Eastern Province
An Untamed Tropical Frontier
Stretching along Sri Lanka's sun-drenched eastern coastline, the Eastern Province emerges as a land where time moves to the rhythm of crashing waves and swaying palms. Comprising the districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara, this region - liberated from conflict only in 2009 - offers travelers one of Asia's last unspoiled coastal frontiers, where empty beaches stretch for miles and cultures intertwine like the intricate patterns of a traditional kovil kolam.
Five Captivating Faces of the East
1. Trincomalee: Nature's Masterpiece
Nilaveli Beach: Powder-soft sands merging with turquoise waters
Pigeon Island National Park: Sri Lanka's only marine sanctuary with coral gardens
Koneswaram Temple: Dramatic cliffside kovil with Chola dynasty roots
Whale Watching (March-August): Blue whales just 5km from shore
2. Batticaloa: The Land of the Singing Fish
Batticaloa Lagoon: Mysterious "singing fish" phenomenon at Kallady Bridge
Dutch Fort: 17th-century star-shaped fortress on a sand spit
Pasenkudah & Kalkudah: Twin beaches with shallow, child-friendly waters
St. Mary's Cathedral: Grandest Catholic church in Eastern Sri Lanka
3. Ampara: Where Wilderness Meets Devotion
Kumana National Park: Birdwatcher's paradise with 200+ species
Lahugala Elephant Corridor: Mini safari spotting wild herds
Dighavapi Stupa: Ancient pilgrimage site mentioned in the Mahavamsa
Arugam Bay: Surf mecca with world-class right-hand point breaks
4. Cultural Mosaic
Kattankudy Mosque: Architectural wonder with space-age minarets
Thirukkovil Temple: Seaside Hindu shrine with colorful festivals
Batticaloa's Heritage Walk: Dutch, British and Tamil landmarks
5. Offbeat Adventures
Kayaking in Kokkilai Lagoon through mangrove tunnels
Trinco's Swami Rock cliff diving (for the brave)
Ampara's Chenkaladi curry shops serving fiery Eastern cuisine
Survival fishing with local Karaiyar fishermen
When to Visit
Best season: May-September (dry season west of Arugam Bay)
Surf season: April-October (Arugam Bay)
Cultural highlight: July-August (Vel Festival at Koneswaram)
Local Secrets
Pulmoddai mineral sands that glow under moonlight
Vakarai's hidden beaches accessible only by dirt tracks
Batticaloa's "jumping fish" that leap onto your boat at night
Ampara's kottu roti stalls using unique Eastern spices
Why the East Captivates
This is Sri Lanka untamed - where you can:
Surf perfect waves with no crowds
Feast on Jaffna-style crab curry by the sea
Sleep in beach huts where turtles nest outside your door
Witness Hindu fishermen bless their nets at dawn
The Eastern Province doesn't just offer sights - it offers an experience of Sri Lanka few tourists encounter, where the warmth of the people matches the tropical sun, and every dirt road leads to discovery. From the spiritual energy of ancient kovils to the adrenaline rush of a perfect wave, this is coastal Asia at its most authentic.
