Trincomalee

Sri Lanka, Asia

Trincomalee, often referred to as Trinco, boasts stunning natural beauty with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich marine life. It is famous for the Koneswaram Temple, located on a cliff overlooking the sea, and the nearby untouched beaches like Uppuveli and Nilaveli, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Its unique blend of history, vibrant culture, and opportunities for snorkeling and diving make it an appealing destination for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

City

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

China Bay

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Trincomalee

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Snorkel at Pigeon Island

Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Koneswaram Temple

Discover stunning architecture and spiritual significance.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a boat tour to the harbor

Enjoy breathtaking views and local wildlife sightings.

No booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at Nilaveli Beach

Unwind on pristine sands and turquoise waters.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Fort Frederick

Step back in time at this historic fort.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Dolphin watching cruise

Spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Maritime and Naval Museum

Learn about Sri Lanka's rich maritime history.

No booking required
8

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy local seafood at a beach shack

Savor fresh seafood with ocean views.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike to Lovers Leap

Experience breathtaking views of the coastline.

No booking required
10

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Trincomalee War Cemetery

Pay respects at this solemn memorial site.

No booking required
11

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Watch the sunset at Marble Beach

Witness stunning sunsets over the ocean.

No booking required
12

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Sri Lanka Navy Museum

Discover naval history and heritage in Trincomalee.

No booking required
13

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Go whale watching in the season

Experience the majesty of whales in the wild.

Booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-6 (#109 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Sri Lanka Rupee

Majority religion

Buddhist

Language

Sinhala

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Sri Lankan Rice and Curry

VE

Rice served with various curries. (National dish)

Kottu Roti

VE

Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables.

Hoppers (Appa)

VE

Fermented rice flour pancakes.

Pol Sambol

VE

Coconut sambol with chili and onion.

Lamprais

Rice and meat wrapped in banana leaves.

Phrases to learn

English

Sinhala

Hello

Ayubowan

(Ah-yoo-boh-wahn)

Yes/No

Ow / Nae

(Ow / Neh)

Thank you

Sthūti

(S-thoo-tee)

Excuse me

Samāvenda

(Sah-mah-ven-dah)

How much?

Keeyada?

(Kee-ya-da)