East Coast, Sri Lanka

The East Coast was heavily impacted by the civil war but is now definitely on the road to recovery and is discovering a new-found sense of identity. There has been huge investment in infrastructure, improving links to the rest of the island and making it accessible to tourists. There are some lovely newly-opened hotels around Trincomalee and Passikudah Bay but at 8 hours by road from Colombo, it is still off the beaten track to most and herein lies its appeal. Arugam Bay further down the coast offers fabulous surfing and we are hopeful more upmarket accommodation options will emerge.