6. The history
Sri Lanka has a complicated history. During the civil war, the eastern coast was divided into territories controlled by government and LTTE forces. The latter were driven out in 2007, leaving a trail of destroyed towns, villages and once-thriving coastal resorts in their wake. This is one of the enduring reasons why the eastern coast remains largely untouched by tourism. The Dutch and Portuguese also left their mark, albeit in a less devastating way. Beautiful Dutch and Portuguese buildings dot the coastline - must-sees include Trincomalee's Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese in the seventeenth century. Another, in Dutch Bay, is the fascinating Maritime and Naval History Museum, housed inside a colonial-style building. This mansion was once the official residence of the Dutch Naval Commissioner.
7. The holy sites
You’ll find some beautiful mosques and temples on the east coast. One such is including Dutch Bay's Koneswaram Hindu temple, teetering on a rocky outcropping overlooking the sea. It's one of the most famous temples in Sri Lanka, where local fishermen ask for protection from mother nature. The ruins of the Buddhist Velgam Vehera temple can be found on the outskirts of Trincomalee. Built in the second century AD, it was destroyed in 992 AD. It was then rebuilt using donations made by the people responsible for its destruction.
