The back story
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The back story
The east coast: Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay
Empty beaches, a deep natural harbour, Hindu temples on the cliffs and Sri Lanka’s most famous surf town, in season when the west is wet.

Town guide · in season April to September
Koneswaram Temple above the sea, Pigeon Island, the beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli and the calm bay of Pasikudah, in season when the west coast is wet.
The back story
Empty beaches, a deep natural harbour, Hindu temples on the cliffs and Sri Lanka’s most famous surf town, in season when the west is wet.
On Swami Rock
A revered Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, on the clifftop of Swami Rock above the sea in Trincomalee.
Snorkelling
A small marine national park off Nilaveli, with coral reefs and reef fish, reached by boat.
Long beaches
Two long, quiet beaches just north of Trincomalee, with calm water in the east-coast season.
Wild beach
A luxury resort of cabins between the jungle and a quiet beach, north of Trincomalee.
By road or rail
Trains from Colombo to Trincomalee and Batticaloa, and road links from the Cultural Triangle and Ella.
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