Looking for Sri Lanka east coast itinerary? Explore the eastern coast of this beautiful nation to witness nature. Located on the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is among the top destinations for travelers who love nature.
It is popular for its ancient history, culture, architecture, sea food, and beaches. The island nation has connectivity across the globe. And thus, it is easy to visit Sri Lanka. There is so much you can do here and make your trip adventurous.
To make sure none of your days are wasted, plan your trip as per the itinerary below. Enjoy the golden sand, clear water, and seafood delicacies in Sri Lanka.
Day 1 – Trincomalee
Your first day should begin at Trincomalee. It is a famous area for harbors and beaches. Spend your first day by visiting 2 spots. Fort Frederick is one of the locations. It opens at 6 am and closes at 10 pm. It was built by the Portuguese in the 1600s. The fort is worth visiting for many reasons. It is built on an ancient Hindu temple that was destroyed by the Portuguese.
Entry to the fort is free for everyone. The fort is made using granite rock and is popular for its Portuguese architecture. The fort also has some Dutch elements, as it was later acquired by them. Adjoining the fort is a narrow passage of water. You can stroll here, sit, and relax. You can spend a whole day here.
Day 2 – Trincomalee
Welcome to day 2 in Trincomalee. Today, we suggest you visit Pigeon Island National Park. There are 3 marine national parks in Sri Lanka, and Pigeon Island National Park is one of them. It is the best place for coral reefs in Sri Lanka. To see the coral reefs, you will have to visit the large Pigeon Island.
You get to see a variety of coral reefs here, along with sea turtles and even blacktip reef sharks. The island is a breeding ground for pigeons, hence the name Pigeon Island. If you want to scuba dive, Pigeon Island National Park is a good choice, as you can spot corals.
You will need a complete day here. The national park is open daily from 8 am to 3 pm.
Day 3 – Trincomalee
Excited to spend the third day in Trincomalee? Let us make it fun for you. If you are going to a beach in Sri Lanka, you should surely try water adventures. Nilaveli Beach is the perfect spot for the same. The beach is tidy, and its white sand is what people enjoy the most.
Let us begin the morning with calm and spirituality. Begin your day by offering prayers at Koneswaram Temple. Locals call it the temple of a thousand pillars. The main shrine is that of Hindu god Shiva.
But the temple complex has many Hindu deities, including Bhadrakali, Surya, Ganesh, and Murukan. The temple is sacred to the Hindus as it is a shakti-peeth. Temple timings are 6 am to 1.15 pm and 4 pm to 6.45 pm. Then you can go to Nilaveli Beach as the sun is about to set.
Day 4 – Jaffna
The next two days are to be enjoyed in Jaffna. On the first day at Jaffna, you are supposed to see the Jaffna fort and hindu temple. The fort was built in 1618 by the Portuguese but was later conquered by the Dutch and the British. It opens every day at 7 am and closes at 6 pm. Entry to the fort is free.
After the fort, you can visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu temple. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple timings are 4.15 am to 5.15 am, 7.30 am to 12 pm, and 3 pm to 6.15 pm. The original temple dates back to 948 A.D. It was later redeveloped by local rulers, and nearby areas have a Portuguese influence.
Day 5 – Jaffna
The final day in Jaffna is for Delft Island. Locally, it is known as Neduntheevu. It is a little area home to a small group of Tamil people. But it is an important archaeological site. Buddhist temples, chola temples, and ruined Dutch fort remains have been found here.
Some inscriptions were also found by the Maritime Archaeology Unit. These belong to Tamil scripts. Other attractions on the island are a growing rock, a giant footprint, coral walls, and stable remains. Delft is a remote village, and you need to take a ferry ride to reach the island.
Day 6 – Passikudah Bay
Passikudah Bay, your next spot, is a scenic beach. It is small, yet beautiful and peaceful. If you come here anytime between May and September, you will get to do adventurous water sports. You can book a cruise to enjoy a stunning sunset.
The crystal-clear water and golden sand make you feel serene and tranquil. It is still not explored by many, so before it gets crowded, you can enjoy it. You get to see vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
Day 7 – Arugam Bay
From Passikudah Bay, continue south to Arugam Bay. It is the best spot for sea-surfing. The bay is completely surrounded by wildlife. And so, you need to be careful, as you can spot monkeys, elephants, etc. too easily. With this, your last day in Sri Lanka should be spent with nature for a relaxing end to the tour.
Conclusion
If you are planning a 7-day trip to Sri Lanka, this itinerary will be helpful. Visit Sri Lanka with enough time so you can explore and enjoy every corner of this island nation. Its clean beaches, natural landscapes, and wildlife will make your trip worth every minute. Consider this Sri Lanka East Coast itinerary while planning your trip so you do not miss any spots.
Contact Ceylon Empire Travels to get Sri Lanka East Coast itinerary.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
