Sri Lanka, North Eastern Province, Pigeon Island National Park

Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley

The East

Maybe you're searching for somewhere in Sri Lanka a little less developed, a coastline that retains a more earthy, local feel. Or maybe you just want the best beach of your life. Well, the East might just offer that place and that beach.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

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    Kumana National Park

    The East

    This 357-sq-km park, once known as Yala East, is much less frequently visited than its busy neighbour, Yala National Park. Consequently, it's a far less…

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    Arugam Bay Beach

    Arugam Bay

    This long crescent of sand, partially shaded by coconut palms, is as good a reason as any to visit Arugam Bay. In season, its appeal to surfers is obvious…

  • Sri Lanka, Ceylon, Eastern Province, East Coast, Passekudah, Kalkudah beach, aerial view

    Kalkudah Beach

    The East

    Kalkudah Beach is the kind of fantasy that makes you want to chuck away your return air ticket and lounge forever under the palms. Good roads run inland…

  • Sri Lanka, Ceylon, Eastern Province, East Coast, Trincomalee, Uppuveli beach

    Uppuveli Beach

    The East

    This honey-coloured crescent of sand makes a lovely spot to enjoy life under a coconut tree. Swimming is possible although there are often red flags…

  • Kandasamy Kovil

    Kandasamy Kovil

    Trincomalee

    This revered temple at the summit of a rocky outcrop is one of Sri Lanka’s pancha ishwaram, five historical Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva and…

  • Yudaganawa Dagoba

    Yudaganawa Dagoba

    The East

    Only the bottom third remains of this ruined dagoba, but the setting is evocative and your imagination can run riot with thoughts of how amazing it must…

  • Magul Maha Viharaya, ancient Buddhist temple, Pottuvil, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

    Magul Maha Vihara

    The East

    About 12km west of Pottuvil lies this evocative 5th-century ruin, set in a peaceful forested spot. Probably built by King Dhatusena (r 459–77), the site…

  • Fort Frederick

    Fort Frederick

    Trincomalee

    Occupying the neck of a narrow peninsula, Fort Frederick has been a defensively important site for centuries. A fortress was initially constructed here by…

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from The East

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High-angle view of a train crossing the Nine Arches Bridge, just outside Ella.

Beaches

Sun, sand and Sigiriya: tips for family travel in Sri Lanka

Feb 28, 2019 • 7 min read

Read more articles

Go Beyond

The East and beyond

Beyond The East
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