South East Coast - Hambantota to Batticaloa

Also nearby is one of the most sacred spots in Sri Lanka. Kataragama beckons Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim pilgrims throughout the year. However, it is the Kataragama Festival every July/August that attracts the most crowds. The town with its temple complex then becomes transformed into a colourful and noisy spectacle and ritual. The extensive cave ruins at Sithulpahuwa, one of the most celebrated monasteries of ancient times, are situated inside Yala National Park, not far from Kataragama. The ruins include those of ten dagobas and date back to the 2nd century BC

Past the sanctuaries, the coastline becomes increasingly more beautiful and less populated. Cove after cove unfolds, culminating in the perfection of Arugam Bay, with the best waves for surfers.

Unfortunately, access to the area is still restricted due to security concerns.Running northwards from here is a widespread network of lagoons and marshes. The town of Batticaloa sits surrounded by the largest of these lagoons. With its old Fort, now a pale shadow of its past, the town is famous for its singing fish and its weaving industry.

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