7 Great Things To Do in Trincomalee

1. Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli’s 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand beach is perhaps one of the best in all of Sri Lanka. With swaying palm trees and stunningly blue, roaring waves, it’s one of the best places to visit when you’re in Trincomalee.

Rent a motorbike for your entire stay (±1500 LKR per day) and go out to explore the nearby beaches, like Nilaveli or Uppuveli. The East Coast, in general, is much quieter than other parts of the country, making driving on a motorbike here a breeze. Nilaveli is only a 30-minute drive away.

This incredible beach area is perfect for relaxing and spending the day. On the weekends, you’ll notice locals from all over the country come and visit. They say it’s because of the Nilaveli’s white sand. But what we enjoy most here is discovering the many small roads that lead to the beach, which bring you to the most untouched spots!

Tip: Nilaveli Beach has far fewer food options than Trincomalee’s nearby Uppuveli Beach. Make sure to bring some snacks with you if you plan on spending the day at this quieter gem.

2. Whale-watching

Trincomalee is famous for its whale-watching opportunities. Hop on a boat and head out onto the expansive blue ocean to spot some of Earth’s largest mammals. Note: Please do your research when picking a tour operator; opt for one that works ethically. This means one that doesn’t disrupt the animals in their natural habitat and does not involve swimming.

The whale season in Trincomalee runs from April until October every year, with April-July being the best time to spot blue whales, sperm whales, and spinner dolphins. If you’re visiting in the outside months, you can choose to go whale-watching in Mirissa instead!

3. Chill at Fernando’s Bar

One of the most laid-back bars in town is Fernando’s Bar. Located right on the beach, this chill spot offers great drinks and music. I really enjoyed coming here to savor the last moments of sunset in a hammock. Just skip lunch or dinner and go to one of these restaurants in Trincomalee instead.

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4. Sri Pathrakali Amman Kovil

This beautifully colored Hindu temple lies right in Trincomalee’s center and is, therefore, easy to visit. The temple dates back to at least the 11th century and forms part of the ancient Koneswaram Temple complex. It’s a holy place for locals, revered as Nagara Kali, the guardian deity of Trincomalee.

Its detailed and vibrant facade makes it easily one of the best things to do in Trincomalee. Inside, you’ll find colorful shrines dedicated to several deities, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to experience a religious ceremony, like the daily pooja (7:00 AM) or evening darshan (4:00 PM to 6:30 PM).

Along your route towards the impressive temple, you’ll likely pass loads of dried fish stalls. Just one of the signs that Trincomalee is still very much a local town. Here, they don’t necessarily live from tourism, which is quite different from the south of Sri Lanka.

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5. Visit Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick is an old fort built by the Portuguese. These days, it’s used by the Sri Lankan military, but it’s open for visitors. Within the fort, you can spot many deer and escape the heat of the day, as most of the fort is covered by trees.

Wandering through Fort Frederick feels like stepping back in time. The old stone walls and colonial architecture showcase its history, including the various rulers it has undergone. As you walk beneath the thick tree canopy, you’ll pass quiet shrines, military outposts, and crumbling ramparts overlooking the turquoise sea. We loved that the deer just peacefully graze in the shade here—so special!

6. Enjoy the bay view at the Koneswaram Temple

From Fort Frederik, continue following the road until you reach a viewpoint area and the Hindu temple Koneswaram. Here, you can enjoy a coconut with a view over the entire Trincomalee Bay! The temple is situated in a great location with an astonishing drop into the ocean. Make sure to visit the back of the temple area.

7. Snorkel at Pigeon Island

Just a 10-minute boat ride from Nilaveli Beach lies a small island surrounded by super clear water and a small white sand beach. With a vibrant coral reef as well, it’s one of the best places to go snorkeling! Grab your gear, book a tour, and spend the morning or afternoon swimming between colorful fish and sea turtles.

Best restaurants in Trincomalee

There are loads of fantastic restaurants in town. The food scene is a flavorful mix of Tamil and Sri Lankan influences—think spicy curries, crispy dosas, and freshly grilled seafood. We have rated our favorite restaurants with a yummy (♥️) rating below.

Where to go after Trincomalee?

From Trincomalee, you have some great options to continue your route through Sri Lanka.

1. Do a 2-day road trip along the east-coast of Sri Lanka
2. Visit surfers paradise Arugam Bay
3. Jaffna, the most northern province of Sri Lanka
4. Climb up Sigiriya’s Lion Rock

Where to stay in Trincomalee

We found the best area to stay in Trincomalee to be just outside the city center, near Fernando’s Bar. However, no matter where you stay in town is a good option. You’ll have plenty of great restaurants around and can easily visit Nilaveli + Pigeon Island or the other side of the city, like Fort Frederick.

Our favorite hotels in Trincomalee 😴

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Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

Trincomalee

Sasvi Cabana

Trincomalee

Silaa Cabana

Trincomalee

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