On the east coast of Sri Lanka, the town of Trincomalee lies next to a natural harbor that served as the center for important naval operations in the past. Obscured by several myths and written stories, there is a wide variety of activities available for tourists visiting this coastal town.
Adventurers who want to learn about the island's unique culture will find Trincomalee to be a paradise with its many attractions, which include its breathtaking beaches and cultural experiences.
Visit Trincomalee to be enchanted by its splendor. But first, let's have a look at the sights to see and activities to do for those dreaming of an unforgettable beach escapade!
Ambepussa – Kurunegala - Trincomalee Highway – with traffic – 5 hours
Colombo – Trincomalee Express train – 8 hours
Walk in to Colombo fort railway station and you can get tickets for 3rd class and 2nd class. (3rd class railway tickets are very cheap)
3rd class is very crowded and sometimes not recommended for tourists.
To pre-book a rail journey contact a travel agency
For more information, log in to – http://www.railway.gov.lk/web
Colombo – Trincomalee– 40 mins
The following travel companies that are mentioned offers localized chartered flights and Helicopter tours :
https://www.senoksl.com/travel-and-leisure/airport-and-aviation-services-sri-lanka.html
Trincomalee's Koneswaram temple, also known as Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple of The Thousand Pillars and Dakshina. A Hindu pilgrimage site in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Kailasam is a classical-medieval Hindu temple complex located in Trincomalee.
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
6.30 am to 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm
This is a Hindu Temple. Be cautious about your dress code. Burka dress is not allowed.
Ritual times
| Morning Session | Evening Session |
|---|---|
| 6.30 am | 4.00 pm |
| 8.00 am | 5.00 pm |
| 11.30 am | 6.45 pm |
Ladies refrain from entering the premises if they are in monthly menses periods
Nilaveli is a coastal neighborhood and tourism town 16 km northwest of Trincomalee. The district's popular Tamil village and well-known tourist destination saw a drop in visitors after the 2004 tsunami and the Sri Lankan Civil War, although tourism has since bounced back.
There are many attractions nearby like the Pigeon Island National Park, one of the two marine national parks in the region, is located one km off the coast of Nilaveli. The park contributes to Nilaveli's rich biodiversity with its variety of vegetation, coral, and reef fish. This is one of the most popular tourist spots in Trincomalee.
245 km – 5 to 5 ½ hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
open 24 hours – Mornings and evenings are recommended
Ideal for Diving, Surfing and Snorkeling, April to October are the best months to avoid getting caught in the monsoon rain.
Stay in any of the many 3-star good quality Hotels near Nilaveli beach.
A hidden gem in Trincomalee, this beach boasts white sand, a wealth of coral reefs, and crystal clear water, making it one of the most beautiful in the country. Approximately 16 kilometers south of Trincomalee town, the beach is under the authority of the Sri Lankan Air Force.
You have to pay a small fee and pass through a checkpoint to gain entrance to the restaurant, resort, and beach. The friendly personnel at the Yacht Restaurant will make you feel comfortable while serving you a mouthwatering cuisine of fresh seafood that features both foreign and Sri Lankan specialties. Serving both domestic and imported liquor, the beachside 'Eagles' Nook' bar is the perfect spot for a sunset beverage by the sea.
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
You need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 6.00 pm
There are 2 areas of the beach, a public area and a private area. The private area belongs to the marble beach resort nearby.
Normal visitors to the beach are not allowed to go to the private beach.
Built atop Swami Rock-Konamamalai, Fort Fredrick is a Portuguese fort also referred to as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale. In Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, the temple was built in 1624 CE on the remains of the renowned ancient Hindu Koneswaram temple.
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
You need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 10.00 pm
This is a Historical landmark.
The famous Koneshwaram kovil is located inside this fort.
In the Trincomalee region of the Eastern Province sits the ancient Buddhist temple known as Seruwawila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara. One of the most visited sites in Trincomalee by pilgrims, it is one of the sixteen or seventeen holy Buddhist sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. It was built under King Kavan Tissa, Prince of Ruhuna, and contains the Lalata Dathun Wahanse of the Buddha.
