East Coast Beaches
Sparsely populated and arid, with simple, small towns marking the way, the east coast hasn’t seen the development of the south or west. This area is remote and beautiful. The coastline is pristine, with shimmering blue waters lapping against acres of unpeopled sand. Turn off the main road and down a dirt track to where your boutique accommodation awaits. Depending on where you’re based, there’ll be a host of activities and places to visit, but we recommend slowing things down. Swim, eat, read and reminisce about your trip, sipping a cool drink as your toes sink into the warm sands…
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Top beaches to visit on Sri Lanka’s east coast
Trincomalee & Nilaveli
The city of Trincomalee is dripping in history. Chaotic, noisy, and a little scruffy at times, it’s also peppered with characterful villas, an old British fort, and several colourful temples. The whole city is a bustling hub of different cultures. The nearby resort of Nilaveli feels a world away; reposeful, even sleepy, it offers languid days at leisure, enjoying the perks of high-end accommodation. There’s always talk of the ‘laid back beach life’, and this is where you can find it, isolated and bottled to be opened at will. Slow moving marine giants swim just offshore, migrating from the south, and sightings are common, while Pigeon Island beckons for close-up underwater adventures.
Passekudah
A wide, sheltered bay where golden sands are sandwiched between shady palm trees and calm, shallow waters; it’s easy to see why Passekudah has become one of the most popular place to succumb to the lure of Sri Lanka’s east coast. Choose one of the hotels dotted up and down the beach, switch off, and give in to complete relaxation – to be honest there isn’t much else to do! In the evening, enjoy an ice-cold Lion beer as you watch the sun go down over the bay, and sense the mouth-watering spices in the air before tucking into a plate of sumptuous pepper crab. For anyone itching for a short break from their sun lounger, the nearby town of Batticaloa throws up evidence of its colonial past with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and landmarks to explore, and tales of the legendary ‘Singing Fish’.
Arugam Bay
Way down south is the little town of Arugam Bay, known as one of the world’s pre-eminent surfing destinations. It’s something of a surfing polestar, so if that’s your thing then you’re going to want to make a pilgrimage here. The area’s hyper laid-back atmosphere feels just right for a surf resort, as does the exhilarating reality of being in the middle of nowhere, but the lack of top accommodation and lingering backpacking atmosphere mean it isn’t for everyone. Fresh seafood and hipster hotels ensure a steady stream of visitors, and non-surfers can enjoy safaris into the nearby wetlands. At the end of a full day, kick back, eat well, and fully indulge in the beach life vibes.
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Inspiring experiences and places to stay…
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The Selective Asia difference
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Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
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Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
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Award-winning, nose-to-tail service
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Responsible travel
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24 hour local support
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Our flexi-booking promise and financial clarity
No ordinary Travel Company
For us, travel is one of life's great privileges — one that should never be taken for granted. It’s about taking things slow — giving yourself time for thoughtful curiosity. Time to immerse yourself in your destination, get closer to the ground, and feel your way to greater understanding.
Fully protected and flexible bookings
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