The East - Sri Lanka - page 564

CTB buses ( GOOGLE MAP ) , private buses ( GOOGLE MAP ) and minibuses (
GOOGLE MAP ) have adjacent bus stations on Munai St, but many head out from the police
station area; inquire in advance. Buses north to Trinco and south to Pottuvil do not divert
inland anymore as the coastal highway is now in excellent condition and new bridges are
open. Combined CTB and private departures include the following:
Ampara Rs 92, three hours, three daily
Badulla Rs 236, six hours, five daily
Colombo Rs 322, nine hours, three daily
Jaffna (via Vavuniya) Rs 380, eight hours, four daily
Polonnaruwa Rs 130, two hours, every 30 minutes
Pottuvil (for Arugam Bay) Rs 147, three hours, 12 daily
Trincomalee Rs 200, four hours, every 30 minutes
Valaichchenai (for Passekudah and Kalkudah) Rs 50, 50 minutes, every 20 minutes
Most people prefer the private buses to Colombo:
Surena Travels BUS
( GOOGLE MAP ; 222 6152;Munai St; 4.30-8.30pm)
For Colombo (ordinary/air-con Rs 650/1000, nine hours, 6.15pm, 8.30pm and 9pm).
Royal Cool Bar & Sweet House BUS
( GOOGLE MAP ;Trinco Rd; 6am-10pm)
For Colombo (ordinary/air-con Rs 600/900, nine hours, 9pm and 9.30pm).
TRAIN
Book well in advance at the helpful railway office ( 222 4471; 8.30am-4pm) for trains.
Colombo 3rd/2nd/1st class Rs 310/500/840, 8½ hours, 7.15am and 8.15pm.
Around Batticaloa
Batticaloa Lighthouse LIGHTHOUSE
(Palameenmadu;boat trips Rs 400-3000; boat trips 8am-7pm)