25 Places to Visit in Trincomalee

Trincomalee is a port city on the eastern shore of Sri Lanka. The Bay of Trincomalee’s dock is renowned for its immense scope and protection; unlike in the Indian Ocean, The beaches are the abode for surfing, scuba diving, whale watching and fishing. The town also has the most extensive Dutch fort in Sri Lanka. Also, most Tamils and Sinhalese assume that this area is sacred to the Trincomalee and its neighbourhoods have both Hindu and Buddhist sites of historical significance. Therefore, there is no shortage of places to visit in Trincomalee. So, Exploring Trincomalee on vacation, we have listed the finest places to visit in Trincomalee.

1. Pigeon Island National park

The Pigeon Island National Park, bordered by a coral reef near Nilaveli sands, was named a National Park under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance in 2003. It is unique because the only national park in the nation to hold a colony of gorgeous Blue Rock pigeons and contains some of the best-surviving coral reefs in the country. Over 100 varieties of corals and more than 300 reef fish species have been recognised from the Trincomalee region. Many of these species are found within the Pigeon Islands National Park, consisting of about five hectares of land. About 1000 meters into the sea with the coral reef as the national park border. The island was toured by boat and was launched for tourism in 2002. More Details

2. Thiru Koneswaram Temple

Thiru Koneswaram Temple is one of the age-old temples in Sri Lanka. In the 16th century, it had one thousand pillars and was respected as one of the most affluent temples in South East Asia. It had large quantities of gold, pearls, precious stones, and silk, gifted over one thousand years. Though unfortunately, the Temple was demolished by the Portuguese Commander of Army Constantine de Sa de Menzies in 1624, who used the rubbles to build a well-fortified Fort to prevent the Port of Trincomalee from falling to the opponents. More Details 

3. Sober Island

The stunning appears from the water, a little island a short distance from the Trincomalee harbour. Sober Island is saturated in antiquity and has been a well-kept mystery away from snooping eyes for decades. Inaccessible to the public throughout the war, the Government has made Sober Island a holiday retreat that the Navy very capably runs as part of its development drive. The history of Sober Island is fascinating and dates far back in time. In 1775 a teenage Midshipman name Horatio Nelson reached Trincomalee aboard the H.M.S. Sea Horse. More Details

4. Pathrakali Amman Kovil Temple

Pathrakali Amman Kovil in Trincomalee is one of the most majestic Hindu temples you will witness in Sri Lanka. It’s an extensive complex of associated sanctums in the Trincomalee Konesar Malai region.
The kovil is glorious with its multicolour look and many novels pictured in the statues. Not only does the Temple have such a fantastic interior design, but it is also a place with an excellent chronology.
It’s a spectacular experience for visitors, following devotees to pray for their requirements by cracking coconuts in front of the Temple. 

5. Uppuveli Beach

Uppuveli Beach is only 3km from Trincomalee town. Uppuveli offers an exceptional balance between the palm tree-laden golden sandy beach, waterfront bars, and an array of accommodation choices.
Uppuveli looks straight East onto the Indian Ocean, making it another ideal location on the East to view an oceanfront sunrise.
The most suitable time to visit is from February to November. More Details

6. Kanniya Hot Water Springs

Kanniya Hot Water Springs is an archaeologically protected place with hot wells in Kanniya in Trincomalee. It consists of seven wells that form a rectangular shape. The wells are only 3-4 feet deep with clearly visible bottoms. However, the water temperature of the wells is known to differ gradually from one to another. The place is famous amongst Sri Lankan Tamils for performing religious Hindhu rituals blessed and assumed to have been instituted by Ravana of the epic Ramayana. More Details 

7. Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli Beach is counted as one of Asia’s brightest white sand beaches, and the beach is comparatively less crowded than most beaches in Sri Lanka. Nilaveli Beach is approximately 10-15 km from Trincomalee in northeastern Sri Lanka. You will find many small shops or several other traders. Although this gives it excellent rest and beach hotel, it is the oldest and most prominent hotel near the area. Most people who can’t afford a stay in a luxury hotel prefer to stay in tiny houses and small hotels nearby. However, there are lots of these around, so you won’t have trouble finding the best place set for you. More Details

9. Fort Frederick

Holding the collar of a slender point, Fort Frederick has been a suspiciously suitable place for centenaries. A fort was originally constructed here by the Portuguese in 1623 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. Eventually, the British took over in 1782. The Sri Lankan defence is used today, but you can travel most of the fort. More Details

10. Girihadu Seya Temple

The myth behind the Girihadu Seya is interesting; Thapussu and Balluka, two traders from North India, created the stupa after meeting with the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago. It is said that this was the initial stupa in Sri Lanka. Up to modern times, it is located atop a 212ft stone, near the Yan Oya water; the Girihadu Seya tranquil holds noble and pride.
Panoramic views of the picturesque haven surround the sacred place of worship and wonder. Climbing your way up towards the rock, you would come across stone slab inscriptions called the ‘Thiriyaya stone inscriptions’, dictating the origins of the stupa.
A peaceful and spiritual environment unfolds as you finally see the ‘vatadage’ and the remains of the ‘Buddhu gey’ (image house) and its stone pillars and bricks with its reclining Buddha statue. More Details 

