East Coast Monsoon Beach Route
From May to September, travel from north to south visiting Trincomalee, Pasikudah, and Arugam Bay.
When the southwest coast enters its rainy season, the east coast is dry and sunny, making this route the perfect alternative. Start in Trincomalee to visit temples and snorkel at Pigeon Island, then relax in the shallow waters of Pasikudah. Finally, head to Arugam Bay for surfing and wildlife viewing, ending in Ella where you can connect to the tea country or head back. Chartering a car is recommended for transport, as public transit requires multiple transfers.
During the northeast monsoon from November to March, most businesses in Arugam Bay are closed.
Day by day
Day 1 · To the East Coast via Dambulla
Sigiriya & Dambulla（Dambulla Cave Temple） → Trincomalee（Uppuveli Beach）
Charter a car from the airport to Trincomalee (about 5–6 hours), stopping at Dambulla along the way.
Stay: Uppuveli
Day 2 · Trincomalee Old Town
Trincomalee（Fort Frederick、Koneswaram Temple、Pathirakali Amman Temple、Trincomalee War Cemetery）
Travel from Uppuveli to the town area (about 15 minutes), walk up to the temple inside Fort Frederick, and return to the beach in the afternoon.
The temple gets crowded during almsgiving hours; sunset offers the best light.
Stay: Uppuveli
Day 3 · A Day of Snorkeling at Pigeon Island
Trincomalee（Pigeon Island National Park、Nilaveli Beach）
Drive to Nilaveli (about 30 minutes), take a boat to Pigeon Island (about 15 minutes), and relax on the beach in the afternoon.
Do not step on the coral in the marine sanctuary; boat services may be suspended during rough seas.
Stay: Uppuveli
Day 4 · South to Pasikudah
Trincomalee（Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara） → Pasikudah
Head south along the east coast (about 3 hours), making a brief stop at Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya along the way.
Stay: Pasikudah
Day 5 · A Day in Pasikudah Bay
Kalkudah Beach
Enjoy activities around the bay; you can cycle to Kalkudah or rent a car for a half-day trip to Batticaloa Fort.
Stay: Pasikudah
Day 6 · To Arugam Bay via Lahugala
Arugam Bay（Lahugala Kitulana National Park、Magul Maha Viharaya）
Drive to Arugam Bay via Batticaloa and Ampara (about 4 hours), keeping an eye out for elephants along the way.
Wild elephants often appear on the roads in the evening; avoid traveling after dark.
Stay: Arugam Bay Main Street
Day 7 · Arugam Surfing & Lagoon
Arugam Bay（Arugam Bay Main Point、Pottuvil Lagoon、Muhudu Maha Viharaya）
Walk from town to the surf points. In the afternoon, take a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride to Pottuvil for a lagoon boat safari.
The Main Point is suitable for advanced surfers; beginners should head to Peanut Farm.
Stay: Arugam Bay Main Street
Day 8 · A Day in Kumana National Park
Arugam Bay（Kumana National Park、Kudumbigala Monastery）
Take a jeep south to Kumana in the early morning (about 1.5 hours). After a half-day safari, visit Kudumbigala Monastery.
Birdwatching is excellent in June and July; confirm the park's status before setting off.
Stay: Arugam Bay Main Street
Day 9 · Elephant Rock and Up to Ella
Arugam Bay（Elephant Rock） → Nuwara Eliya & Ella（Ella）
Climb Elephant Rock in the early morning, then drive to Ella via Monaragala (about 3.5–4 hours).
If you need to return to the airport, you can take a direct route, which takes about 7–8 hours.