Trincomalee
Located on the Northeast coast of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee is a city which boasts one of the most important ports in South Asia, held dear by all colonizers who sought to conquer Sri Lanka. Tricomalee’s port plays a central role in Sri Lanka’s strategic location on Indian Ocean trade routes.
The East coast is way quieter than the South, which makes it a fantastic place to visit for a more laid back experience. Trincomalee boats lots of things to do for the discerning traveler, so we suggest you take at least 2 days to explore this special area in Sri Lanka. It can be reached from Colombo by car, bus or train, taking 6-10 hours based on your chosen mode of transport.
Needless to say, the beaches are the no. 1 attraction in Trincomalee. Travels love to rent motorbikes and then beach hop in Trincomalee. Nilaveli is perhaps the most famous of its beaches, offering a fantastic spot at which you can sit and chill the whole day on its famous white sand. There are some amazing laid back bars and restaurants to refresh yourself in, one famous spot is Fernandos in Trincomalee.
Whale watching is also a popular pastime, just like in Mirissa, but in Trincomalee the whale watching season is between March and August. The best time to experience the beaches are form April to October but Trincomalee is also a great all year round destination except during the heavy monsoon season.
The Sri Pathrakali Amman is another great place to visit, you might even witness a grand, local Hindu ceremony if you are lucky. The tree lined Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and now controlled by the military, is open to visitors who can mingle with the deer and take a breather from the balmy heat among the cool foliage. From Fort Frederick, follow the road until you come to the Koneswaram Temple, drink a fine king coconut and enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Trinco Bay.
Here you can’t miss the massive statue of Lord Shiva. The Gokanna Temple nearby also offers panoramic views of the city and coast. Pigeon Island is another famous attraction, reachable by boat from the Trincomalee coast. It’s beautiful pebbly coral beaches are a great spot to go snorkelling and diving from. Finally visitors love to visit the Kanniya hot springs, a great way to mingle with the locas and absorb some local legends about the ancient king Ravana.
The Margosa Bay is an exquisite property to stay at in Trincomalee with its breathtaking views and world class service. Amarante Bay resort provides something for everyone, with a highly versatile service offering. The Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes offers a the perfect balance between wild nature and tranquil seashore. Other resorts like Amanta Beach Resort and Trinco Blu by Cinnamon also offer unforgettable experiences to travelers while Oceanfront Condos provides the best in private, luxury travel.