Trincomalee, Sri Lanka: travel guide
A natural harbour town on the east coast, with Koneswaram and quiet beaches
A historic natural-harbour city on the northeast coast, famed for the clifftop Koneswaram Temple, whale watching, and the palm-fringed beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli.
About Trincomalee
Trincomalee is one of the finest natural harbours in the Indian Ocean, and the northeastern coast around it combines history with some of the island's most attractive beaches. It has a long maritime and religious past.
Koneswaram Temple sits on a headland above the sea, while Fort Frederick and the Kanniya hot springs make good additions to a day in town. North of the centre, Uppuveli and Nilaveli offer long stretches of sand and clear water for snorkelling and boat trips, including whale watching in season.
It suits beach travellers and those wanting to see the east coast. The best weather is generally from about May to September, when the west and south coasts are rainier.
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Currency
- LKR
- Time zone
- Asia/Colombo
- Typical trip
- 2-3 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Trincomalee
Koneswaram Temple
Temple · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Hindu temple over 2,500 years old perched on Swami Rock inside Fort Frederick, one of the Pancha Ishwaram shrines.
Kanniya Hot Springs
Nature · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Seven ancient square wells of naturally warm water, considered sacred, a short drive from Trincomalee town.
Nilaveli Beach
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A quieter, wider stretch of white sand north of Uppuveli, the launch point for Pigeon Island boat trips.
Fort Frederick
Fort · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Portuguese-built 1623 fort, later rebuilt by the Dutch, still used by the Sri Lankan military but open to visitors; grounds have resident deer.
Uppuveli Beach
Beach · 4.1 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Long, calm sandy beach close to town, good swimming and a relaxed strip of guesthouses and beach restaurants.
Pigeon Island National Park
Wildlife · 3.8 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Marine national park 1km off Nilaveli beach with shallow coral reefs, popular for snorkelling with reef fish and blacktip reef sharks.
Things to do
- Trincomalee Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour Wildlife · 3 h · from LKR 7,500 per person
- Pigeon Island Snorkeling Trip Activity · 3 h · from LKR 4,500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Trincomalee Whale Watching & Pigeon Island Day Tour 8 h · from LKR 15,000
Where to stay in Trincomalee
- Uppuveli
Closest beach strip to town, mix of budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
- Nilaveli
Quieter, more upscale beach further north, best base for Pigeon Island trips.
Hotels
- Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
- Blu Marine Nilaveli
- Nilaveli Beach Hotel
Where to eat
- Waves Sea Food Restaurant sri_lankan, seafood · about LKR 1,875 per person
- Trinco Lanka Restaurant sri_lankan, seafood · about LKR 600 per person
- Be Cool Juice Bar & Sea Food Restaurant sri_lankan, seafood · about LKR 600 per person
Getting to Trincomalee
Nearest airport: Jaffna (Jaffna Intl, Palaly) (JAF), about 186 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
How visitors arrive in Trincomalee
- Northern line branch train from Colombo Fort By train from Colombo · common
A branch of the northern line serves Trincomalee; trains run from Colombo Fort via Kurunegala and Habarana. Source: roughguides.com
- Bus from Anuradhapura or Colombo By road from Anuradhapura · possible · unconfirmed
Buses connect Trincomalee with Anuradhapura and other inland cities. Source: roughguides.com
Getting around
- Car With Driver
- Tuktuk
- Walking
Best time to visit Trincomalee
- Jan rough
- Feb rough
- Mar 30°C
- Apr 32°C
- May 32°C
- Jun 32°C
- Jul 32°C
- Aug 32°C
- Sep 32°C
- Oct 30°C
- Nov 29°C
- Dec rough
More in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions about Trincomalee
- How many days do you need in Trincomalee?
- A typical trip to Trincomalee is 2-3 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Trincomalee?
- The highest-rated places in our Trincomalee guide are Koneswaram Temple, Nilaveli Beach, Fort Frederick, Kanniya Hot Springs, Uppuveli Beach.
- Where should I stay in Trincomalee?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Trincomalee: Uppuveli, Nilaveli.
- How do I get around Trincomalee?
- Ways to get around Trincomalee covered in our guide: Car with driver, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
- What is the weather like in Trincomalee?
- Average daytime highs in Trincomalee run from 29°C in Nov to 32°C in May.