Top Things to do in Eastern Province
Things to do in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka including Sri Mangalarama Raja Maha Viharaya Batticaloa, Velgam Vehera, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Kovil, Salli Sri Muthumari Amman Temple, Koneswaram Temple, Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara, Sangamankandy Pilliyar Kovil, Sangaman Kanda Lighthouse, Girihadu Seya, Trincomalee War Cemetery.
Restaurants in Eastern Province
1. Sri Mangalarama Raja Maha Viharaya Batticaloa
2. Velgam Vehera
3. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Kovil
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By BalajiJ - Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The temple is located on the Nilaveli road about 10 Kms from Trincomalee town. There is ample parking space. The bus stop is also very close to the temple. For those who travel by bus take a bus that goes to Pulimudu or ask which bus goes to 6th mile stop. Most of the bus operators will know the place by name. the compound is huge. The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narayanan - Vishnu. You will not miss the temple when you are on the Nilaveli road. it is on the left as you go from Trincomalee. It is painted gold on the top and the walls blue. They have a beautiful lengthy hall to stand and pray in front of the god. Place is very clean and serene. Felt at peace when I visited the temple. Such was the impact. There also idols of all the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu on the left hand side of the main sanctum sanctorum. photography inside the temple is not permitted. If you visit temples and if you are in Trincomalee do take time to visit this temple. It is worth a visit. There is a good veg restaurant adjacent to it (it might be run by the same trustee as the temple)
4. Salli Sri Muthumari Amman Temple
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Sangamankandy Pilliyar Kovil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
In the jungle just a few hundred meters from the main road lies an ancient shrine. It's still in use and it's a nice and quiet place in the jungle. Around it are massive stone hills. The beautiful shrine is also known as jungle Ganesh.
8. Sangaman Kanda Lighthouse
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.
