Mullaitivu: Wide Empty Beaches on the North-East Coast
Mullaitivu is a remote town on the north-east coast, where long empty beaches meet shallow lagoons. It saw some of the heaviest fighting at the end of the civil war and is only slowly returning to the traveller map, which means its coastline is about as undeveloped as any in Sri Lanka.
The coast
The beaches here are broad and largely deserted, backed by dunes and palmyra palms. Fishing is the mainstay, and the shore is busiest at dawn when the catch comes in.
Visiting sensitively
This is a region still healing from the war, with memorials and affected communities. Travel here with respect, ask before photographing people or sensitive sites, and support local shops and eateries.
Getting there
Mullaitivu is reached by road from Kilinochchi or along the coast from the east. Public transport is limited, so many visitors come by private vehicle as a day trip from the north.
Been to Mullaitivu? Rate the places you visited and see what other travelers recommend.
Explore on Traveling Score