Things to Do in Trincomalee
Activities to do in Trincomalee
Explore the Isha Water Park with Kids, Navigate through the world of weapons and armaments at Orr's Hill Army Museum, Relax and unwind in Girihadu Seya, Scuba Diving course at the AquaCreed Scuba Dive Centre, appreciate the magnificent Whales and Dolphins, Take a plunge in the therapeutic waters at the Kanniya Hot Water Spring, elaxing getaway, consult the old Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya, Snorkeling at Pigeon Island, Explore the country’s maritime heritage at Hoods Tower Museum and many more best things to do in Trincomalee.
From glorious beaches and islands to a slew of exquisite cultural history and ancient traditions, there are a ton of things to do in the amazing city of Trincomalee. Be it offering your prayers at the colourful Koneswaram Temple or experiencing a bath at one among the seven geothermal wells at Kanniya, Trincomalee has it all.
One of the things to do in Trincomalee you shouldn’t miss is witnessing the magnificent whale-watching from several viewpoints at Koneswaram or via other boat excursion trips. The bustling daily fish market here provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of many people employed in the city's strong fishing sector. Vendors sell a variety of fish caught in the waters off the city's coast, including tuna, barracuda, and squid.
If a rush of adrenaline is flowing through your blood and you want to do something extravagant with your friends or with your loved ones, you can try out scuba diving and snorkelling, or take a course even at the AquaCreed Scuba Dive Centre, it's up to you. Many tourists come to Trincomalee for the adjacent beach towns, but a well-rounded itinerary might also include old Hindu temples, colonial-era forts, and a visit to the nearby national park.
Bottom line- don’t get confused on what to do in Trincomalee as even if there is a lot of fun, thrilling, learning experience, still this is a perfect place for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of your life, and you can even just relax without doing anything at all.
Also known as the Temple Of Thousand pillars, the Konark Temple is dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu and is the first known stone temple in India. It was constructed by a Chola emperor and renovated by one of his successors in about 1120 CE. The construction materials for the temple are cut sandstone from a quarry and belong to three different types of granite from Trikuta mountains.
Fort Frederick has a great historical value and serves as the main landmark as it was destroyed and resurrected from the debris. Built on the ruins of the well renowned ancient Hindu Koneswaram temple, it is located at Swami Rock-Konamalai, in the northeastern part of Sri Lanka. The fort is also a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning more about Sri Lanka's culture and history.
Popularly known as the Kali Kovil, the Pathirakali Amman Temple is a ravishing site of worship and symbolic pure faith dedicated to goddess Bhadrakali. Located in the prime location of eastern province of Trincomalee, this temple consists of a sacred central shrine along with other shrines guarding it from each side, forming a network of beautiful shrines which has attracted pilgrims since the 11th Century.
The Velgam Vehera Buddhist Temple is another well-known Sri Lankan temple. Since its erection during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa (307–267 BC) in Kanniya, Trincomalee District, eastern Sri Lanka, this temple also known among Hindus as Natanar Kovil, has been an important destination of worship for both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists.
Pigeon Island National Park, with a total area of 471.429 hectares, is one of Sri Lanka's two major marine-based tourism attractions. It is located 1 kilometre off the shore of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province, and contains various ruins of ancient British military facilities that are now a popular tourist attraction. Sri Lankan coral reefs can also be found there
Honouring the British soldiers that were massacred during the tragic world war two, Trincomalee War Cemetery serves as a memorial harbouring around 300+ graves of soldiers of the Dutch, French, Italian and other allied force armies. Located north of Trincomalee the cemetery can be visited 24/7 by tourists who choose to pay their honourable respect to the deceased.
Highlights: The blue waters can definitely tempt you to plunge into the waters. If you don’t know diving then our Nilaveli diving centres have experts who can help you out with the same. You can even make a move towards the Pigeon island too which has rocks, pools and dozens of corals.
