Eastern Province: Discover Temples, Lagoons and Coast

Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province offers a range of attractions: Buddhist shrines and monastic ruins, historic sites, lagoons and wetlands, as well as coastal destinations and surfing spots.

Shrines and Historic Sites

Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient temple and one of Sri Lanka’s 16 most sacred Buddhist shrines. The temple can be reached by land and by water. Excavations at Neelagiri Stupa uncovered sacred relics, artefacts, remains of small stupas and inscriptions. Neelagiri Chethiya is one of Sri Lanka’s largest ancient stupas.

Deegawapiya also combines religious significance with a long history: King Saddatissa had the site built in the 2nd century BCE, and Buddha’s relics were enshrined there. Deegawapiya is one of Sri Lanka’s 16 most sacred pilgrimage sites. Velgam Vehera is an ancient Buddhist monastery. On its summit are the remains of a stupa dating to the reign of King Bhatika Tissa II, around 149 CE.

Batticaloa Fort is another historic landmark. It was originally built in 1628 as a Portuguese trading and administrative centre. The Eastern Province is therefore home to religious sites, archaeological finds and a fort from the colonial era, offering a range of cultural points of interest.

Lagoons, Wetlands and Birdlife

Batticaloa Lagoon has extensive mangrove swamps and seagrass beds that attract numerous waterbirds. The Sathurukondan wetland is known for the great diversity and number of waterbirds and waders, and attracts visitors 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.

These places illustrate different connections between landscape and wildlife: the lagoon is shaped by mangroves and seagrass, Sathurukondan by its waterbirds and waders, and Kumana is known for its recorded number of bird species. If you are interested in wetlands or birdlife, these distinct features can help guide your choice of destinations in the Eastern Province.

Coast and Seasonal Activities

Passikudah Bay has calm, clear water that is described as ideal for swimming. Kallady Beach attracts people interested in diving and snorkelling. For surfers, Arugam Bay is a distinct seasonal destination: the surfing season there runs from April to October.

Another seasonal phenomenon is associated with Batticaloa Lagoon: near Kallady Bridge, the Singing Fish are said to be heard on full-moon nights from April to September. The periods differ slightly: the surfing season runs through October, while the described full-moon nights continue through September. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish these details according to your preferred activity and travel dates.

Getting There and Choosing Your Travel Focus

Batticaloa is the eastern railway line’s terminus. Trains run daily from Colombo to Batticaloa via Polonnaruwa. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before departure.

When looking for a hotel in the Eastern Province, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: historic and religious sites, birdlife and wetlands, or coastal activities such as swimming and surfing. The places mentioned offer a range of themes and seasonal attractions. You can then search for hotels in the Eastern Province that suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Palamunai, Somapura, Kalmunai, Kumpurupiddi, Kantale, Warapitiya, Polwatta, Uhana, Pottuvil, Kayankerni, Addalaichenai, Panama, Maha Oya, Sengamuwa.

For the broader travel overview: Sri Lanka.