Things to do & places to visit in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Eastern Province #7 destination in Sri Lanka 2023. The average rating score is 4.35 based on 8.743 traveler reviews, of 139 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Colombo, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 1:05.

Eastern Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

89°F - 80°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Very warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

45%

Chance of rain

232.0 millimeters

Amount

11.4 mph

Wind speed

75%

Humidity

12.5

Daylight length

5:45 AM

Sunrise

6:13 PM

Sunset

25%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (35)

Top destinations in Eastern Province 33

See more 21 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Dylan's Surf Company (237 reviews)
- One stop surf shop.
Monday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Lessons & Workshops • Gear Rentals

Very good organisation with professional staff and licenced instructors. These guys live to surf and they convey that passion through to their clients. Big thanks to Ruban for your patience and never hesitating to get up early for that sunrise surf session. You're a champ! (Literally) See more..
5.0 Arugam Bay Tours (209 reviews)
- Wonderful Holiday by Arugambay Tours
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Safaris • Surfing & Windsurfing • Taxis & Shuttles • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Arugambay Tours has organized us a wonderful honeymoon which we will never forget about! We have spent 9 days with them in Sri Lanka, and been to marvellous places like Sigirya Rock, the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, Kumana National Park Safari, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Arugam Bay, and many more amazing places...and people everywhere were so kind to us! ☀️ All the hotels we have been to were really nice, and ofcourse booked and organized by Arugambay Tours, just like our awesome guide and driver. We also had a wedding ceremony by the beach in Arugam Bay and there also everything was just perfect. We will always be grateful for this adventure and we warmly recommend Arugambay Tours and also Sri Lanka! See more..
5.0 AquaCreed Scuba Dive Centre (131 reviews)
- Padi OWD course
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

We did our Padi OWD certificate with Aquacreed and they were awesome. Keith was an excellent instructor. He made us feel really safe and confident the whole time and didn't rush anything. Jez was extremely helpful in organising everything before we arrived and also went to great lengths to return my wetsuit which I left behind. Not that I needed it - all their dive equipment and wetsuits were in excellent condition with a full range of sizes. They also have a really great dive boat. We loved it so much that we stayed on for two extra dives with them at the end. See more..
5.0 Pappy's Surf School (127 reviews)
- Excellent teacher!
Monday: 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Eco Tours • Lessons & Workshops • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Before surfing at Arugam Bay, we had very limited experience. We had only taken 1 surf lesson in Portugal last year, but it was nothing compared to what Rass, the owner of Pappy's, offers. The introduction while on the beach was very clear, but most important, he was there for you every single wave. He delivers on private lessons, by only focussing on my girlfriend and me in this case. This way, you are able to catch a lot of waves, and can take into account new tips after every wave, because he is solely focussed on you. Because of the great experience during the first two days, we decided to book him a third day, before heading off to Yala! See more..
5.0 Amigo Surf School (121 reviews)
- World-class coaching and a lovely bunch of guys!
Surfing & Windsurfing

Would recommend anyone looking for surf lessons in Arugam Bay to take their lessons with the lovely guys at Amigo! They do 1 to 1 lessons where the instructor caters for your level and genuinely wants to see you improve your surfing. Safety and knowledge of the different surf spots is also something that they really care about and I always felt safe with my amazing instructor Sinny! They don't want to use your lesson time on conditions that aren't great for surfing so they just straight up tell you that it is not worth it and to go another day. This way you don't have to waste your money or your time. All in all I had an amazing time with Sinny and the rest of the gang at Amigos and I will forever be grateful for the tips and tricks that improved my surfing! See more..
5.0 Excellent Surf School (93 reviews)
- Addictive experience!
Surfing & Windsurfing

We had surfclasses from Boaty. He was a very chill guy and also very patient. He took his time to explain everything multiple times and had a good analysis of what we should improve. We had such a good time that we kept on booking extra surfclasses with him! Also the owner, Lesitha, is a very nice and kind person who helped us with multiple things like renting a scooter and took his time to explain all the places to explore around Arugam Bay! He is really great! See more..
5.0 PS TOURS (72 reviews)
- Best tour operator in sri lanka!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching

