Eastern Province Travel Guide

Explore the best of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top tourist attractions, food and drink, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Eastern Province

Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province is a lesser-known gem of the country, boasting beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, and natural reserves. This guide will offer insights into Eastern Province’s best tourist attractions, accommodations, transportation options, food and drink scene, and cultural customs.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Province

Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for adventure, Eastern Province has something for everyone.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

For history buffs, there are several notable landmarks that span centuries of historical significance. The Batticaloa Fort is one of the best-preserved Dutch forts in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 17th century. Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee is a historic Hindu temple with mesmerizing architecture, intricate engravings, and a beautiful location overlooking the sea. Also worth visiting is the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the Portuguese colonial era.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Province: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Eastern Province has an abundance of stunning natural reserves and outdoor adventure opportunities. Pigeon Island National Park is a beautiful reserve of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and tropical bird species. Vakarai beach is another beautiful natural beach that is less crowded and perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, Gal Oya National Park and Lahugala Kitulana National Park are both great destinations for spotting elephants, leopards, and exotic birdlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Province

Eastern Province offers several hiking routes and biking trails for adventurous travelers. The Knuckles Mountain Range near Trincomalee features several great treks with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Mahiyanganaya to Nilgala route is a popular biking trail that takes you through scenic tea gardens, picturesque villages, and beautiful jungle terrain.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Province: Activities and Tours

There are numerous activities and tours available to do in Eastern Province, including surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, whale watching, snorkeling, and more. Surfing enthusiasts should check out surfing hotspots such as Arugam Bay, Pasikudah, and Trincomalee. Whale watching tours are widely offered in the coastal towns of Trincomalee and Mirissa.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Province

A week-long itinerary could include:

  • Day 1: Explore the historic Batticaloa Fort and take a boat ride in the lagoon
  • Day 2-3: Visit the beaches of Trincomalee, Koneswaram temple, and take a whale watching tour
  • Day 4-5: Explore the natural reserves of Gal Oya National Park and Lahugala Kitulana National Park
  • Day 6: Shop for souvenirs in Kandy
  • Day 7: Relax on the beaches of Pasikudah or Arugam Bay

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Province

Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, particularly fresh seafood dishes. Sri Lankan cuisine features an abundance of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients that combine to create a unique and delicious flavor.

Must-Try Dishes

Some must-tries include Kothu Roti, a popular street food made with chopped rice flour roti, vegetables, egg and meat; String Hoppers, a steamed rice noodle dish; and Crab Curry, a spicy curry dish made from fresh crab.

Local Beverages

Sri Lanka is also known for tea production, with tea plantations throughout the country. A tea tasting tour at one of the many tea factories in the region is a great way to sample teas and learn about the industry. Coconut water is also a refreshing and healthy drink readily available throughout the region.

Where to Stay in Eastern Province: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are numerous accommodations available throughout Eastern Province. From luxury resorts to budget guesthouses, there are options for every type of traveler. For a luxurious stay, options such as the Jetwing Vil Uyana or the Trinco Blu by Cinnamon offer world-class amenities and a stunning location. For budget-friendly accommodations, there are numerous guesthouses and hostels available throughout the region.

What to Buy in Eastern Province: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs from Eastern Province include handmade lace items, woven baskets and mats, and traditional Ayurvedic medicines. Fresh spices are also a great souvenir for food lovers, as well as tea leaves or pre-packaged teas from one of the many tea factories in the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Province

Sri Lankan culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism. When visiting religious sites or mosques, make sure to dress conservatively and remove shoes before entering. It is also customary to remove shoes before entering someone’s home.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Province

The best time to visit Eastern Province is between April and September when the weather is warm and dry. The monsoon season runs from October to January, making travel during this time more difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Province

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Respect cultural and religious customs
  • Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites
  • Try to speak basic phrases in the local language

Don’t:

  • Touch or take pictures of religious artifacts or statues without permission
  • Disrespect local customs or traditions
  • Wear revealing clothing in public areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern Province

Sri Lanka has come a long way in terms of safety in recent years. However, petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing can occur, so travelers should remain vigilant and keep an eye on their belongings. It is also important to avoid political demonstrations, which can sometimes be violent.

Health in Eastern Province

Sri Lanka has a good healthcare system, and most hotels and resorts have on-call doctors or medical staff. However, it is important to take precautions such as drinking bottled water, using mosquito repellent, and protecting yourself from the sun.

Getting to Eastern Province: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eastern Province

The nearest airport is Batticaloa Airport, which has limited flights. For international travelers, the Bandaranaike International Airport is located in Colombo, approximately 310km from Eastern Province.

Bus Stations Near Eastern Province

There are buses from Colombo to Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and other towns in Eastern Province.

Other Options

Taxis and private cars are also readily available for hire.

How to Get Around in Eastern Province

Local buses are available for travel between cities in Eastern Province, but it can be time-consuming and crowded. Tuk-tuks and taxis are another popular way to get around, with drivers often available for hire for an entire day.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Province: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sri Lanka has much to offer for travelers looking to explore more of the country. Some nearby destinations include the cultural hub of Kandy, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and the scenic hill country of Nuwara Eliya.

Conclusion

Eastern Province is a beautiful and diverse region of Sri Lanka, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures. This comprehensive guide can help visitors make the most of their trip by experiencing the region’s top tourist attractions, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.



    Batticaloa
    Nilaveli