250 km – 5 to 5 ½ hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 6.00 pm
This is a Buddhist temple, be cautious of your dress code.
The Kanniya Hot Water Wells are a location near Trincomalee that has hot springs. A square is formed by the arrangement of the seven wells. Wells that are only three to four feet deep are visible from the bottom. The temperature varies slightly from spring to spring while being rather high.
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
You need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 6.00 pm
https://goo.gl/maps/YRhD33FFqjr46DGM7 Use this link on google map to find the correct path to hot water springs.
Avoid weekends because it is usually crowded
In Trincomalee,there is an ancient Buddhist temple called Gokanna Viharaya. The temple is situated next to the fort's entrance on Fort Fredrick's property.
Trincomalee was once known as Gokanna, according to records from the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department. The Mahavamsa chronicle says that King Mahasen constructed the Gokanna Vihara in the third century (275–301 AD) after tearing down a Shiva temple on Swami Rock, the site of the present-day Koneswaram Kovil. It is said that during King Agbo V's reign, a preaching hall was erected to the temple.
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 6.00 pm
This is a Buddhist temple, be cautious about your dress code, if possible hire a site guide.
The Maritime and Naval History Museum is relatively new compared to most museums on the island, having been founded in 2013. Despite this, it contains several historical artifacts from Marco Polo's era, when trade relations were first established in Sri Lanka. Numerous artifacts in the two-story structure show how many Eastern traders used Sri Lanka, and especially the port of Trincomalee, as a major docking location.
Adjacent to the historic Fort Frederick, the museum provides visitors with an overview of how the Dutch landed on the island in the 16th century and eventually took over the coastal region. The building was used as the Dutch Naval Commissioner's official house in the 17th century. A trip to this museum should be on the list of sights to see if you are going to visit Trincomalee.
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
9.00 am to 4.00 pm
It will take 3 hours to tour the entire premises and properly view all exhibits successfully.
The best place to learn about the maritime history of Sri Lanka.
Pigeon Island National Park is one of Sri Lanka's two maritime national parks. The 471 hectare national park can be found 1 km off the shore of the beach resort of Nilaveli. The island's name is derived from the rock pigeon that has made it its home.
255 km – 5 ½ to 6 hours’ drive
You need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 4.00 pm
Use sun cream because it is a bit hot. Don’t forget to bring water bottles with you.
Negotiate all the chargers for boats and other equipment and compare with other service providers to get a good fair.
Legend has it that Sivalinga Poojas were done daily by Ravana's mother. She was terrified one day when she couldn't locate a Sivalingam to perform her Pooja. Ravana went to Thirukoneswaram, also known as "Thedchana Kailasam," to please his mother, and asked for a Sivalingam. Ravana became enraged and attempted to raise the mountain when Lord Koneswara did not react promptly. He tried to cut the mountain with his sword, but he was unable to move it. He was punished by the Lord for his actions.
Using one of his ten heads, muscles, and hands, Ravana improvised a veena instrument. He then sang "Sama Vetha" hymns and prayed to Lord Koneshwara for pardon. Because of his devotion, Lord Koneswara offered him Sivalingam and pardoned him. Diving here is one of the greatest things to do in Trincomalee if you are an expert diver.
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
open 24 hours – Day time is recommended
If you are a diving expert, you can dive in the Ravana’s Cut and it will be a unforgettable diving experience in your life.
The Commonwealth War Cemetery, located about six kilometers north of Trincomalee town, is a well-kept graveyard honoring the soldiers who died during the 1939–1945 Second World War.
As one of Sri Lanka's six war cemeteries, 364 soldiers who lost their lives in 1942 as a result of Japanese air strikes are buried here.