We visit Sri Lanka for the first time and booked a 3 days tour around the top places. We started at our hotel to Ella, there train drive to Nuwara Eliya, next day to Kandy and 3rd day to Sigiriya and for Elephant trip. It was a wonderful time with our driver, we stopped at many spectacular areas - to see waterfalls, nature, tea plantages, animals, monkeys.. and met a lot of local people and got introduced to the local food. We love rice and curry and the roti :-). Our driver was always on time, reliable and told us interesting stories about sri lankan life & history. It was comfortable driving with air condition and sometimes we turned on the music ;-) Prices are a good deal. We will come back and bock PS tours again! See more..
5.0 Deergayu Acupressure Center (64 reviews)
- Excellent treatment for your swimmer's injuries
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas • Thermal Spas

The Deergayu Acupressure Center and Spa which is located at arugambay , offers a complete range of services to treat you. Choose from massage therapies, body treatments, facials and nail care. There is also a selection of packages combining several treatments. See more..
5.0 Wave Flow Yoga (55 reviews)
- Amazing experience!
Spent 1-2 hours Yoga & Pilates

Amazing yoga classes and great vibes! Yael is very professional, always willing to help providing guidance every step of the way. She is also really nice and friendly person and it was my pleasure to have her as my instructor. This was a truly amazing experience! See more..
5.0 Ocean Surf Arugambay (27 reviews)
- My first time surfing ‍♀️
Spent < 1 hour Gear Rentals

Ocean Surf Arugambay is a popular surf shop with friendly Instructor. Our instructors have been accredited by the ISA (International Surfing Association). We offer individual / group lessons. Our Surf shop specially doing the surf lesson for beginners & intermediate persons. We rent out surfboards also we do surfboard repairing, selling and buying. We are selling surfing Accessories. See more..
5.0 Cook with Mona (26 reviews)
- An amazing experience
Spent 2-3 hours Cooking Classes

This wasn’t your normal cooking class it’s a full on local experience as well. Mona is excellent cook she has tons of knowledge and goes into great depths in teaching and explaining recipes. Her class is a must do if you’re in Arugam bay I give it a ten out of ten. See more..
5.0 Nilaveli Cabs (24 reviews)
- Great experience
Monday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Sightseeing Tours • Day Trips

Great experience. Very polite and helpful and really good value in comparison to other local companies. Our driver was really accommodating and stopped so we could have dinner on the way to the airport to break up the long journey. Would absolutely recommend. See more..
5.0 Rice & Carry Bags Shop (24 reviews)
- A Must Visit - cool, unique bags made by an inspiring and sustainable social enterprise company
Monday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Rice & carry is a social enterprise whose aim is not to optimize profits but to empower and positively impact communities on Sri Lanka's east coast. We provide work in a small centralized production unit as well as within homes in different villages. Our makers are women from rural areas who have worked with us to become creative and professional manufacturers. Our shop displays all our products. See more..
4.5 Koneswaram Temple (928 reviews)
- A sacred temple with a view
Religious Sites

There is something exhilarating about standing on the top of a rock and taking in a magnificent view. From this temple, which is as close to God as anyone can get here in Trincomalee, the views over the Indian Ocean are sublime. There are small shrines built into the cliff and it is lovely to stand with Hindu devotees as they perform their rituals. The temple, the people, and the wonderful view make this place a worthy place to visit. On our way down the hill, after collecting our shoes, we sat in a coconut cafe, high above the cliff, sipping coconut water whilst immersing ourselves with this unforgettable cultural experience. See more..
4.5 Passikudah Beach (592 reviews)
- Excellent for a sea bathe
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

