Undoubtedly one of the first sites to be ticked off the Trincomalee tourist map is this revered temple located atop a cliff inside Fort Fredrick. This important Hindu pilgrimage site displaying Darvidian architectural style is believed to be one of the Panch Ishwarams(five abodes of Shiva) with a swayambhu lingam. The shrine exudes sacred vibes and is a wonderful place for seeking solace in the divine presence. Surrounded by magnificent views of the Indian Ocean, this fabulous temple tops our list of places to visit in Trincomalee.

This important historical landmark with an imposing entrance is a must-do for history and nature enthusiasts when you visit Trincomalee. While the history is interesting, the presence of freely-roaming spotted deer adds charm to the stroll through this fort. Built by the Portuguese, Fort Fredrick is partly under military occupation and also houses a famous Buddhist vihara and sacred Hindu temple. Breathtaking sunsets and sweeping views of Trincomalee bay and town make the visit truly rewarding. You can take a tuk-tuk to the fort and also buy some trinkets from the stalls inside.

Kinniya Hot Springs is a site with seven hot water wells located in Eastern Province, Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. Average temperature of these wells is 42 Celsius and the temperature is slightly different to one another.  Kinniya Hot water springs are a popular tourist destination in Trincomalee district and both local & foreign travelers.  Currently this is managed by Local Council of Trincomalee. People in this area believe that this hot water is good for some skin deceases and it has healing power for Arthritis and Rheumatic.

Located in a beautifully restored 17th century Dutch mansion, this informative museum offers important insights into Sri Lankan maritime history. Amongst the most interesting places to visit in Trincomalee, the ground floor takes you through the country’s naval history dating back from Marco polo’s time with models depicting naval scenes and some video presentations. The exhibits on the first floor throw light on the marine ecosystem with special emphasis on the flora and fauna of East coast. With free entry and knowledgeable guides, this wonderful museum also offers lovely views of the bay.

Nilaveli Beach is also famous for the beach resort and the coastal town located near the shores of the beach. The nearby place which is very popular among the tourists is Uppuveli. After the accident of Tsunami in the Indian Ocean, the tourist visit has reduced a bit. But the popularity of this remained same among the people in Sri Lanka. Among all the places near Nilaveli Beach, Pigeon Island National Park is one of them that you ought to check out on your visit since it is just 1 km away from the Nilaveli beach area. A numerous number of coral reefs makes the sight even more beautiful. 

This honey-coloured crescent of sand makes a lovely spot to enjoy life under a coconut tree. Swimming is possible although there are often red flags blowing on windy days, indicating strong currents. The motley assortment of beach dogs may try for a few laughs by snatching your unguarded shirt while you're swimming, but, overall, this is a peaceful spot to rest up for a few days. 

Marble Beach is a beautiful and clean beach situated in Kinniya Road, Trincomalee.

Distance from Trinco – 15.5 km (29 minutes)

Introduction to Marble Beach

Marble Beach is a beautiful and clean beach situated in Kinniya Road, Trincomalee. This pristine sandy beach is excellent for relaxing and the sea is ideal for swimming. The famous Marble Beach Air Force Resort managed by the Sri Lanka Air Force is also located here. Marble Beach is also known by the name of Marble Bay Beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka.

Unique beauty of Marble Beach

The name “Marble Beach” is derived from the fact that when the sea is calm on a clear and bright day, the surface can be seen to be shining like marble. This calm and beautiful beach is relatively untouched and remains to be clean with pristine clear blue water. The sea here is also popular for snorkelling due to the existence of large schools of coloured fish.

Getting to Marble Beach

From Trinco take the Trincomalee highway and go past China Bay and Clappenburg to reach the Marble Beach.

Trincomalee beach is one of the most beautiful Sri Lankan beaches. Located in the Trincomalee town, the beach is known for its beauty, hygiene and clean waters. With multiple food and drink options, Trincomalee beach is a great place to witness fishermen at work. You could also indulge in boat riding. 

Trincomalee Harbour is a seaport in Trincomalee Bay or Koddiyar Bay, fourth largest natural harbour in the world and situated on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka.

Located by Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in the heart of the Indian Ocean, its strategic importance has shaped its history. There have been many sea battles to control the harbour. The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and the British have each held it in turn. In 1942 the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Trincomalee harbour and sank three British warships anchored there.

History

Trincomalee Harbour, formerly a British naval base, was taken over by the Inaams Ceylonese government in 1956 to be developed as a commercial port. The base in Trincomalee was fitted out to perform slipway repairs for the Navy.

The harbour is being developed for bulk, and break bulk, cargo and port-related industrial activities including heavy industries, tourism, agriculture, etc. At present SLPA is in the process to re-develop Trincomalee as a metropolis growth center.

Geography

The harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, is overlooked by terraced highlands, and its entrance is guarded by two headlands. The harbour has 1630 hectares of water, while the entrance channel is 500 metres wide. The bay includes the first of a number submarine canyons, making Trincomalee one of the finest deep-sea harbours in the world.