Encompassing one hectare of land, the cemetery's monuments are encircled by a stone wall, with an elaborate wrought iron gate at the entrance. The gravestones are etched with the soldier's name, division, rank, date of death, and national insignia. The cemetery is a popular tourist destination for foreigners, particularly those who lost loved ones though war, and is maintained by the Sri Lankan government with financial assistance from the Commonwealth War Commission.
240 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
open 24 hours
Good to visit in the morning or in the evening. Use sun cream and bring a bottle of water with you.
In the Trincomalee District of Kanniya, there is an ancient Buddhist temple called Velgam Vehera. It is called Natanar Kovil by Hindus. Both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists once held this temple in high regard as the island’s most notable Buddhist temples.
250 km – 5 to 5 ½ hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
This is a Buddhist temple, be cautious of your dress code.
Recommended visiting in the morning or in the evening.
The Buddhist temple known as Girihandu Seya (often written Nithupathpana Vihara) is located in Thiriyai, Trincomalee. The temple was constructed by two seafaring merchants, Trapusa and Bahalika, and is believed to be Sri Lanka's earliest Buddhist stupa. The names of the two merchants are recorded in a granite inscription discovered on the grounds of Vihara.
According to the inscription, Girihandu Seya was built by the merchant guilds Trapassuka and Vallika, whose names were subsequently altered to Tapassu and Bhalluka in later Sinhala histories. Some scholars believe that this temple was built by seafaring merchants from the Pallava Kingdom and was influenced by Mahayana. The locals hold it in high regard because they believe it contains the traces of Buddha's hair. The Sri Lankan government even declared the temple an archeological site.
278 km – 5 ½ to 6 hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
This is a Buddhist temple, be cautious about your dress code.
You have to climb about 270 steps to the top of the mountain.
No bathrooms at the top.
Located in Trincomalee Bay and sometimes called Koddiyar Bay is a significant natural harbor on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. The Trincomalee Harbour, because of its strategic location in Sri Lanka and easy accessibility to the Indian Ocean, it has had an impact on Sri Lanka’s history. To take control of the harbor, numerous maritime battles have occurred.
240 km – 5 to 5 ½ hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
You can have a look at the harbour from outside – you need to get prior permission to visit inside the harbour.
A Buddhist temple called Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya is located in the Eastern Province in the Trincomalee District. This temple is situated close to the sea, at the ancient Port of Lankapatuna, where Prince Dantha and Princess Hemamala brought the Buddha's Sacred Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka.
270 km – 5 ½ to 6 hours’ drive
No need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
This is a Buddhist temple, Be cautious about your dress.
Hire a site guide for a better experience.
Evening hours are recommended to visit.
Cod Bay Fishery Harbour, the nation's only natural harbor, is owned by Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation. The harbor was built as a deep-sea fishing port for trawlers and multi-day vessels that visit Pedro Bank. From 1990 until 1998, the Harbour was not in use with the port's growth being delayed due to the escalation of the civil war and the deteriorating security in the country's north and east. Since 2002, fishing restrictions have been removed, which has boosted the harbor's prospects.
232 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 12.00 pm
Before you enter the place take permission from the Srilanka government office near the entrance, it's an easy process
This underwater museum was built off the Sandy Bay beach under the supervision of the Commander of the Navy. The construction was finished through the hard work of the Sri Lanka Navy. Both domestic and foreign visitors are drawn to the museum's location.
Every monument that has been put up here was designed by naval officers and is made of ecologically friendly materials and concrete. These cement structures were funded by the Tokyo Cement Corporation. Over time, the site's ability to support coral growth will enhance the property's visual appeal. The entire underwater story takes place in an area that is 150 feet long by 85 feet broad and closer to Sandy Bay Beach, at a depth of roughly 60 feet, so anyone swimming or diving in the region will have a unique sightseeing experience.
240 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
Day time
Diving capability is required.
Very close to Sandy and Dutch bay beach.
16-20m depth.
Aside from being well known for its incredible surf, Trincomalee is one of the best sites to see whales! About two hours from Pasikudah, the most popular places to see whales are the beaches at Nilaveli and Uppuveli.
