8 Best things to do in Trincomalee

As opposed to the buzzing noise of the southern coast, Trincomalee with its beautiful white sand and swaying palm trees offers a more quiet and serene experience for beach lovers. Being one of the finest natural harbors in the world, the old city of Trinco found on the east coast of the island is charming, affordable and is full of interesting people and places to see.

Things to do in Trinco:

Nilaveli Beach
Nilaveli with its soothing turquoise waters can be easily listed as one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches. With an engaging coastal community and fine beach, Nilaveli is best known for scuba diving and snorkeling during the months from May to September.


Whale Watching
Trincomalee has recently become one of the most popular destinations for whale watching in Sri Lanka. The whale season in Trinco runs from March until August as opposed to the Mirissa season.


Visit Fort Frederick
Even though the Portuguese built fortification is today occupied by the Sri Lankan military, visitors are still able to explore the old ramparts and its history, while escaping the heat of the Trincomalee sun as most of the fort is covered with a line of trees.


Eagle’s Golf Links
Located in one of the most unlikely locations in Sri Lanka, the 18-hole golf course in China Bay, Trincomalee is a must for any golfer.


Koneswaram Temple
The colorful and classical-medieval Hindu temple has been built in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Located on a sheer cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Koneswaram Temple is a must visit and offers a great view of the entire Trincomalee bay.


Pigeon Island
A 10 minute boat ride from the Nilaveli beach brings you to the pristine white sand and the lush grove of the Pigeon Island National Park. The island is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka and is famous for its crystal waters and beautiful coral reefs.


The Trinco Fish Market
The bustling fish market in the early mornings gives a vivid insight to the daily lives of the locals and the city’s thriving fishing industry. Vendors bargain and sell a good catch of a variety of fish including barracuda, tuna and squid that is distributed throughout the island


British War Cemetery
The beautifully maintained British War cemetery located in Trincomalee is one of the six commonwealth war cemeteries found in Sri Lanka. Managed by the Sri Lankan ministry of defense, the cemetery holds the graves of the soldiers of the British Empire who sacrificed their lives during the Second World War.





Written By: Kavisha Perera