We wanted to explore some of Sri Lanka’s most undiscovered spots, and Trincomalee is certainly one of them! We found this part of the country (east) much less crowded and quieter than the south, which meant we often had beautiful beaches all to ourselves. In the right season, this is also one of the top spots for whale watching. We spent 2-3 days here, which was the perfect amount for relaxation, a bit of snorkeling, and seeing the best sights in town.
Things to do in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
1. Nilaveli Beach
We headed straight for Nilaveli’s 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand beach (it might be our favorite in Sri Lanka!).
- Features: Famous for its soft, white sand. But we loved discovering the many small roads that lead to the beach.
- Amenities: Nilaveli Beach has fewer food options than Uppuveli Beach (closer to town). Bring snacks and drinks with you.
2. Snorkel at Pigeon Island
From Nilaveli Beach, we took a quick 10-minute boat ride to Pigeon Island, a national park with super clear water and a small white sand beach. We had to pay 48 USD to enter the national park, but it’s well worth it for the vibrant coral reef and excellent snorkeling. During the afternoon, we saw a variety of colorful fish and even sea turtles.
The tour we did isn’t on offer anymore, but this one from Uppuveli Beach looks just as good!
3. Whale-Watching
Trincomalee is famous for its whale-watching opportunities from April to October each year. But sadly, we got our timing wrong, so we missed out on this experience.
- April-July is the best time to spot Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, and Spinner Dolphins.
- There are many unethical tour operators in Trincomalee. Research wisely (we look for reviews that specifically state the boat doesn’t get close to animals or involve swimming).
- You can book tours from one of the vendors in town or online in advance.
- Outside of the primary months, you can see whales in Mirissa (south coast) instead.
4. Chill at the Beach Bars
We found loads of great bars along Uppuveli Beach, each one with different vibes, music, and cocktail options. At sunset, this area really comes to life, so if you’re looking to dance, this is the place to go.
5. Sri Pathrakali Amman Kovil
We were lucky enough to experience a religious ceremony, called evening darshan (4:00 PM to 6:30 PM) at the most colorful temple in Trincomalee! Sri Pathrakali Amman Kovil is located next to the town center, so it’s really easy to visit.
- Important holy place for locals
- Dates back to at least the 11th century and forms part of the ancient Koneswaram Temple complex
- Inside, we saw colorful shrines dedicated to several deities
- We didn’t pay anything to enter, and non-Hindu visitors are welcome
- Open daily from 6:30 AM to 12 PM, and again from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Tip: On our way to the temple, we passed loads of dried fish stalls. Just one of the signs that Trincomalee is still very much a local town!
6. Visit Fort Frederick
Fort Frederick is an old fort built by the Portuguese, but we mainly visited to see the deer and enjoy the shade of the many trees (it was really hot when we visited).
- Old stone walls and colonial architecture
- Quiet shrines
- Military outposts
- Crumbling ramparts
- Great sea views
- Free-roaming deer (so cute!)
7. Enjoy the Bay View at the Koneswaram Temple
From Fort Frederik, we continued walking along the road until we reached a viewpoint area and the Hindu temple Koneswaram. We bought a fresh coconut from a local street vendor and enjoyed the views over the entire Trincomalee Bay! Make sure to also visit the back of the temple area (we didn’t realise, and missed out),
Best Restaurants in Trincomalee
We loved the food in Trincomalee; it’s a flavorful mix of Tamil and Sri Lankan influences, including spicy curries, crispy dosas, and freshly grilled seafood. Here are our favorites:
How to Visit Trincomalee
We visited Trincomalee with our friend Indi who is a private driver. This gave us the flexibility to continue on to other spots along the east/north coast, like Jaffna and Arugam Bay. If you’re coming directly from Colombo, you can take the train or bus to Trincomalee (browse all ticket options).
Tip: We hired a motorbike for our stay, which we higly recommend! It makes it much easier to reach more remote spots. We paid 1500 LKR/5 USD per day.
Where to Stay in Trincomalee
We stayed just outside the city center, near this location, which we personally found one of the best spots in the area. We stayed for 2/3 days, which was enough time to enjoy all the great restaurants closeby and visit Nilaveli + Pigeon Island. (See all hotels in Trincomalee)
Best Time to Visit
If you’re coming to spot whales, April-July is the best time to see Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, and Spinner Dolphins. These months are also the driest and warmest.
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Great information. Thanks for posting