This summer, take a leisurely journey through Sri Lanka which is fast emerging as the go-to-beach destination amongst Australian and American holidayers. Looking for a prolonged spot of sunshine, glorious beaches and beautiful southern highlands, head to the East Coast, tipped as the Maldives of Sri Lanka, with its vast stretches of unexplored beaches, golden sand and the best surfing destination, the East Coast is the perfect island getaway. The perfect time to visit the East Coast is between May and September, when the beaches are relatively uncrowded, weather is remarkably pleasant and the surfing season is on.
Besides the idyllic beach towns that dot the Eastern coastline, all the way down to Trincomalee, which is the largest best natural harbour, visitors can also immerse themselves in the ancient past of Sri Lanka. Dambulla’s cave temple, in Anuradhapura, located in the Central Triangle of Sri Lanka is a must part of every Sri Lankan itinerary.
Go off the beaten track with some our carefully hand-picked locations that allow you to experience the unspoilt beaches at its best. The surfing season has already begun, (kicks off in May and is on till October) and surfers can enjoy swells from three-8 feet.
Travel Smart lists down the top 6 holiday highlights for you:
Arugam Bay
A tiny fishing village, that lies on an elephant corridor is fast emerging as an exclusive hideout amongst travellers. Known as the best surfing destination, Arugam Bay has a dedicated clutch of surfing enthusiasts who flock the beach between May-September to ride on the waves. The surfing hotspot also lays claim to some exclusive beach resorts, for those who prefer to watch rather than ride the waves.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee lays claim to one of the finest natural harbours in South East Asia. The former Dutch colony is also home to the most spectacular beaches — Nilaveli, Uppaveli and the marvellous Pigeon Island that boasts of a dramatic coral reef, easily accessible via a boat ride. The beaches, Nilaveli, Uppaveli are 6kms and 16kms off the town. Trinco as it is popularly known amongst locals is the best spot for snorkelling, scuba-diving, swimming and whale watching. Kanniyai, merely 8 kms from Trinco, with seven hot springs is known for its medicinal properties and is a must-stop for tourists.
Swami Rock
Now a historical fort, Swami Rock is the natural landmark that divides Trincomalee’s Back Bay from the Dutch Bay. Formerly home to the famous Temple of the Thousand Pillars, it now houses the massive Frederick’s Fort that offers a a magnificient view of Trinco. Also stop by the Koneswaram Temple, which was built to replace the ancient Hindu shrine – the temple of 1000 pillars destroyed by the Portugese in 17th century.
Lahugala National Park
One of the smallest National Parks in Sri Lanka, Lahugala National Park is the best place for watching tuskers up close. Located in the middle of an elephant corridor– the Park has a lush cover of beru grass around the Lahugala – the staple diet of Sri Lankan elephant. Around 150 jumbos are known to gather around the tank during July and August when the rest of the water dries up. July is also a good time for bird-watching. Home to a huge variety of aquatic birds – blue magpies, brown-bellied shikras, kites and snowy white egrets often found piggybacking on a friendly tusker.
Dambulla Ancient Caves
Your trip to Sri Lanka is not complete until you witness the best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka, held sacred by Buddhists and Hindus alike for 22 centuries. Home to over 157 Buddha statues, the cave temple has a 14m figure of Buddha carved out of one rock. Located in Anuradhapura, an ancient ruined city, the cave temple is a great landmark to the Sinhalese civilization that flourished two thousand years ago.
Sigiriya
Home to architectural wonders, Sigiriya has the island’s finest geographical formations. The city is the best display of 5th century urban planning, but one of the most awe-inspiring historical legacies is a 200m rock formation, looming large above the city, which is spread out around the flat rock formation. Known as a Lion Mountain, Sigiriya is not only a place of religious retreat, but a heritage site a well
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