Beautiful Places to Visit in Trincomalee
2022 Febraury updated
The town of Trincomalee is located on the east coast of the island, directly adjacent to a natural port that was once an epicenter of strategic naval placements in the days of old. It is veiled in many mythological and recorded tales. The town offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors traveling along the island's east coast. Visit Trincomalee and be enchanted by its splendor.
With many places to visit in Trincomalee, it is a haven for many adventure enthusiasts eager to grasp the country's distinct culture, from the pristine beaches to the spectacular heritage experiences.
How to travel
Distance from Airport – 230 km
By Road
Ambepussa – Kurunegala - Trincomalee Highway – with traffic – 5 hours
By Train
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
By Air
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
01 Koneshwaram Kovil
Location
Trincomalee's Koneswaram temple, also known as Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple of The Thousand Pillars and Dakshina. Kailasam is a classical-medieval Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee and is also a Hindu religious pilgrimage center in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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
02 Nilaveli Beach
Location
Nilaveli is a beach tourist town and suburb in Sri Lanka's Trincomalee District situated16 kilometers northwest of Trincomalee. The district's historically popular Tamil village and tourist destination, along with neighbouring Uppuveli, saw a drop in visitors following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and Sri Lankan Civil War but has since risen again. Pigeon Island National Park, one of the region's two marine national parks, is located 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli and contributes to Nilaveli's rich biodiversity with its various varieties of plants, coral, and reef fish. This is one of the best places to visit in Trincomalee.
Distance from Colombo Airport
245 km – 5 to 5 ½ hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.
03 Marble Beach
Location
Marble Beach Resort is completely equipped to meet all of your needs and to host corporate events such as conferences and workshops. The Yacht Restaurant has a delectable fresh seafood menu with Sri Lankan and foreign delicacies, and their friendly staff will make you feel at ease. The beachfront 'Eagles' Nook' bar serves both domestic and imported liquor and is the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail by the sea.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.
04 Frederick Fort
Location
Fort Fredrick, also known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, is a Portuguese fort built on Swami Rock-Konamamalai. The Temple was constructed from the ruins of the world-famous ancient Hindu Koneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, in 1624 CE.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
6.00 am to 10.00 pm
This is a Historical landmark. The famous Koneshwaram kovil is located inside this fort.
05 Seruwila Buddhist Temple
Location
Seruwawila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is a historic Buddhist temple in the Eastern Province's Trincomalee district. It is one of Sri Lanka's sixteen or seventeen holiest Buddhist sanctuaries making it one of the popular places to visit in Trincomalee for pilgrims. It was constructed during the reign of King Kavan Tissa, Prince of Ruhuna, and houses the Buddha's Lalata Dathun Wahanse.
Distance from Colombo Airport
250 km – 5 to 5 ½ hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
7.00 am to 6.00 pm
This is a Buddhist temple, be cautious of your dress code.
06 Kinniya Hot Water Wells
Location
Kanniya Hot Springs is a place near Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, having hot springs. In a square configuration, there are seven wells. Wells are only 3–4 feet deep, and the bottom is visible. The temperature is quite high, however, it varies slightly from spring to spring. When 10-15 buckets of water are taken out of a well, it runs dry.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
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
07 Gokanna Ancient Temple
Location
Gokanna Viharaya was an old Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, Trincomalee. The temple is located on the grounds of Fort Fredrick, near the fort's entrance.
Trincomalee was once known as Gokanna, according to records from the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department. According to the Mahavamsa chronicle, King Mahasen erected the Gokanna Vihara in the 3rd century (275–301 AD) by destroying a Shiva temple on Swami Rock, where the Koneswaram Kovil now stands. The temple was reportedly altered during King Agbo V's reign by the addition of a preaching hall.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
7.00 am to 6.00 pm
This is a Buddhist temple, be cautious about your dress code, if possible hire a site guide.
08 Naval History & Maritime Museum
Location
The Maritime and Naval History Museum in Trincomalee is an extremely new museum, having opened in 2013. The museum, despite being a modern addition, houses some antique artifacts dating back to the days when trade relationships were first being established in Sri Lanka during Marco Polo's time. A variety of artefacts explain how Sri Lanka, particularly the port of Trincomalee, was utilized as an important docking site for numerous traders coming in from the far east, and are housed in the two-story building. The museum, which is next to the historic Fort Frederick, gives visitors a thorough understanding of how the Dutch first arrived on the island in the 16th century and finally acquired control of the coastal region. During the 17th century, the structure served as the official residence of the Dutch Naval Commissioner. Visiting the museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Trincomalee.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.
