Maduru Oya National Park
Maduru Oya National Park is 67km away from Kayankerni with a driving time of approximately 90 minutes. It is famous for large herds of Asian elephants as well as spotted deer. Other animals include Asian water buffalo, Sambar deer, monkeys, a variety of birds and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Its is perfectly located for a half day or full day trip from Kayankerni or Pasikudah.
Kayankerni Stone Bridge
Kayankerni Stone Bridge is located across the Kayankerni lagoon. It consists of stone pillars extending approximately 200m that formed the base of an ancient stone bridge. It is known locally as the “Vannadі bridge”, with “Vannadі'' being a local Tamil word meaning butterfly. About 2 km east of the stone bridge towards the coast are several ruins consisting of old stone structures including moonstones indicating that thai area had historical settlements.
Kalkudah Historical Jetty
Kalkudah Historical Jetty was used for docking steam transport ships that ferried goods and passengers between Trincomalee and Kalkudah during the British colonial period. Located at the end of Kalkudah beach the remaining structures include a stone wall and some metal and stone structures in the sea. During calm weather the area around the structures provide interesting snorkeling with schools of baitfish. One of the former ships plying the Trincomalee-Kalkudah route, the SS Lady McCallum was wrecked off Kayankerni in 1926.
Batticaloa Fort
Batticaloa Fort is located 50km south of Kayankerni with a driving time of approximately 70 minutes. Situated along the Batticaloa Lagoon the fort was built by the Portuguese in 1628 as a military garrison to protect Portuguese trade interest in the area. In 1638 it was captured by the Dutch and later in 1795 by the British who used it as a centre of administration until Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. The fort is free and open to the public and visitors can explore the old ramparts and see some of the old buildings from the British periods that are still in use.
Pasikudah Beach
Pasikudah Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Located within a sheltered bay it provides calm waters that are safe for swimming fringed by wide sandy beaches. Fringing coral reefs, rocky reefs, and shipwrecks provide a variety of snorkelling and diving opportunities. Other water sports available in the area include sailing, kayaking and jet skiing. With a number of high end resorts and budget accommodation options Pasikudah is a great place to enjoy the beach or explore the surrounding areas including Kayankerni.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is a partially submerged rock outcrop located about 50m off the coast of Elephant Point. According to local folklore it was a part of a large fort built by an ancient Vanniyar king. There are also stories of Elephant Point being a place from where elephants captured from the surrounding forests were loaded onto boats for transport to other parts of the country during colonial times.