Eastern Province, a cultural feast
A holiday to Eastern Province will offer you the most diverse culture in Sri Lanka, ethnically and religiously. Eastern Province boasts steady 30 degree temperatures for most of the year, the rain however can be a little more temperamental.
The Indian ocean to the east is this provinces greatest asset, supporting an exciting watersport culture, rich seafood cuisine, and an interesting Dutch and Portuguese heritage.
Eastern Province’s diverse districts
Eastern Province is broken down into three major districts, each offering their own points of interest, Trincomalee District in the north is host to the capital of the same name. The historical deep-water harbour and bustling town are a great place to start you holidays in Eastern Province. Trincomalee city is the most popular holiday destination in the north and has good rail connections to the rest of the country.
Batticaloa District, bordered by Trincomalee to the north and Ampara to the south, is largely protected by coral reefs from the monsoon weather. Batticaloa city is situated in an area of lagoons, the largest, aptly named Batticaloa Lagoon, is 57km long, giving the city a unique island feeling. The lagoons are home to an astonishing level of marine life, most notoriously the ‘singing fish’. On a moonlit night try dipping an oar into the water, hold the other end to your ear and hear them playing.
Ampara District is the most southerly in Eastern Province, Aragum bay is renowned for its world class surfing, with many reasonably priced hotels, bungalows, or even a cute cabaña for a back-to-basics break. These little wooden shacks have thatched roofs and all the necessities... power points and running water. But if you don’t fancy getting wet, get wild. Maduru Oya and Gal Oya national parks are a great inland activity for a day or two.