Location: Trincomalee
Top Things to do in Trincomalee
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The 10 Best Things to do in Trincomalee, Eastern Province
Trincomalee (English: /ˌtrɪŋkoʊməˈliː/; Tamil: திருகோணமலை Tirukōṇamalai; Sinhalese: ත්රිකුණාමළය Trikuṇāmalaya) also known as Gokanna, is the administrative headquarters of the Trincomalee District and major resort port city of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Located on the east coast of the island overlooking the Trincomalee Harbour, 113 miles south of Jaffna and 69 miles north of Batticaloa, Trincomalee has been one of the main centres of Sri Lankan Tamil language speaking culture on the island for over two millennia. With a population of 99,135, the city is built on a peninsula of the same name, which divides its inner and outer harbours. People from Trincomalee are known as Trincomalians and the local authority is Trincomalee Urban Council. Trincomalee city is home to the famous Koneswaram temple alluded to in its historic Tamil name Thirukonamalai and is home to other historical monuments such as the Bhadrakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee, the Trincomalee Hindu Cultural Hall and, opened in 1897, the Trincomalee Hindu College. Trincomalee is also the site of the Trincomalee railway station and an ancient ferry service to Jaffna and the south side of the harbour at Muttur.
Restaurants in Trincomalee
1. Koneswaram Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 915 reviews
Reviewed By RamblingR - Melbourne, Australia
There is something exhilarating about standing on the top of a rock and taking in a magnificent view. From this temple, which is as close to God as anyone can get here in Trincomalee, the views over the Indian Ocean are sublime. There are small shrines built into the cliff and it is lovely to stand with Hindu devotees as they perform their rituals. The temple, the people, and the wonderful view make this place a worthy place to visit. On our way down the hill, after collecting our shoes, we sat in a coconut cafe, high above the cliff, sipping coconut water whilst immersing ourselves with this unforgettable cultural experience.
2. Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By SujeewaW_12 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Seruwila Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient temple which is among the sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka [Solosmasthana]. It is reachable via Trincomalee - Muttur (42.4Kms) or via Kantalai - Allai (45Kms). Both the roads are well carpeted and in pretty good condition (Better than roads in Colombo) . which is approximately 45 km through dense forest. There are many monuments in the complex including Stupa which was originated in 2nd Century B.C. and restored in 1920's.Restored Northern entrance ,with evidence of molded bricks, balustrades, guard stones and moonstones.Western entrance with evidences of preliminary stages of stone works in moldings showing exemplary stone jointing methods.Southern entrance with balustrades of elephant motifs, guard stones and stone door frame.Eastern entrance, Image house building at the Stupa terrace, Sculptured stone lotus, Bo tree shrine [Bodhighara], Ancient pond, Remains of ancient Chapter House, Remains of monasteries and remains of a building on stone pillars. You can find natural stone platform and caves with primitive paintings According to the history this complex was build by King Kavantissa (2nd century B.C.) who was ruling the Kingdom of Ruhuna and the sacred relic, which was the frontal bone of the Buddha, was enshrined in the stupa which was known as Tissa Maha Vehera Every year thousands of devotees visit this sacred place for worship and its worth visiting this place if you are a explorer of Buddhist history.
3. Trincomalee War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Trincomalee is a seaport on the north-eastern coast of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and was formerly a naval station. After the fall of Singapore it became a naval base of importance to our command of shipping in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The cemetery was originally the Combined Services Cemetery, but was taken over by the Admiralty from the military authorities in April 1948 for use as a permanent naval cemetery. On the withdrawal of United Kingdom Forces from Ceylon it became the property of the Ceylon Government who have granted the Commission security of tenure in perpetuity. Save for a few post-war and non-war graves it is purely a war cemetery, and service war graves were transferred to it from Trincomalee (St. Mary) Churchyard; Trincomalee (St. Stephen's) Cemetery, Kottadi Cemetery, Jaffna; and Vavuiyna Combined Cemetery. A special memorial commemorates a naval man buried in Trincomalee (St. Stephen's) Cemetery whose grave could not be found. The non-war graves are those of men of the Merchant Navy whose death was not due to war service, and of civilians, of whom some were employees of the Admiralty; while the post-war graves were dependents of servicemen, civilian employees of the Admiralty and dependents of such employees.
Reviewed By ericnjan - Bolton, United Kingdom
This peaceful cemetary is beautifully kept by the staff. It has 364 graves, and many do not contain bodies having never been recovered. This includes British, French, Dutch forces, but also Muslim and Indian members of the forces - it shows what a truly allied force was out here and 'fought for our futures'. Very moving to walk around the graveyard, any visit pays tribute to the fallen.
4. Sri Lanka Navy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Nsmrnyk - Washington DC, United States
I enjoyed touring this museum. It was my first time in Trincomalee, and the tour guide provided us with a lot of information about how this site is so unique historically.
5. Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By ericnjan - Bolton, United Kingdom
Many of the temples in Trinc don't let you take photos. They are also quite traditional in that in the main building They have a central shrine, with shrines around the outside of that. This temple is wall to wall, including the ceiling, covered in colourful statues and paintings. Forget trying to make sense of it all, just go and soak it in - best temple to visit, IMO.
6. Orr's Hill Army Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By fowmyi - Ratmalana, Sri Lanka
If you are visiting Trincomalee, this is one of the best place to visit. Guide will explain all about the weapons which was used by LTTE and Army at the time of war. There is a place to practice the shooting by Air rifle gun for a small fee which very adventurous and memorable. Finally there is a heart touching short film to watch at the auditorium.
7. Marble Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By thesavvyjetsetter - Vancouver, Canada
Checked out Marble Beach while staying at Uppuveli. Well worth the journey! It's tucked in a small bay, the water is calm and gentle and the water is crystal clear. Locals also come to enjoy the beach as well as tourists so it's a nice mix. There are a couple of small hotels with their section but the public section is just as nice. Definitely recommend making a trip to enjoy a full day or afternoon!
8. Fort Frederick
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 339 reviews
Reviewed By ladja211
After passing through the Portuguese fortress gate you walk through a beautiful alley to a Hindu temple on top of a hill. Around you is a large number of deer, peacocks, parrots and other animals.
9. Uppuveli
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By morgann2209 - Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
This beach is one of my favorite spots on the Sri Lankan coast line. A quite little spot makes you feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
10. Kanniya Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 388 reviews
Reviewed By mhfsaaniya - Sri Lanka, null
The temperature is considerably high but vary form one spring to another.and the history of these wells go to ravana era.
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