From Dambulla and Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Somawathiya, and nearby wildlife sanctuaries, the East Coast stay extends far beyond the beach.
Dambulla Rock Temple was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's most impressive cave temple complexes, with over 2000 square meters of painted walls and ceilings and more than 150 Buddha images.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a world heritage site built by King Kashyapa between 473 and 491 A.D. Rising dramatically from the scrub jungle, it is known for its fortified city, water gardens, moat, rampart, and the famous frescoes of the heavenly maidens.
Polonnaruwa or Pulasthipura is an ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich history, agricultural heritage, and well-planned archaeological remains.
Trincomalee is home to the famous Koneswaram Temple, the temple of a thousand pillars, located inside Fort Frederick. The city also offers additional historical monuments and beach access within the fort area.
Somawathiya Chethiya dates back to the 2nd century BC and is believed to enshrine the right tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it a meaningful spiritual and historical excursion.
The Passikudah and Batticaloa district region offers wildlife sanctuaries and landscapes such as Thoppigala, Artikckadu, Tharavei, Palamadu, Avaddaveli, and Iralakkulam, where guests may encounter elephants, sloth bears, wild boars, and other wildlife.