The complete travel guide for exploring the East Coast of Sri Lanka

The east coast of Sri Lanka is a stunning destination that has been gaining popularity among travelers in recent years. From the world-class surf waves of Arugam Bay to the tranquil waters of Pasikuda Beach, this region offers a perfect blend of exhilarating outdoor activities and peaceful relaxation spots. Whether you’re diving into the vibrant marine life or exploring the rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka’s east coast promises an unforgettable journey.

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How to get to east coast of Sri Lanka?

Rent a tuk tuk !

We rented a tuktuk in Negombo and traveled to the east coast. It’s a long drive from Negombo to the east coast, so we recommend making stops along the way. We stopped in Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa. This combination of nature, cultural sights, and beautiful beaches in the east coast is perfect for your trip. We strongly suggest renting a tuktuk as it lets you conveniently stop anywhere you want and have a flexible schedule, without having to worry about bus or train timetables.

To Trincomalee / Nilaveli /Uppuveli

Train

To get from Colombo to Trincomalee, you can hop on a train that takes about 8 hours. Once you arrive, you can easily grab a tuktuk to visit nearby beaches like Nilaveli and Uppuveli.

Bus

Budget-friendly option is to take the bus from Colombo to Trincomalee. The journey takes about 7-8 hours and there are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options available.

Flight

The closest airport to Trincomalee is Sigiriya, which is about 100km away. From Sigiriya, you can hire a private taxi to Trincomalee. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Habanara, where you can catch a train or bus to Trincomalee.

To Batticaloa /Pasikuda

Bus or Train

To get to Batticaloa, you can take a train from Colombo which takes around 7-9h. Alternatively, you can take a bus which takes about 10 hours.

Flights

There is an airport in Batticaloa, but it has limited flight options. Another alternative is to fly into Trincomalee and then use a taxi or bus to reach Batticaloa.

To Arugam Bay

Traveling from Colombo Airport to Arugam Bay offers 4 main options: renting a tuk tuk, private taxi, public bus or train+bus.

Private taxi

Taking a private taxi is a convenient choice, covering a distance of approximately 320 kilometers through scenic routes. The cost ranges from LKR 18,000 to LKR 25,000, and the journey takes around 7 to 9 hours.

Bus

Alternatively, public buses are available, but there is no direct route. Overnight buses from Colombo to Akkaraipattu or a public bus to Pottuvil are options, though they are less comfortable and more time-consuming.

Train

You can also go to Ella by train. To reach Arugam Bay from Ella, you have three primary travel options.

Firstly, you can take a TukTuk taxi for an authentic Sri Lankan journey. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and costs between 10,000 to 15,000 LKR.

Secondly, you can opt for a bus ride, which requires one bus change and takes around 5-7 hours in total. This includes a 1.5-hour bus ride from Ella to Wellawaya, followed by another 4-5 hour journey from Wellawaya to either Pottuvil or Arugam Bay. Being a more economical choice than TukTuk taxis, bus rides offer a cost-effective way of commuting.

Lastly, there’s the option of TukTuk rental. In addition to renting in Negombo, you can also rent a TukTuk in Ella, although this comes at an additional cost.

East coast Highlights

Surfing & Yoga in Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. It boasts stunning beaches, excellent surfing, and a lively nightlife, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Additionally, Arugam Bay serves as a convenient base to explore the nearby Kumana and Yala National Parks.

We spent most of the month in Arugam Bay. It offers plenty of activities and beautiful spots to visit, even if you’re not a surfer.

Experience the wonders of snorkeling or diving in Trincomalee, Uppuveli, and Nilaveli

In addition to Arugam Bay, the East Coast of Sri Lanka is also known for its incredible marine life and crystal clear waters. Trincomalee, Uppuveli, and Nilaveli are popular among tourists for snorkeling and diving activities. These places offer a chance to witness an array of colorful corals and exotic marine species. A top destination to visit is Pigeon Island, renowned for its snorkeling opportunities to spot sharks and turtles.

Nilaveli provides a calm beach experience with fewer crowds, but there are limited restaurants and services available. On the other hand, Uppuveli is more touristy and offers a wider range of dining options.

Relax at the beautiful paradise beach in Pasikuda beach

Pasikuda, is another popular spot along the East Coast known for its stunning beach with crystal clear waters and soft white sand. It’s a perfect destination to relax and soak up some sun, away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities. Additionally, Pasikuda offers opportunities for water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing.

Pasikuda has several beautiful resorts. We enjoyed a two-day relaxation at one of them, called Amaya Beach Pasikudah. They offer various activities such as jet skiing and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Additionally, they have a small gym and spa. It’s the perfect place to completely unwind for a few days.

Go on a safari!

When you’re in Arugam Bay, you have the option to visit Kumana or Yala national parks, which are conveniently located nearby.

Kumana National Park is located really near to Arugam Bay and is known for its diverse range of birds, elephants, and other wildlife. Although we didn’t visit Kumana as we had planned to spend a few days in Yala National Park, we have heard positive experiences about it.

Yala National Park is located a bit further from Arugam Bay, so it’s recommended to spend the night there. It is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and is known for its abundant leopard population, making it one of the top destinations worldwide for leopard sightings.

You can also visit Maduru Oya, Wasgamuwa, or Gal Oya national parks. These parks are located relatively close to the coast, about 2 to 2.30 hours away from Passikudah.

Visit Veddah tribal people and learn about their culture

For a unique cultural experience, consider visiting the Veddah tribal village in Dambana. The Veddah people are an indigenous group in Sri Lanka who have preserved their traditional way of life for thousands of years. Visitors can learn about their customs, traditions, and hunting techniques, and even participate in activities such as archery and fire-making.

We didn’t know about this until after we had already left the area. We would love to visit them, so we’ll make sure to add it to our to-do list for the next time we’re in the area.

When should I visit the east coast of Sri Lanka?

The peak season is from May to September, with the busiest months being July and August. This is due to the dry and sunny weather during these months, making it perfect for beach activities and water sports. The optimal time to surf in Arugam bay is during that specific period.

However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and don’t mind a little rain, the off-season from October to April can also be a great time to visit.

We visited the eastern part of the country from September to early October. Our main base was Arugam Bay. Keep in mind that it can be challenging to find accommodation in the best areas in mid-September, so it’s wise to book in advance. We also noticed a significant drop in accommodation prices in October.

If you’re visiting during the off-season, note that some restaurants close at the end of September when the season is over. Additionally, certain activities like yoga classes may have reduced frequency.

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