Top Things to do in Eastern Province
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Eastern Province That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka including Velgam Vehera, Kumana National Park, Koneswaram Temple, Hoods Tower Museum, Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara, Deegavapi Stupa, Buddhangala Monastery, Arisimale Beach, Girihadu Seya, Trincomalee War Cemetery.
Restaurants in Eastern Province
1. Velgam Vehera
2. Kumana National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Kumana National Park spreads over an area of 35,664 hectares. In the west, the park is bordered by River Kumubukkan Oya; to the south is south-eastern coast that runs to Panama. A 200 hectares mangrove swamp called “Kumana Villu” within the Park is subject to occasional inundation with sea water. It is at this swamp that many water birds nest, during the months of May and June. Scattered in the Kumana National Park are several water pools that are favorite spots of the wildlife: Kudawila wewa, Thummulla wewa and Kotalinda wewa.
Reviewed By 2HungryWanderers
Nice park with lots of animals, but not many tourists. Plenty of buffalos, wild pigs, deer, we also saw foxes, mongoose and an elephant. Myriad of birds, any bird lover will be thrilled.
3. Koneswaram Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 915 reviews
Reviewed By RamblingR - Melbourne, Australia
There is something exhilarating about standing on the top of a rock and taking in a magnificent view. From this temple, which is as close to God as anyone can get here in Trincomalee, the views over the Indian Ocean are sublime. There are small shrines built into the cliff and it is lovely to stand with Hindu devotees as they perform their rituals. The temple, the people, and the wonderful view make this place a worthy place to visit. On our way down the hill, after collecting our shoes, we sat in a coconut cafe, high above the cliff, sipping coconut water whilst immersing ourselves with this unforgettable cultural experience.
4. Hoods Tower Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By E3061MYjeanl - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Our first visit to Sri Lanka and we had heard about this museum, both myself and my partners fathers had been based here in 2nd world war so this to us was a must. We were told we didn’t need permission prior to arriving so turned up at the base on 28th Feb to be turned away as too many school trips told to come back following morning between 8.30/8.45. Following day we arrived at the base at 8.20 to be told no access before 9.00am so we sat and waited. At 9 we were asked for our passports and our driver was asked for his paperwork. We were then asked if we wanted to do the harbour boat ride which we said yes. The boat ride was 3000SLR each (£15) 200 SLR for locals. We queued for about 20 mins then given permission to board then sat on the boat for roughly 15 mins waiting for coaches to arrive. Finally the cruise took off 10 mins into cruise the boat made its way back into harbour and that was it. Totally disappointing. When we got back to the harbour we got back into our car with our driver and a naval base person to drive to Hoods Tower museum, the entrance fee was 1200 SLR each. The museum has lots of parts of ships, guns, ammunition, working parts of ships. The tower has amazing views over the harbours, there is still the search lights up there, also escape tunnels which were weird to go round all in all a really enjoyable and informative trip.
5. Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By SujeewaW_12 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Seruwila Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient temple which is among the sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka [Solosmasthana]. It is reachable via Trincomalee - Muttur (42.4Kms) or via Kantalai - Allai (45Kms). Both the roads are well carpeted and in pretty good condition (Better than roads in Colombo) . which is approximately 45 km through dense forest. There are many monuments in the complex including Stupa which was originated in 2nd Century B.C. and restored in 1920's.Restored Northern entrance ,with evidence of molded bricks, balustrades, guard stones and moonstones.Western entrance with evidences of preliminary stages of stone works in moldings showing exemplary stone jointing methods.Southern entrance with balustrades of elephant motifs, guard stones and stone door frame.Eastern entrance, Image house building at the Stupa terrace, Sculptured stone lotus, Bo tree shrine [Bodhighara], Ancient pond, Remains of ancient Chapter House, Remains of monasteries and remains of a building on stone pillars. You can find natural stone platform and caves with primitive paintings According to the history this complex was build by King Kavantissa (2nd century B.C.) who was ruling the Kingdom of Ruhuna and the sacred relic, which was the frontal bone of the Buddha, was enshrined in the stupa which was known as Tissa Maha Vehera Every year thousands of devotees visit this sacred place for worship and its worth visiting this place if you are a explorer of Buddhist history.
6. Deegavapi Stupa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By mytropicaljournal - Colombo, Sri Lanka
An archaeological site with a long history dated back to the 03rd century. The most prominent factor is the place has been visited by the Lord Buddha himself. Remaining of the ancient stupa is available in the site which is the only visible remaining of the ancient time. There are other temple buildings but built in the modern-day. Near the parking area, there are few toy, hats and snack stalls. Hats, scarfs and water are must due to the hot climate. The orange juice sells at stalls is a definite thirst quencher. Might be boring if you are not a fan of archaeological sites. Need to dress appropriately for a temple.
7. Buddhangala Monastery
8. Arisimale Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By RifnazM - Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
It's a rare beach you can find because of it's location and the sand. Beach sand almost similar to rice thereby it's called as "Arisimalai" in the local language. The crystal clear water and the slight waves will make you curious if you bath there. Highly recommend to visit if you cross Pulmodai, Sri Lanka eventhough it's quiet difficult to be there.
9. Girihadu Seya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By charithb2015 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Wonderful ancient shrine which deemed to be the first Stupa in the world. Located at a higher elevation on a flat province giving a unique view. 40 mins from Trinco and 10 mins to pulmudei. Safe and secured area with lots of nature friendly atmosphere. Early morning or late evening time is recommended. Please donate for the temple as the shrine is highly underprivileged.
10. Trincomalee War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Trincomalee is a seaport on the north-eastern coast of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and was formerly a naval station. After the fall of Singapore it became a naval base of importance to our command of shipping in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The cemetery was originally the Combined Services Cemetery, but was taken over by the Admiralty from the military authorities in April 1948 for use as a permanent naval cemetery. On the withdrawal of United Kingdom Forces from Ceylon it became the property of the Ceylon Government who have granted the Commission security of tenure in perpetuity. Save for a few post-war and non-war graves it is purely a war cemetery, and service war graves were transferred to it from Trincomalee (St. Mary) Churchyard; Trincomalee (St. Stephen's) Cemetery, Kottadi Cemetery, Jaffna; and Vavuiyna Combined Cemetery. A special memorial commemorates a naval man buried in Trincomalee (St. Stephen's) Cemetery whose grave could not be found. The non-war graves are those of men of the Merchant Navy whose death was not due to war service, and of civilians, of whom some were employees of the Admiralty; while the post-war graves were dependents of servicemen, civilian employees of the Admiralty and dependents of such employees.
Reviewed By ericnjan - Bolton, United Kingdom
This peaceful cemetary is beautifully kept by the staff. It has 364 graves, and many do not contain bodies having never been recovered. This includes British, French, Dutch forces, but also Muslim and Indian members of the forces - it shows what a truly allied force was out here and 'fought for our futures'. Very moving to walk around the graveyard, any visit pays tribute to the fallen.
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