Quick answer
Sri Lanka's east coast runs from Trincomalee and Nilaveli in the north, through Pasikuda and Batticaloa, down to Arugam Bay and Kumana in the south. It is known for calm, shallow bays, coral reefs, world-class surf at Arugam Bay and quiet wildlife parks. The best time to visit is from about April to September, when the rest of the island's beaches are in the monsoon. Plan five to ten days, depending on how many places you want to see.
When the south and west coasts are hit by the south-west monsoon, the east coast comes into its own. The sea turns calm and clear, the sun shines, and beaches that are quiet for much of the year come alive. This guide brings together everything on the east coast: where to go, what each place is like, when to visit and how to plan your route.
The east coast at a glance
| Stretch | Nilaveli and Trincomalee to Arugam Bay and Kumana |
| Known for | Calm bays, snorkelling, surfing, whales, wildlife |
| Best time | About April to September |
| From Sigiriya | About 2.5–3 hours to Trincomalee by car |
| Time needed | 5–10 days |
Places on the east coast, from north to south
Nilaveli
Nilaveli has a long, quiet beach with soft sand and shallow water. It is the starting point for boat trips to Pigeon Island.
Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island National Park is a small marine park off Nilaveli, with coral reefs, reef sharks and turtles. It is one of the best places for snorkelling in Sri Lanka. See snorkelling and coral reefs.
Trincomalee and Uppuveli
Trincomalee is a historic port town with Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock, Fort Frederick and a deep natural harbour. Uppuveli, just north, has a friendly beach with guesthouses and cafés. Trincomalee is also known for whale and dolphin watching in season. See the best things to do in Trincomalee and whale watching.
Pasikuda and Kalkudah
Pasikuda has a long, shallow bay where you can walk far out into calm, clear water, which makes it popular with families. Neighbouring Kalkudah is quieter, with long empty beaches.
Batticaloa
Batticaloa is a lagoon town with a Portuguese-built fort, a historic lighthouse and the legend of the "singing fish". It is rarely visited by tourists and offers a real taste of eastern Tamil and Muslim culture.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is one of Asia's best-known surf spots, with a relaxed village atmosphere, beach cafés and wild nature nearby. See the best things to do in Arugam Bay and surfing in Sri Lanka.
Wildlife on the east coast
- Kumana National Park: south of Arugam Bay, known for waterbirds, elephants and leopards, and much quieter than Yala.
- Gal Oya National Park: one of the few places with boat safaris, where elephants are sometimes seen swimming between islands.
- Lahugala: elephants are often seen feeding in the grasslands near the road, especially in the late afternoon.
- The parks near Habarana: Minneriya and Kaudulla are on the way from the Cultural Triangle to Trincomalee.
See safaris in Sri Lanka and where to see elephants in Sri Lanka.
Things to do on the east coast
- Snorkel at Pigeon Island with reef sharks and turtles.
- Surf at Arugam Bay, from beginner breaks to Main Point.
- Watch whales and dolphins from Trincomalee in season.
- Paddle through mangroves on the lagoons of Pottuvil and Batticaloa. See lagoons in Sri Lanka.
- Visit Koneswaram Temple high above the sea.
- Go on safari in Kumana or Gal Oya.
- Relax on the shallow beaches of Pasikuda and Nilaveli.
When to visit the east coast
The east coast season runs from about April to September, when it is dry, sunny and calm. This is the opposite of the south and west coasts, which makes the east coast the best beach choice in the European summer. July and August are the busiest months, especially in Arugam Bay.
From about October or November to February or March, the north-east monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas to the east coast. Many guesthouses close, especially in Arugam Bay, and boat trips to Pigeon Island usually stop. See our guides to Sri Lanka in May and June, Sri Lanka in July and August and the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
How to get to the east coast
Approximate times by car:
- Sigiriya to Trincomalee: about 2.5–3 hours. See Sigiriya to Trincomalee
- Colombo to Trincomalee: about 5–6 hours. See Colombo to Trincomalee
- Ella to Arugam Bay: about 3–3.5 hours. See Ella to Arugam Bay
- Colombo to Arugam Bay: about 7–9 hours. See Colombo to Arugam Bay
Trains run from Colombo to Trincomalee and Batticaloa, but there is no railway to Arugam Bay.