Port facilities and operation

The Port of Trincomalee works on a 24-hour basis. It is open every day of the year, except on May Day, when only daylight navigation is open.

Port dimensions

Water - 1,630 ha (4,000 acres)

Entrance channel - 500 m (1,600 ft)

Land Area - 5,261 ha (13,000 acres)

This final resting place of the British and local soldiers who laid down their lives during World War II, is a quiet solemn place. Set in a well-maintained garden, this is one of the six Commonwealth war cemeteries in Sri Lanka. As you pay homage to the fallen soldiers and sailors and walk through the poignant place, you gain insight into what price we pay for wars. One of the most humbling places to visit in Trincomalee, the war cemetery is also a place for quiet contemplation.

Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit near Trincomalee, the pristine and beautiful Pigeon Island National Park off the coast of Nilaveli is a great getaway from the city. Comprising of two small islands, the national park is home to the endangered rock pigeons, vibrant marine life and stunning rock formations. The powdery white sands, glittering rock pools and the shallow turquoise waters make this a memorable trip, along with ample snorkelling opportunities right off the beach.

Seruwawila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Trincomalee district in Eastern Province, which is among the sixteen or seventeen holiest Buddhist shrines (Solosmasthana) in Sri Lanka.

It was built during the reign of King Kavan Tissa, Prince of Ruhuna, (2nd century BC) containing the Lalata Dathun Wahanse (sacred forehead bone) of Buddha. It can be reached by land and sea. The sea route begins at Trincomalee to Muttur on boat and another 16 km by roads and the land route is via Kantale, to Allai which is approximately 45 km through dense forest.

According to Richard Leslie Brohier, the Seruwila region was a vast swamp or villu where the flood waters of the Mahaweli Ganga collected. This villu was the home of large flocks of teals (seru) during migratory period. That perhaps was how the place came to be known as Seruwawila.

History and development

The area around Trincomalee was known as Nagadeepa in the past. This can be seen written in the maps of Taprobana as early as of Ptolemy (100CE) and until the time of 17th century CE. Nowadays, this region is not identified by Nagadeepa. It is believed that three viharas existed at this particular spot built during the periods of three former Buddhas named Kakusandha, Koṇāgamana and Kassapa with their relics enshrined. Gautama Buddha, who was the last Buddha in this eon, had personally visited this place and offered eight handfuls of 'sapu' flowers, then wished that the temple which constructing in future should be named as Mangala viharaya.

Later the Kingdom of Ruhuna was threatened by South Indian Chola and Pandya invaders during the reign of King Kavantissa (2nd century BC) then the king had to evolve a strategy to prevent the disaster.

The King Kavantissa could make use of the loyalty and respect of the Sinhala nobles and the populace had for Buddhism to win over Princes Siva and Abhaya, his ally. The Buddhist monks informed that sacred relic of Buddha Lalata Dathun Wahanse which was in the possession of King Kavantissa was destined to be enshrined by him personally in a stupa to be built at Seru; Buddha had prophesied this would happen. After this, King Kavantissa marched with his army towards Seru and proclaiming the purpose of his visit asking all the landowners in and around Seru to come to his assistance. The sacred relics of the Buddha were enshrined in the stupa which was known as Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya. After the construction of the stupa King Kavantissa unified the entire portion of the country to the south of the Mahaweli and Kelani rivers then establish his capital at Mahagama. Meanwhile, the fame of the Seruwawila shrine had spread far and wide and it became a great place of worship and pilgrimage.

According to the Vallipuram Gold Plate, King Vasabha (67 - 111 CE) appointed a minister named Isigiraye to this region.

Over the years, the stupa fell into decay under the pressure of the Tamil invasions from the north. But there are evidences in the literature that this area was under the purview of the Kandyan territory during the 17th century and the existence of this stupa. During the Western Colonial occupation, priority was given to fertile western part of the island then as a result the arid dry zone neglected and left into wilderness.

The spectacular gopuram of this Kali temple with its vibrant colours and myriad sculptures catches your eye from a distance, while the unique interiors will leave you spellbound. Also called the Kali Kovil, you can feel the powerful and benevolent presence of the goddess in this popular Durga temple in the heart of the city. Of all Trincomalee temples, this one is sure to leave you awestruck with its colourfully adorned walls and spiritual vibes.

One of the best places to visit around Trincomalee, this ancient Buddhist site with a modern day monastery is just perfect for spending a couple of quiet hours. With a beautiful setting amidst tall trees and lawns, strolling through the remains of this ancient Budhhist temple built by King Devanamiyatissa is a calming experience. The original crystalline Buddha statue still stands tall and is a sight to behold while the new monastery offers a chance to meditate in this serene place. The ruins with intriguing inscriptions and the awesome jungle surrounding it, make this visit worthwhile.