Food lovers can have an unlimited supply of fresh sea food. You can find many excellent snorkelling opportunities. Apart from this sport you can also try your hands on other adventurous water sports such as Water-skiing and Wakeboarding which are even more exhilarating.
Highlights: If you are in need of some change from beaches you can take a stroll up to the Commonwealth War Cemetery, a place where a fitting tribute is given to the servicemen who died during Trinco.
Highlights: If you find historical places to be quite intriguing, you can visit the temple of KandasamyKovil which is one of the five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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Which are the best things to do in Trincomalee?
1. Explore the Isha Water Park with Kids: If you are visiting Trincomalee, and you want your kids not to get bored, then visiting Isha Water Park is definitely a better option. Your kids would feel the thrill of splashing into a pool after whizzing through the slides including racing slides, a partially enclosed slide, and a completely enclosed slide. It is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for the best things in Trincomalee for a family outing.
Location: Nilaveli Road (Uppuveli), Trincomalee
Price: Entrance fees: 600/-
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
2. Navigate through the world of weapons and armaments at Orr's Hill Army Museum: Organised and maintained by the Sri Lankan Army, the Orr's Hill Army Museum houses a diverse collection of weaponry, artillery guns, mobile radio equipment, rocket launchers, armoured vehicles, and even LTTE-modified weapons. You may try your hand at shooting in the museum's air-rifle range, which should be one of the most thrilling things to do in Trincomalee.
Location: Situated at Plantain Point, Inside 22 Army Division Headquarters, Trincomalee 31000
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
3. Relax and unwind in Girihadu Seya: Located 45 miles north of Trincomalee, this ancient Buddhist temple is thought to be Sri Lanka's first Stupa. The stupa was built by two maritime merchants, Trapassu and Bhalluka, and is revered for its religious and historical significance.
To reach this hallowed spot with spiritual vibrations and a panoramic view of the area, expect to climb a few hundred steps. (Tip: It is recommended that you wear sturdy shoes and bring a cap and a water bottle with you). Visiting this amazing location is unquestionably one of the top things to do in Trincomalee.
Location: Situated in Thiriyai, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
4. Try taking a Scuba Diving course at the AquaCreed Scuba Dive Centre: One of the best things to do in Trincomalee Sri Lanka for diving fanatics is to go to Nilaveli and take a certificate course at the highly esteemed Aqua Creed Scuba Dive Centre. The PADI-certified diving centre has friendly and knowledgeable instructors who give you an unforgettable experience.
For newbies, the open water diver training is a terrific place to start since it allows them to explore with more confidence. AquaCreed is the best place to try scuba diving in Trincomalee, with excellent equipment and a wide range of dive destinations.
Location: Ward No 2, 9 Mile Post, 14km Post, Beach Side, Nilaveli 31010
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
5. Behold and appreciate the magnificent Whales and Dolphins: Hardly anything beats the excitement of seeing massive blue whales up close, and the city allows you to do exactly that. One of the most fascinating things to do in Trincomalee is to take a 35-kilometer boat ride out into the ocean in search of these beautiful creatures performing and showcasing their athletic skills. The blue whales may be seen in March and April, while the sperm whales leave in August and September. Tons of dolphins could be seen swishing around in the waterways between May and August.
Location: Trincomalee
6. Take a plunge in the therapeutic waters at the Kanniya Hot Water Spring: Visitors can pay a short trip to these hot water wells in Trincomalee, which have various tales and legends associated with them. The 7 wells with varied temperatures of water, which are frequented by the people for their medical powers, also have religious importance since they are said to have been formed by Ravana's sword. If you opt to take a bath, the geothermal wells include changing rooms for men and women.
Location: Kanniya, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Price: Admission fee- LKR 10 per person for locals; LKR 50 for Foreigners
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7 AM to 7 PM
7. For a peaceful and relaxing getaway, consult the old Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya: This legendary temple is one of Sri Lanka's most prominent Buddhist viharas, said to be established where Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha arrived in the nation with the Buddha's tooth relic.
