8 Reasons Why Your Next Trip Must Be To Trincomalee! 

I love to travel. Especially if it’s to a place I have never been before. And when I went to Trincomalee for the first time I fell in love with the place. It is a city with a perfect balance of culture and fun! There are many historic and religious sites to visit and beautiful beaches to have fun. 

1. The sun rising from the East 

This was something I was really excited about before making the trip to Trincomalee. And it was life changing. We stayed at a small resort by the beach. So I woke up around 5.30am and went out to the balcony to witness one of the greatest sights. I love the beach, it is my favourite place to be. So to watch the sun rise from the horizon of the sea was life changing for me. I stayed out for more than an hour to watch the sun gradually rising from the sea. 

2. The Nilaveli beach 

This is one of the calmest beaches I have ever been to. There were no waves and it was relaxing. It is the perfect beach for an evening walk. I must say that it was weird for me to not see the sun set from the beach. It takes you by surprise! 

3. The boat ride to Pigeon Island 

It is about 1km away from the Nilaveli beach. And they take you out only if the sea is not rough. Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. It contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. You can explore the island or even have a sea bath while you are there! 

4. The Marble beach 

I loved our day out at Marble beach. The sea is not too rough and it had just the right amount of waves. And you don’t have to worry because there are lifeguards around as well. This beach even has a small restaurant that serves the best seafood dishes. 

5. The trek 

What was even more exciting about Marble beach is that there are small mountains around that you can go on treks! If you like some adventure you can organize for army personnel (There is an Army camp there) to take you on a trek! Let me warn you that it will be hot and tiring but the view from the top is absolutely beautiful! And it makes the seabath afterwards even more heavenly! 

6. The boat ride exploring the lagoon 

We were able to organize a boat ride exploring the lagoon. And it took us to a whole new area in Trincomalee. You would think because it is a coastal city that there won’t be any rice fields. But we were able to see so many different vegetation’s. The farmers and their families were surprised to see us there, which meant that they don’t get many visitors. So if you are adventurous it is definitely something you must do during your stay. 

7. The Koneswaram temple 

The famous Koneswaram temple is located inside the Fort Fredrick was built by Portuguese in 1623. This Hindu temple earlier know as temple of thousand pillars. And there is a belief that if you throw a coin and make a wish it will come true. I’m not too superstitious but mine definitely did! And there are many shops along the path to the temple that sell yummy goodies. We even got the opportunity to feed some deer! 

8. The hot wells 

Kanniya hot springs is a famous tourist attraction. I really wanted to see it because it was fascinating!  There are seven wells in a square shape. Wells are only 3–4 feet deep and you can clearly see the bottom. The temperature is considerably high but vary from one spring to another. And I have to say the saruwath we had at this place is the best I have had! If you visit the hot wells it is a must that you try it out! 

Text and photographs by Jithendri Gomes