11. Trincomalee War Cemetery

The Trincomalee War Cemetery is a British war cemetery along the Trincomalee-Nilaveli Road. Touring the cemetery areas can be both a tremendous and sobering experience. The pristine landscapes here starkly differ from the loss and grief laid to rest here.
The cemetery was built in 1948 following the conclusion of the Second World War. It is one of six Commonwealth war cemeteries made here in Sri Lanka. You’ll find 303 graves here at the Trincomalee War Cemetery – all of which belong to soldiers of the British Empire that lost their lives fighting against the tyranny of the Axis powers in World War II. Soldiers of varying stations were laid to rest here. The cemetery included heroic members of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Owned by the Commonwealth War Games Commission, it is maintained by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence. More Details

12. Whale Watching – Trincomalee

The tourist ship “Princess of Lanka” used for whale watching/sea voyages supported with the auspices of Jetliner nautical enterprise, will chart the oceans as a recreational cruise vessel whilst observing the beauty of Sri Lankan national seas in the Indian Ocean, where tourists will have a unique moment of close contact with the most prominent living mammals and twirling dolphins with luxury and relaxation. The vessel is rectified and furnished to cater to the requirements of the brand-new clientele. It is operated by a well-disciplined and highly qualified professional naval crew on the most trustworthy level in the hospitality industry. These voyages are scheduled to run from Galle and Trincomalee from November to April and May to October. The listing of packages offered by the whale-watching project and the booking procedure is on this site. 

Also Read : Whale watching in Sri Lanka

13. Kokkilai Brid Sanctuary

The Kokkilai Bird Sanctuary is situated along the Kokkilai Lagoon and is the residence of many exotic migration birds and endemic bird species. Explore this marine habitat to witness the rare Black-Necked Stork or the numerous pelicans that feed here regularly. More Details

14. China Bay Golf Club

A distinctive and vital Sri Lankan golfing venture set in 171 acres of fertile greenery at the China Bay Golf Club, Trincomalee. Each element of this world-class golf course has been carefully prepared and encloses lush greenery and enlightening views.

15. Gokanna Raja Maha Vihara Temple

Gokanna Raja Maha Vihara Temple is located about 4.7 km from Trincomalee. The Koneshwaram Kovil is situated on this road. This is a Buddhist temple with a lot of ancient artifacts. More Details

16. Dutch Bay Beach

A magnificent beach is ideal for hanging around and relishing the local street food. It allows for a swim, but sometimes water gets strong undertows. Golden sandy shore spread across a few kilometres, and you will see the local fishing boats on the beaches waiting to go in the waters in the evening. More Details

17. Maritime Museum

The Maritime and Naval History Museum is relatively new in Trincomalee, as it has been operating since 2013. Although a new addition, the museum is home to several ancient relics that go back to when trade relationships were just established in Sri Lanka, during the time of Marco Polo. Within the two-storey complex is a myriad of artefacts explaining how Sri Lanka, especially the port of Trincomalee, was used as an essential docking point for many traders from the far east. Located close to the historic Fort Frederick, the museum provides a good perspective on how the Dutch set foot on the island during the 16th century and eventually took control of the coastal regions. More Details

18. Marble Beach

Marble Beach is one of the gorgeous beaches in Trincomalee. Yet, few only know about this beach and 17 kilometres away from Trincomalee town. The air force operates a resort and restaurant at Marble Beach. 

19. Diamond Hill 

The large hill right next to Marble Beach is called Diamond Hill. Clambering Diamond Hill is perfect for those who desire to be on an adventure while staying at Marble Beach. The hike takes roughly an hour to complete and is reasonably straightforward.

20. Snorkelling at Red Rocks

Snorkelling at the Red Rocks is an ideal alternative to Pigeon Island, located right on the north corner of Nilaveli Beach. Some big rocks are in the waters, comprehended as Red Rocks. Near these rocks is a fabulous snorkelling location easily reached from the beach. The area is clear for snorkelling with bunches of bright fish.

21. Salli Muthumariamunam Kovil Temple 

Hindu Temple on the water’s edge is just north of Uppuveli Beach. The location is stunning as it peeks out onto the ocean. Unfortunately, the Temple is a bit aged and has lost some vibrant colours.

22. Scuba Diving in Trincomalee

With its diverse underwater terrain, Trincomalee draws divers of all experience levels. Trincomalee is popular among divers because of the large sandbank that drops 1500m/4921ft deep into the crystal-clear water. The most famous dive sites nearby are Swami Rock, nursery slope, Sitanampara, Eel Rock, and Pigeon Rock.

23. Kuchchaveli Beach

Kuchchaveli Beach comprises absolute calm and tranquillity with no fishing boat in sight and is well known for the stunning resort of Jungle Beach. Along this expanse are unspoilt white sandy beaches with shallow waters making it safe for swimming, and the best time to visit the beaches is from February to April.

24. Army Museum Orr’s Hill

The Orr’s Hill Army Museum is an extensive collection of memorials and utilised weapons from the battle and the history of the military. Also, the museum allows travellers to observe inside these tanks. There is also an area to try riffle shooting for a bit of cost. The funds raised by the museum are collected to support military families and disabled officers.

25. Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya

Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in the Trincomalee district of Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Kavantissa in the second century BCE and is regarded as one of Buddhism’s 16 sacred sites, the Solosmasthana.
A sacrosanct stupa within the temple is said to contain a strand of Buddha’s hair. In addition, it is famous for its ancient rock inscriptions and ruined palaces. Numerous visitors frequent the temple, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka.
The temple stages the annual Seruwila Mangalyaya festival in July, drawing devotees from nationwide. The festival features offerings to the sacred stupa and traditional music, dance, and cultural performances.
Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya is a significant cultural and historical monument in Sri Lanka, representing the country’s rich Buddhist heritage.

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