Even groups of bottlenose dolphins can be spotted in the water acting like their usual mischievous selves. Although it is very unlikely, there is the chance that you could see an orca!
240 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
May to October every year
July is the best time to spot blue whales here.
If you’re experienced and are able to get a guide for your underwater expedition, you could even swim along with the whales!
Cinnamon offers a 20-minute boat excursion from Trinco Blu to Pigeon Island, a small island with stunning blue waters. Explore a whole new world of aquatic pleasures by taking an early morning boat trip! Abundant fish, colorful corals, and swimming turtles will keep you thinking about the beauty of nature.
255 km – 5 ½ to 6 hours’ drive
You need to buy tickets
early in the morning to 10.00 am
Peak Season: March - September, November and December based on seasonality.
One of the greatest places to surf on the island is Trincomalee, a protected point break. The winds are what makes it a great spot to surf with the west-northwest breeze being the most favorable. Groundswells and wind swells are also likely, with the south being the best swell direction. The best time of year for surfing Trincomalee with consistent clean waves (rideable swell with light / offshore winds) is during Winter and most often the month of January.
236 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
winter – October to April every year
Sometimes it gets really crowded.
Beware of submerged rocks.
North of Trincomalee is a gorgeous sandy beach with wonderful palms and a long coastline. It takes only 10-15 minutes to reach here by bus or auto-rickshaw. This is a terrific spot for youth to engage in active leisure activities such as swimming and sunbathing. Because the drop into the water is very smooth and there are no waves, swimming is rather safe for children.
236 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
Come before the sunrise and you will thank me later…
The Trincomalee Naval Headworks Sanctuary is a protected area in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. The terrain elevation above sea level is estimated to be 81 meters.
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
Kinniya Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden paradise you can find in the Eastern Province. The beach is located in the town of Kinniya and is close to Tambalagam Shoal and Sinnakinniya Beach.
230 km – 4 ½ hours to 5 hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 8.00 pm
This place is popular for dry fish
Somawathiya National Park is one of four national parks tasked with improving the Mahaweli River. The recreation center includes Somawathiya Chaitya, a stupa that is said to contain a Buddha tooth relic. Built on September 2, 1986, the facility was given a natural life asylum in 1966. Several mega herbivores live there. It lies 266 kilometers (165 miles) northeast of Colombo.
225 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
open 24 hours
You can visit the sacred Somavathi Ancient temple.
You can see lots of elephants
Kaudulla National Park is close to Gal Oya in Sri Lanka. It is renowned for having the greatest herds of elephants in Asia, sometimes having up to 300 at any one time. Due to its proximity to Kaudulla, Minneriya National Park receives elephant visits throughout the year. Find out which park the elephant flocks are in at the moment before you plan your trip. The best hour to visit is at 3 p.m., when the flock gathers at Kaudulla Tank for an early dinner.
180 km – 3 ½ to 4 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 6.00 pm
July and August is famous for elephant gathering which is you can see more than 300 elephants at once.
Kantale is a town in the eastern Sri Lankan district of Trincomalee. The settlement is 38 km south of Trincomalee.
Kantale Tank, also known as "Gangathala Vapi," is said to have been erected by Aggabodhi the II (606-618) then renovated and developed by Parakramabahu the Great, according to the ancient chronicle Mahavamsa (1153-1186). The total area is 3,750 hectares. It was built to irrigate agriculture in this arid region. The water supply for it is the Mahaweli River, the island's longest, which runs out to sea near Trincomalee.
The Kantale Tank, one of Sri Lanka's oldest reservoirs, provides water to a large region of Trincomalee and the surrounding areas for paddy and sugar cane fields, as well as human consumption.
195 km – 3 ½ to 4 hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
24 hour’s open
There are ample spaces by the road to park vehicles.
No shops nearby.
The view is awesome on either side of the dam, Especially early mornings and late evenings.
