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East Coast

The east coast is where to go when the south is wet: dry from about March to September, with the calmest sea from May. Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Uppuveli have long beaches and Pigeon Island’s reef, Pasikuda has shallow water for swimming, and Arugam Bay is the best-known surf town on the island.

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Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicSigiriyaMirissaElla RockColombo Lotus TowerArugam BayTEMPLE OF THE SACRED TOOTH RELICSIGIRIYAMIRISSAELLA ROCKCOLOMBO LOTUS TOWERARUGAM BAY

The short answer

Arugam Bay is a laid-back surf town on Sri Lanka's south-east coast, best known for the long right-hand point break at Main Point. From about May to September the waves are at their best and the weather driest. Base yourself here for 1–3 days of surf, lagoons, elephants and beach time.

East Coast: questions people ask

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka's east coast?

May to September, for calm sea and surf, with the dry season starting in March. From November to January the north-east monsoon brings rain, heaviest in December.

Where can I snorkel on the east coast?

At Pigeon Island National Park, off Nilaveli near Trincomalee, which has coral and reef fish. Boats go out from about May to September, and there is a park fee, so check before you go.

How do I get to the east coast of Sri Lanka?

By road from the cultural triangle or the hill country, or by train to Trincomalee or Batticaloa. Arugam Bay is reached by road.