09 Pigeon Island
Location
The Pigeon Island National Park is one of Sri Lanka's two maritime national parks. The national park, which spans 471.429 hectares and is located 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a seaside town in Eastern Province. The name of the island comes from the rock pigeon that has colonized it.
Distance from Colombo Airport
255 km – 5 ½ to 6 hours’ drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.
10 Lovers Leap – Ravana’s Cut
Location
On a daily basis, Ravana's mother performed Sivalinga Pooja. She was frightened one day since she couldn't find a Sivalingam to complete her Pooja. Ravana went to Thirukoneswaram, also known as "Thedchana Kailasam," and asked to be granted a Sivalingam in order to please his mother. Ravana Gor became frustrated at receiving no rapid reaction from Lord Koneswara and sought to lift the mountain. He tried to chop the mountain with his sword because he couldn't move it. For his sin, the Lord chastised him.
Ravana, a devout follower of Lord Koneshwara, improvised a veena instrument using one of his 10 heads, muscles, and hands, sung "Sama Vetha" hymns, and begged Lord Koneshwara's forgiveness. Lord Koneswara was so moved by his devotion that he forgave him and offered him Sivalingam. If you are a pro at diving then diving here is one of the best things to do in Trincomalee.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.
11 Commonwealth War Cemetery
Location
The Commonwealth War Cemetery is a well-kept cemetery about six kilometers north of Trincomalee town, built and constructed in remembrance of troops who perished in the Second World War between 1939 and 1945. The Commonwealth War Cemetery is one of Sri Lanka's six war cemeteries, and it holds the graves of 364 troops who died in 1942 during Japanese aerial attacks. The cemetery's tombs encompass one hectare of land and are surrounded by a stone wall with an ornate wrought iron gate at the entrance. The name of the soldier died, the national insignia, division, name of rank, and date of death are all engraved on the gravestones. The cemetery is maintained by the Sri Lankan government with financial assistance from the Commonwealth War Commission, and it is a popular destination for foreign visitors, particularly relatives of those who died in the conflict.
Distance from Colombo Airport
240 km – 4 ½ to 5 hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
open 24 hours
Good to visit in the morning or in the evening. Use sun cream and bring a bottle of water with you.
12 Welgam Vehera Buddhist Temple
Location
Velgam Vehera is a historical Buddhist temple in Kanniya, Sri Lanka's Trincomalee District. Hindus refer to it as Natanar Kovil. Velgam Vehera was once one of Sri Lanka's most prominent Buddhist temples, revered by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists.
Distance from Colombo Airport
250 km – 5 to 5 ½ hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.
13 Girihandu Stupa
Location
Girihandu Seya (also spelled Nithupathpana Vihara) is a Buddhist temple in Thiriyai, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. The temple is thought to be Sri Lanka's first Buddhist stupa, built by two maritime merchants named Trapusa and Bahalika. A granite inscription found in the Vihara grounds records the names of the two merchants. Girihandu Seya, according to the inscription, was built by the merchant guilds Trapassuka and Vallika, whose names were eventually rewritten as Tapassu and Bhalluka in later Sinhala histories. According to some experts, seafaring merchants from the Pallava Kingdom were responsible for the construction of this temple, which was influenced by Mahayana.
The Vihara's Stupa is greatly revered by the locals since it is thought to house Buddha's hair remains. The temple has been designated as an archaeological site by the Sri Lankan government.
Distance from Colombo Airport
278 km – 5 ½ to 6 hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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
14 Trincomalee Harbor
Location
Trincomalee Harbour is a seaport in Trincomalee Bay, also known as Koddiyar Bay, a major natural harbour on Sri Lanka's northeast coast. Its strategic importance has affected its history, as it is located near Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in the center of the Indian Ocean. Many sea fights have taken place in order to gain control of the harbour.
Distance from Colombo Airport
240 km – 5 to 5 ½ hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.
15 Lanka Patuna Temple
Location
Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. This temple is located near the sea, close to the historic Port of Lankapatuna, where Prince Dantha and Princess Hemamala arrived in Sri Lanka with the Buddha's Sacred Tooth Relic.
Distance from Colombo Airport
270 km – 5 ½ to 6 hours’ drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.
16 Cod Bay Fisheries Harbor
Location
Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation has the only natural harbour in the country, Cod Bay Fishery Harbour. The harbour was built as a deep-sea fishing port for trawlers operating in Pedro Bank as well as multi-day boats. From 1990 until 1998, the Harbour was not used. The port's expansion has been delayed by the deteriorating security situation in the country's north and east, as well as the worsening of the situation. Fishing restrictions have been lifted since 2002, with the harbour's prospects likely to improve as a result.
