Explore the Eastern Province through a range of travel themes: Buddhist shrines and archaeological sites sit alongside lagoon landscapes, birding areas and seasonal water activities. Would you like to focus on historic sites, explore wetlands and birdlife, or plan your travel dates around a particular activity?
Historic Sites and Pilgrimage Sites
Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is located in Trincomalee District. This ancient temple is one of Sri Lanka’s 16 most sacred Buddhist shrines and can be reached by land as well as by sea. Its religious significance and the two stated ways of getting there provide practical guidance for planning your trip.
Ancient Deegawapiya was built in the 2nd century BC by King Saddatissa, and relics of the Buddha were enshrined there. It is also one of Sri Lanka’s 16 most sacred pilgrimage sites. Its history and the enshrinement of the relics bring the religious focus of this place into view.
Velgam Vehera is an ancient Buddhist monastery. On its summit are the remains of a stupa dating from the reign of King Bhatika Tissa II, around 149 AD. Rajagala offers hiking and sightseeing among the ruins of an ancient monastery. The sites therefore have different points of focus: at Velgam Vehera, attention is drawn to the stupa from a specified reign, while at Rajagala it is the combination of monastery ruins and hiking.
Excavations at Neelagiri Stupa uncovered sacred relics, artefacts, remains of small stupas and inscriptions. Batticaloa Fort was originally built in 1628 as a Portuguese trading and administrative centre—a different historical focus from the Buddhist pilgrimage and monastic sites.
Lagoons, Birds and Water Activities
Batticaloa Lagoon has extensive mangrove swamps and seagrass beds that attract many waterbirds. Visitors are drawn to the great variety and number of waterbirds and waders in the Sathurukondan Wetland throughout the year.
A total of 255 bird species have been recorded in Kumana National Park. The park also lies along the route of a traditional annual foot pilgrimage to the Hindu temple in Kataragama. Kumana therefore brings together two distinct themes: birdlife and a Hindu pilgrimage tradition.
Water activities also offer different points of focus: Kallady Beach attracts people interested in diving and snorkelling. The calm, clear water of Passikudah Bay is described as ideal for swimming. The two places therefore appeal to different interests in the water.
Season and Getting There
If you are planning seasonal activities, there are two time periods to distinguish. The surf season in Arugam Bay runs from April to October. The Singing Fish phenomenon near Kallady Bridge in Batticaloa Lagoon is associated with full-moon nights from April to September. The periods overlap from April to September; the Singing Fish are additionally associated with full-moon nights.
Batticaloa is the terminus of the Eastern Railway line. Trains run daily from Colombo via Polonnaruwa to Batticaloa. If you plan to use this service for your journey, check the current timetable before departure.
Discover more destinations: Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Palamunai, Somapura, Kalmunai, Kumpurupiddi, Kantale, Warapitiya, Polwatta, Uhana, Pottuvil, Kayankerni, Addalaichenai, Panama, Maha Oya, Sengamuwa
For the full travel overview: Sri Lanka.
