Home · Places · Eastern · Trincomalee · Trincomalee — Trincomalee

city · Eastern

Trincomalee — Trincomalee

Cover photo: D-Stanley (Flickr, CC BY)

District

Trincomalee

Province

Eastern

Best for

East-coast base: Koneswaram cliff temple, calm beaches, Pigeon Island and seasonal whales

Map

See it on the map

About this place

East-coast base on one of the world's great natural harbours: a cliff-top Hindu temple with deer in the fort below, calm swim beaches north and south of town, coral-island snorkelling and blue whales in season. Three days covers it; the overnight train from Colombo makes arrival easy.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Three days does it: fort plus Koneswaram, a beach plus Pigeon Island day, whales in season.
• Nilaveli for the postcard beach, Uppuveli for guesthouses near town.
• Whale season runs roughly May to October from Dutch Bay — mirror of Mirissa.
• Overnight train from Colombo Fort; book sleepers early in season.

How to travel there

In Trincomalee District, Eastern Province. Overnight train from Colombo Fort (sleepers sell out in season) or daytime buses from Colombo, Kandy and Batticaloa. Tuk-tuks for town hops; van or car for Nilaveli and Pigeon Island days.

Where to stay

Stay on Uppuveli beach (guesthouses on the sand, near town) or Nilaveli (quieter resorts, boat access to Pigeon Island). Book ahead May to October.

Nearby places

Koneswaram Temple and Swami Rock, Fort Frederick, Nilaveli Beach, Pigeon Island National Park

Scams to watch for

• Beach touts selling 'private' Pigeon Island trips at triple hotel rates; compare first.
• Tuk-tuks quoting return fares as one-way for Nilaveli runs; agree the round trip in writing.

Read the full guide →

Related guides

Wildlife & Safari

Trincomalee Whale Watching — Trincomalee Travel Guide

Wildlife seekers; blue whales and dolphins in season

Read guide →

Dive & Snorkel

Pigeon Island National Park — Trincomalee Travel Guide

Snorkellers and divers; coral reef, turtles and reef sharks

Read guide →

Heritage

Fort Frederick — Trincomalee Travel Guide

History and viewpoint walkers; colonial fort with deer and bay views

Read guide →

City & Market

Batticaloa — Batticaloa Travel Guide

Lagoon base done right: boat rides and bridges, the Dutch Fort, the lighthouse, and Pasikuda beach days

Read guide →