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[title]Arugambay, the east’s spirited heartbeat
South of the province, it is indeed, every surfer’s paradise. With waves that tease the pros to ones that cradle the beginners, there are many surfing points including Arugambay (Main and Baby point), and Whisky Point, Pottuvil, Peanut Farm, Lighthouse Point, Okanda Point and Secret Point. Experience the simple life here, with wholesome food and the homey hospitality in cosy cafes and restaurants. At night the beach vibe is electrifying with parties and street food flavours that tantalise the taste buds.
Explore the wild at the Lahugala National Park where even as you are on the main road, you can spot elephants. Wrapped in the epic of Princess Viharamahadevi, Pottuvil has many religious and historical sites; this includes the Magul Maha Viharaya and Muhudu Maha Viharaya and also other religious sites such as the Neelagiri stupa, the Okanda Temple and the Sangamankandi Jungle-Ganesh kovil. In Pottuvil, the days start early and the nights are long...
Trincomalee, the cultural soul of the East
It is home to the Island’s most beautiful beach Nilaveli with its sapphire waters and silver sands. Bask in the privacy of the scenic Marble beach with crystal clear waters or enjoy the shore of Uppuveli. The waters are ideal for diving and scuba diving, be mesmerised by the colourful world under the sea. Witness the magnificence of blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins in these deep blue Eastern waters. The waters off Pigeon Island are great forexperiencing marine life, while this isle is known for its avian population too. Another bird watching hotspot is the Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary and Yan Oya.
So rich in history with its well known natural harbour, one can observe a vibrant culture and religious fervour when in Trincomalee. Visit the Konneswaram Kovil, Verugal Murugan Kovil and the Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya (See Culture & History), also the Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya, the Velgam Vehera and Thiriyaya Girihandu Seya. Feel the soothing and healing waters of the Kanniya hot water springs or see colonial splendour at Fort Fredrick.
Batticaloa, for the restful and the unique
Enjoy the warm, soothing waters of Passekudah and Kalkudah, the beach hotspots of Batticaloa. Perfect for a sea swim, the Kalkudah beach is also a spot for surfing and wind surfing, especially in September. Experience avian splendour near the marshland swamps of the Batticaloa lagoon. Visit the isle of Puliyanthivu, Buffalo Island or take a boat to the tiny Bone Island for scenic views.
The Batticaloa Fort is yet another must-visit and historical site while one can witness a colourful culture at the Mamangam Kovil or as one travels through the date palm fringed town of Kattankudy. As you savour the delightful cuisine of the lovely East, there is one dish that you must certainly not miss trying; the Maravalli kilangu parcel. This spicy manioc preparation in Kattankudy is quite an exotic treat indeed. The weather is perfect and the sands are alluring; it’s time to go east (See East Coast).