Distance from Colombo Airport
232 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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
17 Navy underwater dive museum
Location
The Commander of the Navy oversaw the construction of this underwater museum off the Sandy Bay beach. The Sri Lanka Navy's manpower was used to complete the construction work. The museum's location attracts both domestic and international visitors.
All of the monuments that have been erected here were created by navy personnel and are constructed of concrete and environmentally acceptable materials. The Tokyo Cement Corporation provided funding for these cement structures. The site will encourage the growth of corals, which will contribute to the property's aesthetic appeal over time. The entire underwater story takes place at a depth of roughly 60 feet in a 150-foot-long and 85-foot-wide region closer to Sandy Bay Beach, providing a unique sightseeing experience for everyone who swims or dives in the vicinity.
Distance from Colombo Airport
240 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
Day time
Diving capability is required. Very close to Sandy and Dutch bay beach. 16-20m depth.
18 Whale Watching
Location : Trincomalee
Even while Trincomalee is best renowned for its incredible surf, it's also one of the greatest sites to see these whales! Trincomalee, about 2 hours from Pasikudah, has several whale-watching areas, the most popular of which are the Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches. You can even see groups of bottlenose dolphins in the sea, being their regular naughty selves. There's a chance you'll see an orca (albeit it's unlikely)!
Distance from Colombo Airport
240 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
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!
19 Snorkeling - Pigeon island
Location : Pigeon island area
Pigeon Island, a 20-minute boat ride from Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, is a small sanctuary with lovely blue waters. Take an early morning boat ride and immerse yourself in a new world of marine delights that will captivate you! Corals of vibrant colors, luminescent fish, and turtles swimming in the water will keep you pondering nature's enthralling inventiveness.
Distance from Colombo Airport
255 km – 5 ½ to 6 hours’ drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
early in the morning to 10.00 am
Peak Season: March - September, November and December based on seasonality
20 Surfing
Location : Dutch bay and Back bay
Trincomalee is a sheltered point break in East Sri Lanka. The wind is best coming from the west-northwest. The optimum swell direction is from the south, and both groundswells and wind swells are equally likely. The waves are a left-hand point break. It can get quite packed at times. Submerged rocks can be dangerous.
Distance from Colombo Airport
236 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
winter – October to April every year
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
21 Uppuweli Beach
Location
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.
Distance from Colombo Airport
236 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
Come before the sunrise and you will thank me later…
22 Naval Headworks Sanctuary
Location
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.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
230 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
23 Kinniya Beach
Location
Kinniya Beach is a place to stay in the province of Eastern Province. Kinniya Beach is close to Tambalagam Shoal and Sinnakinniya Beach.
Distance from Colombo Airport
230 km – 4 ½ hours to 5 hour’s drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
6.00 am to 8.00 pm
This place is popular for dry fish
24 Somawathi National Park
Location
Somawathiya National Park is one of four national parks tasked with improving the Mahaweli River. Inside the recreation facility is Somawathiya Chaitya, a stupa claimed to hold a relic of the Buddha's tooth. After being assigned a natural life asylum on August 9, 1966, the recreation centre was built on September 2, 1986. Several megaherbivores live in the recreation complex. 266 kilometres (165 miles) northeast of Colombo is where the public park may be found.
Distance from Colombo Airport
225 km – 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
open 24 hours
You can visit the sacred Somavathi Ancient temple. You can see lots of elephants
25 Kawudulla National Park
Location
In Sri Lanka, Kaudulla National Park is located near Gal Oya. It is well renowned for enormous elephant herds, with up to 300 elephants present at any given time (probably the largest in Asia). Elephants cross the parks at different times of the year since Minneriya National Park is adjacent to Kaudulla. Check which park the elephant flocks are currently in before planning your visit. Around 3 p.m., when the flock gathers at Kaudulla tank for an early supper, is the optimum time to visit.
Distance from Colombo Airport
180 km – 3 ½ to 4 hour’s drive
Entry:
You need to buy tickets
Timings:
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
26 Kantale Tank
Location
Kantale is a town in the eastern Sri Lankan district of Trincomalee. The settlement is 38 kilometres (24 miles) 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.
Distance from Colombo Airport
195 km – 3 ½ to 4 hour’s drive
Entry:
No need to buy tickets
Timings:
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.