located near the beach, it looks picturesque at night with all the lights illuminating the sky. The mosque is a significant religious place in the city. It has become the important landmark in the last few years. It is famous for the annual Flag Festival. The tradition of celebrating this festival dates back to around two-hundred years. This mosque welcomes people of all religions and nationalities. Anyone can visit the mosque and offer their prayers.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

2.2 km from Bus Stand Kalmunai

Magul Maha Viharaya

Magul Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Lahugala, Ampara District of Sri Lanka. The temple lies on the northern edge of the Lahugala National Park, about 22 km off from Siyambalanduwa town and about 11 km off Pottuvil town. Lahugala has been part of the Kingdom of Ruhuna in ancient Sri Lanka. The ruins of Magul Maha Vihara are one of the major tourist attractions of the Eastern province. This temple is also an archaeologically protected monument of the country.

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Open 24 hours

Pottuvil road 20 km off Siyambalanduwa town

CROCODILE ROCK

Just a couple hundred metres south from the ever-famous Arugam Bay lies the slightly more elusive Crocodile Rock. While its world-famous neighbour is better known for being an amazing surf spot, Crocodile Rock, too, serves as a great surf escape!

Ampara, Sri Lanka

The best season to visit is from April to September. Please be cautious about the crocodiles here! Catch the sunrise from here.

The rocky outcrop that is Crocodile Rock offers visitors the best of both worlds—just the right amount of wilderness tied in with perfect waves. When you venture into the jungle, you could certainly catch glimpses of Sri Lanka’s beautiful fauna if you keep your eyes peeled. Of course, this includes crocodiles, so watch out for any warning signs set

THINGS TO DO

View our top of things to do and see in Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Batticaloa, Ampara and Arugam Bay

ABOUT EAST

Information about when is the best time to visit, water temperature, prime whale watching season and more

HOW TO GET HERE

Find out how you can get to the East via car, train, bus or by air from main cities around the country

TRAIN TIMES

Check out the Sri Lankan Railways official website for train times connecting the Eastern Province to the rest of the island

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WEATHER

View live updates on the weather in the East, brought to you by AccuWeather