One of the best place to have a sea bathe, If you love sandy beaches with shallow sea, this beach might be a good choice. The sea waves aren't that nicer compared to other beaches in Sri Lanka. but if you are looking to have asafe sea bathe this is definitely recommended. The best time for bathe in this place would be between 9 am until 2 pm as this place get crowded in the evenings. See more..
4.5 Nilaveli Beach (467 reviews)
- Breathtaking Nilaveli!
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Often indescribable in its natural beauty, Nilaveli in its many moods is unparalleled in Sri Lanka. Although you can wade out for a couple of hundred meters, the sea is not a boring millpond but a frolicking, frivolous, fun companion, by turns soothing and invigorating. Nilaveli sunsets are only outdone by Nilaveli sunrise, competing to paint the brightest gold on wave and sand. For the shellseeker, Nilaveli is extravagantly generous, with cowrie, spiral, conch and butterfly-winged beauties cast up with each wave. The local people are friendly and unintrusive, they are happy to share this magnificent scenery with visitors and are gentle in their hospitality. See more..
4.5 Divinguru Nilaveli (296 reviews)
- Proffesional and fun
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Dolphin & Whale Watching

The divemasters were amazing and I felt very safe with them. I did the rescue diver course and some fun dives. The prices are compsrable to other plsces however this is much more professional than sll the others. I wholhesrtedly recommend. See more..
4.5 Trincomalee War Cemetery (286 reviews)
- Immaculately kept, important place to cisit
Cemeteries

Trincomalee is a seaport on the north-eastern coast of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and was formerly a naval station. After the fall of Singapore it became a naval base of importance to our command of shipping in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The cemetery was originally the Combined Services Cemetery, but was taken over by the Admiralty from the military authorities in April 1948 for use as a permanent naval cemetery. On the withdrawal of United Kingdom Forces from Ceylon it became the property of the Ceylon Government who have granted the Commission security of tenure in perpetuity. Save for a few post-war and non-war graves it is purely a war cemetery, and service war graves were transferred to it from Trincomalee (St. Mary) Churchyard; Trincomalee (St. Stephen's) Cemetery, Kottadi Cemetery, Jaffna; and Vavuiyna Combined Cemetery. A special memorial commemorates a naval man buried in Trincomalee (St. Stephen's) Cemetery whose grave could not be found. The non-war graves are those of men of the Merchant Navy whose death was not due to war service, and of civilians, of whom some were employees of the Admiralty; while the post-war graves were dependents of servicemen, civilian employees of the Admiralty and dependents of such employees. See more..
4.5 Pasikudah Beach (131 reviews)
- Pasikudah Beach; View point of Sunrise and most suitable beach for sea bathing in Easton Province of Sri Lanka.
Beaches

Pasikuda in Easton region of Sri Lanka is one of the most suitable beach for sea bathing in the country like Tangalle and Polhena in southern region with shallow sea with wide sand beach and less sea waves. There are many hotels and guest houses in the area. Most of them are star class & expensive hotels. But you can find budget places around Kalkuda area for group stays. View point of Sunrise is also located in a point between Pasikudah bay and Kaikudah bay. For this view point, not much tourist comes due to unpopularity of the place. But it is an amazing place to visit early in the morning to witness the sunrise. Visitors can walk around the beach and early morning local fisherman’s are catching fish using traditional methods. This place is excellent location to witness the sunrise. See more..
4.5 Kumana National Park (114 reviews)
- Blessing Wildlife
National Parks

Kumana National Park spreads over an area of 35,664 hectares. In the west, the park is bordered by River Kumubukkan Oya; to the south is south-eastern coast that runs to Panama. A 200 hectares mangrove swamp called “Kumana Villu” within the Park is subject to occasional inundation with sea water. It is at this swamp that many water birds nest, during the months of May and June. Scattered in the Kumana National Park are several water pools that are favorite spots of the wildlife: Kudawila wewa, Thummulla wewa and Kotalinda wewa. See more..
4.5 Pottuvil Lagoon (95 reviews)
- Great place near Arugam bay to watch wildlife
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

