The East Coast

Sri Lanka’s east coast is a beguiling blend of sun-drenched beaches, vibrant heritage and untouched marine sanctuaries. From Trincomalee’s historic forts to Arugam Bay’s surf-chic spirit, it offers a more serene, soulful take on luxury by the sea.

Sri Lanka’s east coast remains one of the island’s best-kept secrets, where luxury travellers can escape the crowds and embrace a slower, salt-kissed rhythm. Trincomalee enchants with its natural harbour, colonial echoes at Fort Frederick and the hilltop Hindu temple of Kali Kovil. Nearby, the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli offer barefoot bliss, framed by beachfront retreats and the coral-rich waters of Pigeon Island National Park – a paradise for snorkellers and sun worshippers.

Further south, Batticaloa boasts lagoon views and a Dutch fort that recalls the area’s layered past. For divers, the east coast offers rare underwater treasures, including the wreck of HMS Hermes, a British aircraft carrier sunk by Japanese bombers in 1942. Arugam Bay, meanwhile, blends laidback luxury with serious surf, its crescent bay and famous right-hand pointbreak drawing wave riders from all around the world.