What to do and see in Trincomalee, Eastern Province: The Best Free Things to do

April 14, 2022 Madelene Haan

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. Velgam Vehera

Vilgam Vihara Road, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka +94 26 3 266151
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Velgam Vehera

2. Koneswaram Temple

Trincomalee Sri Lanka +94 70 333 3234 http://ecoworldtours.net
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 915 reviews

Koneswaram Temple

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.

3. Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara

Seruwila Serunuwara, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara

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.

4. Arisimale Beach

Trincomalee Pulmudai Rd, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
59%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Arisimale Beach

Reviewed By RifnazM - Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

It's a rare beach you can find because of it's location and the sand. Beach sand almost similar to rice thereby it's called as "Arisimalai" in the local language. The crystal clear water and the slight waves will make you curious if you bath there. Highly recommend to visit if you cross Pulmodai, Sri Lanka eventhough it's quiet difficult to be there.

5. Trincomalee War Cemetery

Nilaveli Road, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka https://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2009502/Trincomalee%20War%20Cemetery
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

Trincomalee War Cemetery

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.

6. Lanka Pattuna

Trincomalee Sri Lanka http://amazinglanka.com/wp/lankapatuna
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Lanka Pattuna

Reviewed By achinthau2016 - Sri Lanka, null

As a buddhist i visited here because of this is the place where sacred Tooth Relic came to sri lanka by Prince Dantha and princes Hemamala. and also this is an attractive place.

7. Wilgam Rajamaha Viharaya

Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Wilgam Rajamaha Viharaya

Reviewed By gayashp

A calm religious place where Buddhists come to worship. You will find the ruins of historical Sinhalese reigns.

8. Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple

New Moor St, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka +94 26 2 222760 http://www.trincopathirakali.com/
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple

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.

9. Trincomalee Beach

Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Excellent
48%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 77 reviews

Trincomalee Beach

Reviewed By Nakas7070

Good place to visit.... And near historical place koneswar temple... Voc old building.... Go and enjoy the place

10. Fort Frederick

Trincomalee Town, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
24%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 339 reviews

Fort Frederick

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.

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