This famous historical monument is around 50 kilometres from Trincomalee town, and visiting it is a worthwhile addition to your list of things to do in Trincomalee. The environment is lovely, and the view of the sea from the top is stunning.
Location: Situated in the Trincomalee District, Eastern province of Sri Lanka
8. Snorkeling at Pigeon Island: One of the most entertaining things to do in Trincomalee is to embark on a journey to the picturesque Pigeon Island, where you can get right up close with octopuses and sharks! On the coral reefs near the shore, the lonely, untouched island boasts a plethora of aquatic life waiting to be found, including a variety of unusual fish and blacktip reef sharks.The gorgeous and clean beach is also ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.
Location: Public Beach Road, Nilaveli 31010
Price: from ? 1,719.23 per adult
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 2 PM to 12 PM
9. Explore the country’s maritime heritage at Hoods Tower Museum: The magnificent Hoods Tower Museum, operated by the Sri Lankan Navy and perched on a high hill, not only briefs you about the country's rich and exquisite naval history but also offers you a breathtaking view of the Trinco bay and inner dock. The displays vary from WWII through the LTTE conflict in Sri Lanka, and include suicide boats, guns, and other items. The naval officer-led tour is both instructive and entertaining. Among other best things in Trincomalee, you must try and pay a visit to the naval museum, despite its lack of popularity.
Location: Ostenburg, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Price: 1200 LKR
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM to 6 PM
What are the things to do in Trincomalee at night?
1. Unwind yourself and relax at Uppuveli Beach: Heading out to Trincomalee, you would be able to spend time in relaxation along with exploring the land's surreal natural beauty. Uppuveli Beach is a little beach resort with a terrific vibe and plenty of modern restaurants which gives you a chance to unwind in the middle of alluring nature. To top up your relaxed vacation, you can head out on a whale-watching expedition or a trip to nearby Nilaveli Beach and Pigeon Island from Uppuveli.
2. Hangout with your friends at Fernando’s Bar: Fernando's is the ideal location to hang out in Uppuveli because of its wonderful atmosphere and proximity to the beach. During the day, delicious beverages can be savored while reclining on a tanning bed. Here at mid evening, while relaxing in a hammock, have some sunset refreshments. Fernando's Bar serves both local and international cuisine.
3. Stroll across the unscathed coastline of Nilaveli Beach: Centered in the Trincomalee district, Nilaveli Beach is renowned for being a peaceful and isolated beach with white sand and crystal blue water. Nilaveli is one of Sri Lanka's top beaches for its lengthy stretch of undeveloped coastline. Taking a stroll along the palm trees with your toes pressing inside the sand is a wonderful activity to do in Trincomalee.
How to reach Trincomalee?
By Air: You can reach Trincomalee by landing at the nearest airport which is Sigiriya. It has connectivity to almost all the major cities around the world.
By Train: The best cost-effective method would be travelling through rail services, since a simple 30-minute flight to Sigiriya, nearest airport to Trincomalee costs around INR 16,000 to 39,000.
By Road: To travel by road, you can either travel by bus or hire cab services after landing at the airport which is convenient for you
What is the best month to go to Trincomalee?
The ideal time to visit Trincomalee is between May and October. However, have in mind that visiting Trincomalee during this time would cost you more. You can also go to Trincomalee in the winter, from November to February, when hotel costs are lower and crowds are lighter.
What is Trincomalee famous for?
The charming city of Trincomalee, popularly known as 'Gokarna,' is an important part of Sri Lanka, adding to the welfare and development of the district and, in a nutshell, the country. Trincomalee is a coastal city renowned and famous for its picturesque harbours and white sand beaches. The majority of the people here speak Tamil. The town is well-known for its culture, tradition, and famous historical landmarks due to its long history of human habitation.
Is it safe to go to Trincomalee?
How many days are enough in Trincomalee?
A trip for eight to ten days to Trincomalee would surely be more than enough to touch quite all the important corners of the destination. You can enjoy the whole trip without getting rushed and relish a lot of exciting memories to cherish forever.