The East travel

The East

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Sri Lanka, North Eastern Province, Pigeon Island National Park

Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley

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Overview

Maybe you're searching for somewhere in Sri Lanka a little less developed, a coastline that retains a more earthy, local feel. Or maybe you just want the best beach of your life. Well, the East might just offer that place and that beach.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Kumana National Park

The East

This 357-sq-km park, once known as Yala East, is much less frequently visited than its busy neighbour, Yala National Park. Consequently, it's a far less鈥�

Arugam Bay Beach

Arugam Bay

This long crescent of sand, partially shaded by coconut palms, is as good a reason as any to visit Arugam Bay. In season, its appeal to surfers is obvious鈥�

Kalkudah Beach

The East

Kalkudah Beach is the kind of fantasy that makes you want to chuck away your return air ticket and lounge forever under the palms. Good roads run inland鈥�

Uppuveli Beach

The East

This honey-coloured crescent of sand makes a lovely spot to enjoy life under a coconut tree. Swimming is possible although there are often red flags鈥�

Kandasamy Kovil

Trincomalee

This revered temple at the summit of a rocky outcrop is one of Sri Lanka鈥檚 pancha ishwaram, five historical Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva and鈥�

Yudaganawa Dagoba

The East

Only the bottom third remains of this ruined dagoba, but the setting is evocative and your imagination can run riot with thoughts of how amazing it must鈥�

Magul Maha Vihara

The East

About 12km west of Pottuvil lies this evocative 5th-century ruin, set in a peaceful forested spot. Probably built by King Dhatusena (r 459鈥�77), the site鈥�

Fort Frederick

Trincomalee

Occupying the neck of a narrow peninsula, Fort Frederick has been a defensively important site for centuries. A fortress was initially constructed here by鈥�

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