Best things to do in Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a beautiful port city located on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and rich cultural heritage. This travel guide will help you discover the best things to do in Trincomalee during your visit.
Explore the Beaches
Trincomalee is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in Sri Lanka. The most popular ones include Nilaveli Beach, Uppuveli Beach, and Marble Beach. Spend a day relaxing on the soft white sand and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Snorkeling in Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island is a small island located just off the coast of Nilaveli Beach. It is home to a diverse range of marine life and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.
The entry fee for Pigeon Island has recently gone up to approximately 40 euros. Additionally, there is an additional cost for transportation via boat to reach the island. We chose not to go due to the expensive cost and our upcoming trip to the Maldives, where we plan to do more snorkeling.
We have heard that it is a stunning place to visit, where you can see sharks and turtles while snorkeling. If you have the time and money, it’s definitely a place worth checking out!
Tip! If you are on a budget but still want to go snorkeling, there are other options available nearby. Just communicate with tour operators and try to negotiate the price.
See Koneswaram Temple
Koneswaram Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple located on top of a cliff overlooking the sea. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka, with a history dating back over 2500 years. The temple offers stunning panoramic views of Trincomalee and its surrounding areas.
Go Whale Watching
Trincomalee is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Between May and October, you can witness pods of blue whales and sperm whales migrating through its waters. There are many tour operators that offer boat trips to see these majestic creatures up close.
Where to stay in Trincomalee?
The top places to stay are Uppuveli and Nilaveli. If you prefer a quieter and more local village, go for Nilaveli. For more amenities and restaurants, Uppuveli is the better option.
If you’re seeking luxury, take a look at Uga Jungle Beach Resort.
Where to eat in Trincomalee?
Nilaveli has a limited number of restaurants that primarily offer local cuisine. On the other hand, Uppuveli provides a wider range of options.
Our preferred spot is Cafe on the 18th, which offers an excellent brunch selection and delicious sushi. They are situated at Fernando’s bar and offer a great view of Uppuveli Beach.
What is the best time to visit Trincomalee?
The best time to visit Trincomalee is between May and October when the weather is dry and perfect for outdoor activities. It is also the peak season for whale watching, making it an ideal time for nature lovers.
However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly trip, consider visiting during the off-season from November to April. The weather may be wetter, but the area is less crowded, and you can find great deals on accommodations.
How long to stay in Trincomalee?
We recommend staying in Trincomalee for at least two to three days. This will give you enough time relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy snorkeling.
How to get to Trincomalee?
Rent a tuk tuk !
We rented a tuktuk in Negombo and traveled to the east coast. It’s a long drive from Negombo to the east coast, so we recommend making stops along the way. We stopped in Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa. This combination of nature, cultural sights, and beautiful beaches in the east coast is perfect for your trip. We strongly suggest renting a tuktuk as it lets you conveniently stop anywhere you want and have a flexible schedule, without having to worry about bus or train timetables.
From Colombo
Train
To get from Colombo to Trincomalee, you can hop on a train that takes about 8 hours. Once you arrive, you can easily grab a tuktuk to visit nearby beaches like Nilaveli and Uppuveli.
Bus
Budget-friendly option is to take the bus from Colombo to Trincomalee. The journey takes about 7-8 hours and there are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options available.
Flight
The closest airport to Trincomalee is Sigiriya, which is about 100km away.
From Sigiriya, you can hire a private taxi to Trincomalee. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Habanara, where you can catch a train or bus to Trincomalee.
From Arugam Bay
Taxi
Consider a comfortable taxi service for the approximately 280-kilometer journey, taking around 5-6 hours. With privacy, comfort, and flexibility, taxis range from 20,000 to 25,000 LKR, so negotiating the fare in advance is advisable.
TukTuk
For a more authentic and scenic experience, consider hiring a TukTuk driver to explore picturesque landscapes and local life at your own pace. Prices range from 15,000 to 20,000 LKR, so it’s recommended to agree on a price beforehand for a smooth journey.
Bus
Traveling from Arugam Bay to Trincomalee by bus requires a single change in Batticaloa. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours, with the bus fare costing around 500-600 LKR for the entire trip.
