It's the season for Sri Lanka's relatively undiscovered East Coast. And one of the best-kept secrets - the town of Trincomalee.
If pristine beaches, historic temples, and vibrant marine life sound appealing, Trincomalee should be at the top of your travel list. This coastal gem offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with world-class snorkeling, whale watching, and fascinating cultural sites.
Have we captured your interest in Trincomalee? If so, this guide is just for you. We've covered everything from:
✔️ Must-see attractions
✔️ Things to do & activities
✔️ How to get there
✔️ Best places to eat and stay
Ready? Let's dive into it.
Don't forget to save this guide and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Trincomalee!
These are the best and easiest ways to get to Trincomalee from Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo.
🚌 Bus
Intercity buses and private coaches operate between Colombo and Trincomalee. The journey takes around 6-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
We recommend choosing the Superline Travels or Avro Travels private, luxury bus. Buses are AC, comfortable, and travel through the night.
You can also take the local Bus (No.49) from Colombo Fort Station.
🚆Train
Sri Lanka's train network offers a scenic and affordable way to reach Trincomalee. Trains run from Colombo Fort Station to Trincomalee, taking approximately 8-10 hours. The journey offers picturesque views of the countryside and coastline.
There is usually a day train and a night train.
🚘 Car
Renting a car or hiring a private taxi from Colombo is another option. The drive takes about 6-7 hours, offering flexibility and the opportunity to stop at various attractions along the way.
It's probably the most expensive option, although the most comfortable, flexible, and relaxing.
Places to visit in Trincomalee
Here are some must-visit places to discover in Trincomalee. However, feel free to explore and find some other hidden gems.
Perched atop Swami Rock, this ancient Hindu temple offers stunning views of the ocean and is steeped in history and mythology.
Remember to dress appropriately.
Probably one of the most beautiful forts I've seen in Sri Lanka. It's big, with stunning view points of the harbour and Trinco town. The best part - there are many deer inside the Fort.
A short boat ride from Nilaveli Beach, this marine national park is renowned for its coral reefs and diverse marine life. It's a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Tickets cost around RS 26,000 for one person including the boat ride and entrance to the park.
A beautifully maintained war cemetery honoring Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during World War II.
It's a peaceful place to take in a short stroll.
A series of natural hot springs believed to have therapeutic properties, perfect for a relaxing soak, located about 20 minutes from Trincomalee.
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Best Beaches in Trincomalee
Here are some of the best beaches we discovered in Trincomalee.
Three of these beaches are hidden gems (Regina Beach, Deadman's Cove, and Coral Beach), and we were the only two people. It felt like we had our private beach.
Naturally, getting to these three beaches was difficult because it was dirt tracks and GPS didn't help much. But if you find them, you won't regret it.
Nilaveli Beach is renowned for its stunning white sands and clear blue waters, making it a haven for sunbathers and swimmers. The proximity to Pigeon Island, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, makes it a top choice for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Located on the East Coast, Marble Beach is a true, relatively untouched paradise. Shut out for years because of the Civil War, Marble Beach gives you sandy, golden beaches with turquoise water. There are times when the sea is calm and appears to be like the surface of marble - hence, 'Marble Beach'.
A hidden gem. It's a white sand beach, lined with a few trees and a HUGE natural pool formed by a reef. It's got a few corals and a bit of fish, and is a beautiful secluded place.
Uppuveli Beach is famous for its long shoreline, where you can stroll along the sandy expanse and enjoy a variety of water sports, including scuba diving. The old Dutch Fort nearby adds historical significance to this picturesque destination.
Located on Uppuveli Beach, this laid-back beachfront bar and restaurant offers a variety of local and international dishes, along with refreshing cocktails.
A popular spot offering a blend of local and international cuisine with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Very affordable and has great staff.
We came here all the time for breakfast.
Known for its delicious seafood and Italian dishes, this beachfront restaurant provides a scenic dining experience.
PS: Try the string hopper kottu. It's great!
Specializing in shrimp dishes, this restaurant offers a unique culinary experience with fresh and flavorful options. A bit more pricier, it's a great spot for a date night.
Nilaveli Beach Resort is a tranquil beachfront retreat offering comfortable accommodations, direct access to the pristine sands of Nilaveli Beach, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Cool Banyan Cabanas in Trincomalee offers rustic, accommodations providing a peaceful and retreat just a short distance from the beach. Very nice staff as well.
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There you have it! The ultimate guide to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
Beyond the places, beaches, and restaurants we've highlighted, Trincomalee is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you're staying for a few days or longer, this coastal paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
We recommend staying around 3-4 days in Trincomalee.
You can also explore nearby attractions such as Pigeon Island, Kuchchaveli, and Passikudah, all just a short drive away from Trincomalee.
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Hi there! I'm Vandana and I'm from the little island of Sri Lanka - but I’ve 3 called countries home - Pakistan, Sweden, and Denmark.
Here are a few facts about me:
✔️ I’ve travelled to 27 countries - and my favourite are Thailand, Czech Republic, Georgia, and Hungary.
✔️ My fondest travel memory is driving on the back of a scooter exploring the island of Phangan in Thailand.
✔️ I love summer and spring - especially European summers (it’s beautiful)
✔️ I’m a Digital Marketing Specialist by profession - and I’m obsessed with social media.
✔️I love romance and thriller/crime novels.
✔️My favourite TV shows are Supernatural, Brooklyn 99, and Game of Thrones.
✔️I love beaches and my favourite beaches are Jungle Beach and Hiriketiya in Sri Lanka, Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan and Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi.