Getting around the east coast
The coast road links Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Batticaloa and Arugam Bay. Driving the whole coast from Trincomalee to Arugam Bay takes most of a day, so most travellers break it with a night in Pasikuda or Batticaloa. A private driver is the easiest way to travel, especially with luggage or surfboards.
How many days do you need?
- 5 days: Trincomalee and Nilaveli, with Pigeon Island and a whale-watching trip.
- 7 days: add a few nights in Pasikuda or Arugam Bay.
- 10 days: the whole coast from Nilaveli to Arugam Bay, with a safari in Kumana or Gal Oya.
A suggested 7-day east coast itinerary
Day 1: drive from Sigiriya to Trincomalee, with an elephant safari on the way.
Day 2: snorkel at Pigeon Island in the morning, relax in Nilaveli in the afternoon.
Day 3: visit Koneswaram Temple and Fort Frederick, then a whale-watching trip in season.
Day 4: drive south to Pasikuda for a beach afternoon.
Day 5: explore Batticaloa's fort and lagoon, then continue to Arugam Bay.
Day 6: surf, then a canoe trip on Pottuvil lagoon.
Day 7: safari in Kumana, then sunset at Elephant Rock.
Our east coast and north tour covers the region in one trip, and our 21-day tour includes an east coast option.
Where to stay
- Nilaveli and Uppuveli for Pigeon Island and quiet beaches
- Pasikuda for families and beach resorts
- Batticaloa for culture and local life
- Arugam Bay for surfers and a relaxed village feel
See our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka.
Culture on the east coast
The east coast is home to Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala communities, and you will see Hindu kovils, mosques, Buddhist temples and churches, sometimes side by side. Dress modestly away from the beach, especially in towns. See what to wear at Sri Lankan temples and our cultural experiences page.
Safety tips
- Avoid driving after dark in elephant areas, such as around Lahugala and Habarana.
- Respect the reef at Pigeon Island. Don't stand on coral or touch turtles.
- Follow surf etiquette at Arugam Bay.
- Use sun protection. The east coast is hot and sunny in season.
Read our responsible travel guide.
Combining the east coast with the rest of Sri Lanka
The east coast fits easily into a trip that starts in the Cultural Triangle, with Sigiriya only a few hours from Trincomalee. From Arugam Bay, you can head up into the hills to Ella. In the European summer, this makes a great alternative to the classic south coast route. You can also continue north to Jaffna. See our northern Sri Lanka guide.
East coast vs south coast
Choosing between the coasts is mostly about the month of your trip:
| East coast | South coast | |
|---|---|---|
| Best months | About April to September | About November to April |
| Feel | Quieter, more local | Busier, more developed |
| Best for | Calm bays, snorkelling, surfing at Arugam Bay | Whale watching, Galle Fort, variety of beach towns |
| Wildlife nearby | Kumana, Gal Oya, Minneriya | Yala, Udawalawe, Bundala |
If you are travelling in the European summer, choose the east coast. In the European winter, choose the south. In April and September, both can work, depending on the weather that year.
Food on the east coast
The east coast is a great place for seafood: crab, prawns, cuttlefish and fresh fish, cooked in spicy Tamil and Muslim styles. In Arugam Bay, beach cafés also serve smoothie bowls and international food. Try a rice and curry lunch in a local restaurant. See our food and cooking page.
Other coasts of Sri Lanka
See our guides to the south coast and west coast, which are at their best from about November to April.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the east coast of Sri Lanka?
From about April to September, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm.
What is the best beach on the east coast?
Nilaveli and Pasikuda for calm swimming, and Arugam Bay for surfing.
Is the east coast of Sri Lanka worth visiting?
Yes, especially from April to September, when it has the best beach weather in the country.
How do you get to the east coast from Colombo?
By car, or by train to Trincomalee or Batticaloa. Many travellers go via Sigiriya.
How many days do you need on the east coast?
Five to ten days, depending on how much of the coast you want to see.
Can you visit the east coast in December?
It is usually rainy from about November to February, and many places close. The south and west coasts are better then.
Photo sources
- Fishing boat on an empty stretch of Trincomalee beach, Sri Lanka — PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Les_pecheurs_de_la_plage_de_Trincomalee_(2).jpg
- Surf and golden sands at Whiskey Point, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka — Kalana Jayatilake · CC BY-SA 4.0 · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Whiskey_Point_2.jpg
- Panoramic view of waves washing onto Nilaveli Beach, Sri Lanka — Fazulrahman2020 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NILAWELI_BEACH.jpg