Trincomalee: Best things to Do

Purna
August 21, 2023

Intro

Trincomalee is a captivating beach town in the eastern province of Sri Lanka that is also filled with some mesmerizing attractions such as religious temples, pristine beaches and historical monuments and island history’s highly sought-after harbors such as Trincomalee harbor.

Let’s explore the top 10 things to Do in Trincomalee , that any visitor shouldn’t miss out on during their visit.

Tranquil tourist-friendly vibes make this town ideal for those seeking a serene escape adventure in tropical conditions.

The whole District is Diverse with Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim ethnic groups who primarily speak Sinhala and Tamil local languages.

Located east of the island that meets the Indian Ocean, It takes about 8-10 hours to reach via public transport from the Sri Lanka capital Colombo.

Located east of the island that meets the Indian Ocean, It takes about 8-10 hours to reach via public transport from the Sri Lankan capital Colombo.

Bit of History

Because Trincomalee is located in a strategic location, indo-aryan migrants are said to have arrived on the Island via Trincomalee harbor, which was the Island’s main trading avenue during the golden ancient times, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras and afterwards.

Based on its most scenic and natural port of Trincomalee, this has been compromised.

World War 2

Trincomalee was a British naval base during the 2nd world War Sri Lanka. War Cemetery pays tribute to the British soldiers who worked for the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy and lost their lives during World War 2.

This well-maintained cemetery is located on Trincomalee-Nilaveli road, about 5 kilometers from the Trincomalee town center.

Top 10 things to Do in Trincomalee

1. Visit Fort Frederick and Nearby Attractions

The Portuguese built it in the 17th century, later renovated by the Dutch in the 18th century, and finally by the British, eventually used for sea operations effectively.

However, enemy forces bombarded this area twice during the 2nd World War and civil war. The entrance of this fort is located by one of the most scenic natural harbors, Trincomalee Harbour.

Entering the fort can give you access to Dutch-made building complexes and some of the city’s highlights, such as the Goanna Buddhist Temple and Koneswaram Hindu Temples.

This area is now managed and protected by Sri Lankan Forces.

2. Visit Gokanna Ancient Buddhist Temple (Raja Maha Vihara)

Gokanna Buddhist temple or Gokanna Raja Maha Vihara is an almost 2000 years old temple that is said to be built by King Mahasen, a king of Anuradhapura, in the 3rd century BC.

This ancient temple is located a few steps away from Fort Frederick’s entrance and just before the Koneswaram Kovil on top of the cliff.

The Portuguese reportedly destroyed the stupa of this temple in the 16th century. You can find this as one of the most ancient Buddhist temples in the eastern part of Sri Lanka.

3. Visit the most visited 'Koneswaram Kovil'

Koneswaram Kovil can be found on top of the cliff called “swami rock”, overlooking the ocean in a most scenic location.

Visitors can reach it by walking a few minutes from the Fort Frederick entrance. This ancient Hindu temple was first destroyed during the Portuguese colonial era, 2nd World War 2, and the civil war. You can find Lover’s Leap right next to the Swami Rock.

There’s an interesting story behind Lover’s Leap, located near the cliff of Koneswaram Kovil. This happened in a day during the Dutch era, 24th April 1687, to be exact.

Francina Van Reed was a daughter of a Dutch Civil servant who worked in Sri Lanka during the 16th century. Francina engaged with a young Dutch officer, but he broke off the engagement and returned to his home in Holland.

To express the deep sorrow, Francina jumps off from the 400m cliff of Swami Rock into the Sea. The sea front where Francina martyrdom is called “Lover’s Leap in Trincomalee” today.

4. Visit Trinco’s one of the two main Beaches: 'Uppuveli Beach'

One of the two main beaches in Trincomalee, Uppuveli Beach, is located about 3km from the Trincomalee town centre. The fishing beach is also used for swimming activities by visitors.

Tip: If you are a solo traveler, keep on eye on the surroundings and your belongings like Cameras you may have.

5. Visit Trinco’s most favourite ‘Nilaveli beach and Pigeon island’

Nilaveli Beach is considered the naturally most scenic beach in Trincomalee.

Boat rides are available to Pigeon Island, which can be reachable by 15-minute—boat ride from the Nilaveli beach area In particular.

local and foreign beach lovers use the long sandy beach for swimming activities. Pigeon Island is one of the small natural marine islands in Sri Lanka.

Visitors from all over the world arrive here to discover the vibrant marine life it offers. Visitors may also enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, diving and whale watching.

The abundance of vibrant marine species, such as colourful corals and exotic fish, makes this island a must-visit place if you are on the east coast of Sri Lanka.

Tip: Wear snorkelling fins to protect your feet from sharp coral reefs.

6. Healing bath at 'Kanniya hot wells (Springs)'

Situated about 6km from the Trincomalee center, Kanniya hot springs or hot wells are tourist spots that attract both local and foreign visitors.

The temperature of these wells can rise to 40 degrees Celsius, and people believe this water has healing power for physical issues such as rheumatic and arthritis.

These hot springs have been said to be used by Buddhist monks in ancient history.

7. Day Trip to explore ‘Batticaloa’

The capital of the eastern provinces of Sri Lanka, Batticaloa is a hidden gem that is worth visiting.

The town has a few more vivid attractions that the tourist’s eye must explore. Batticaloa’s palm-fringed sandy beaches are known to be some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Some of the City’s historic sites reminisce about its glory and past stories a few centuries apart.

This part of the country as we know has been hammered by the effects of the civil war for almost 3 decades, yet stays ethnically diverse, all ethnic groups seem to live with peace and harmony at present.

If you like seeing a town that is not commonly compared to other towns in Sri Lanka but also has tropical scenic beaches and small islands, eco lagoons and colonial history, Batticaloa is a city that has to be on your bucket list for your Sri Lankan adventure.

Also read: Best things to do in Batticaloa

8. Day Trip to explore Sri Lanka’s Surf capital 'Arugam Bay' and its attractions

From its world-class surf scene to world-class safaris, Arugam Bay has grabbed world explorers’ attention for the past two decades in particular.

Surfing in Arugam Bay
Here, surfers can take surfing lessons and improve their skills at surf camps that are established locally.

Types of equipment such as longboard surfboards and surf clothing can be rented from surf shops that are located by the main bay area.

Not well-known fact about Arugam Bay is that its ancient history goes back thousands of years.

Antiquality attractions such as Muhudu Maha Vihara, Magul Maha Vihara and Kudumbigala Monastery are some evidence of that.

Back in the 70s, Arugambay was known as just a regular fishing village, with no tourism whatsoever, villagers had a minimalist lifestyle spending most of their time fishing by the shorefront, and their cottages had no electricity and used candlelights and oil lamps in the household to survive the nights.

Arugam Bay is a place for overseas visitors to have lasting impressions of the hospitality of locals who greet them with open arms and smiles.

No wonder this place is jam-packed with tourists from all directions in the world not only to experience its vibrant surfing scene but also its diverse wildlife and nature reserves and welcoming vibrant local hospitality.

Also read: Best Things to do in Arugam Bay

Reaching There

Transportation

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