We visited the side arm of Potuvil lagoon with our in house naturalist Yesitha from Jetwing Surf and had a great and very quiet excursion by boat (no motor) from the local cooperative, which was perfect for gliding slowly through the water and watching crocodiles, elephants and. Loads of birds (eagles, herons, kingfishers). Probably best done in the late afternoon. See more..
4.5 Muhudu Maha Vihara (92 reviews)
- A must visit when you are in Pottuvil/ Arugambay
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Buddhist temple built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. The ruins and remains of ancient stupas, Seema Malaka, Avasa Geya and statues can be seen at the site. Important ruins at the temple premises include stone statues of Buddha and two statues of old kings or gods. See more..
4.5 Kudumbigala Monastery (84 reviews)
- Hidden Gem in the middle of the jungle
Spent 2-3 hours Religious Sites

This visit was our 4th Annual arms giving to the monastery. Like I mentioned several time when reviewed about this place, This place is a monastery which has got full of ancient ruins & caves like olden days,still monks live & meditating there & our visits have to be respect for the rules that are given by the monastery. This place is not a place you can go there and have fun!!!! You can visit there & enjoy the beauty of this place but always try to obey the rules which are going to be favor for the monks who live there and meditate. So dress properly No alcohol be taken to the premises Visit appropriate times noted Respect surrounding environment by not standing on Stupa that we are worshipping & other ancient ruins.... Always try to be quiet when visiting See more..
4.5 Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple (83 reviews)
- One of the Best Hindu Temple i have ever visited..
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

The temple was very colourful with attractive statues and paintings all over the walls and also on the ceiling.The Kovil is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali and specifically to Badrakali Amman. It has a central Shrine and other shrines are placed on either side.It is very sacred place and we saw some devotees praying..It has a Dravidon architechture.Swami Rock can also be seen from there. It is located closer to the Hindu College beyond Koneshwaram road Esplanade near the Koneshwaran Temple See more..
4.5 Arugam Bay Ayurveda Treatment Centre (82 reviews)
- Body massage
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Spas

The best treatment in arugam bay Very good therapist , clean , good attitude. Dr jahufer is very proffesional Fair prices See more..
4.5 Gal Oya National Park - The Crossing (79 reviews)
- GALOYA MAKARAKATA VISIT
National Parks

Galoya is unique. After reaching the galoya then take a walk done to see the makarta kata where the river disappears and going round to see how water comes from matrakata is lifetime experience. Then have a bath and enjoy Galoya lodge repaired lunch is a superb unmatched experience. See more..
4.5 Ypsylon Diving (59 reviews)
- Excellent diving/snorkeling experience
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Water Sports • Dolphin & Whale Watching

Thanks to Roy and his guys for excellent training. We highly recommend the dive center and look forward to the season on west coast. See more..
4.5 Sri Lanka Navy Museum (48 reviews)
- One of the must visit places
Military Museums

This is a must visit place in trincomale. A very well arranged place. By visiting this place you can get an idea on how important trincomale has been as a strategic place in srilankan history. Highly recommend this place for school children. See more..
4.5 Poseidon Diving Station Sri Lanka (47 reviews)
- Amazing dive and afterwards freetime for long snorkeling session
Scuba & Snorkelling • Dolphin & Whale Watching

My diving and snorkeling trip with Poseidon was amazing. The crew is super helpful, you really feel welcome and safe. The dive masters are very calm and show you around under water, it was my first scuba dive and I really learned a lot just in one dive. After the dive I could use my time, which was plenty, on the Pidgeon Island to snorkel around and swim with reef sharks and loads of fish. I had an amazing time and they even helped me for my eveningplanning, very nice crew. See more..
4.5 Whisky Point, Sri Lanka (44 reviews)
- Whisky Point - a surfers paradise , let’s help keep it that way ......
Spent More than 3 hours Other Outdoor Activities

Whisky Point is an unspoiled surfing paradise north of Pottuvil, East of Sri Lanka . A beautiful setting with some fine accommodation and Restaurants to fit any budget . A must visit for all surfers who would like to spend the entire day in water . We left the location around 7pm and still found a group enjoying the seas protected by a State Police Sea Rescue Team. Let’s populate the location among the surfers and keep it for them ........ ‍♂️‍♀️ See more..