East Coast Beaches

Relatively undiscovered, the east coast beaches of Sri Lanka are waiting to be explored. As an upcoming area with beautiful stretches of beach and calm shallow waters, the area offers a different vibe than Sri Lanka’s west coast.

Trincomalee, or Trinco, as it’s usually called is the main city along this stretch of coast and is ideal for those who love the sea with its natural deep harbour.

The surrounding waters are well known for great surfing, fishing, diving opportunities and whale watching, with many species visible not only from sea excursions but from the shore. Perched on a commanding coastal clifftop, the city’s famous Hindu Koneswaram Temple is an ideal spot for those in search of these mammoth creatures.

Often overlooked, most tend to pass through Trinco as they head to the nearby beaches of Marble Bay, Uppuveli and Nilaveli which offer soft white sands that stretch a long way.

Pigeon Island which sits offshore from Nilaveli Beach, also offers superb coves for shelter and uninterrupted tranquillity. Further down the coast, the coastal town of Pasikuda can be found. Known to have one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world, here one can wade out into the turquoise blue waters for kilometres before it becomes deep.