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Eastern Province

Among the most popular beach cities there are also a number of unspoiled areas within the province which is 9,996 km2 in extent and the three administrative districts, namely Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. The water in this part of the island is also turquoise and clear, with shallow pool that stretches out far. Also, a number of historical sites in the vicinity and is fast becoming a popular destination, with the  vibrant multi-cultural experience where a mix of Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim population live in harmony-almost equally dispersed in the Province.

Eastern Province

Among the most popular beach cities there are also a number of unspoiled areas within the province which is 9,996 km2 in extent and the three administrative districts, namely Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. The water in this part of the island is also turquoise and clear, with shallow pool that stretches out far. Also, a number of historical sites in the vicinity and is fast becoming a popular destination, with the  vibrant multi-cultural experience where a mix of Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim population live in harmony-almost equally dispersed in the Province.

Trincomalee is the main city of Eastern Province, and is mostly known for its natural deep water harbour. The city, built on a peninsula is divided into the inner and outer harbours. The historical name ‘Gokanna in Pali has been referred as ‘Thirukonamalai’ in Tamil and subsequently adapted to the Anglicized name ‘Trincomalee’, or to the popularly known name “Trinco’.

With some of the most picturesque and scenic beaches such as the ‘marble beach’,Nilaveli Beach’, ‘Arisimale beach’, or the ‘uppuweli beach’. The area is famous for bathing and swimming, owing to the shallowness of the sea, allowing one to walk out over a hundred meters into the sea without the water reaching the chest. Whale watching, watching sea turtles and other marine life around the pigeon island national park, or snorkeling are some of the common activities off Trincomalee, area. The Koddiyar bay is the place where the longest river of Sri Lanka ends its journey and meet the sea. A good golf game, the china bay golf club is an ideal place.

There are historical places of interest such as the Fort Fedrick, the Ravana Abyss, lovers leap, and the Thirukoneshwaram temple, is popular for its colorful ceremonies and among devotee couples making wishes for having a baby, who tie a miniature wooden cradle in the temple. The Second World War cemetery and the seven hot springs of Kanniya on the road to Trincomalee, which is part of the Ramayana Yathra,  are also a must visit places. A high wall bounds the rectangular enclosure which includes all seven springs. Each is in turn enclosed by a dwarf wall to form a well. The water is warm, the temperature of each spring being slightly different.

Batticaloa administrative district of the Eastern Province is located between Trincomalee and Ampara districts and is about 2,854 km2 in extent. Batticaloa is home to the largest lagoon of the country and is known for many gorgeous beaches that attract a lot of local and foreign tourists. Pasikuda, and Kalkudha are major beach destinations which offers shallow water and year round warm weather. Fishing and agriculture are the main livelihoods of the people in the district. The Kalladi Bridge built in 1924 is a landmark in the district with its anecdotal “singing fishes” under the bridge and the ion structures.

Ampara is a very diverse administrative district in the Eastern Province with its nature, historical places and population. The district has a total land area of 4,415 km2, and the ancient temples in the district dates back to several centuries which includes pothuwil, digawapi, lahugala and buddangala. Arugam Bay is the world renowned surfing paradise. The Kumana bird sanctuary and the close proximity to the Yala National Park are the other attractive must see places in the district.