How to spend 2 days in Trincomalee

Travel Itinerary

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Itinerary by: Hiruni Perera

3 years ago

Travel Writer

Duration: 2 days

Itinerary Contents

Day 1
Day 2

Itinerary Introduction

Trincomalee is a port city situated in the heart of the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is the city that houses the largest natural harbor in Asia. The Bay of Trincomalee at the time, opened the English Admiral Nelson, and is considered the most deep in the world. Infrastructure in Trincomalee is not well developed, however in the center you will find banks, currency exchange, shops, markets.

Useful information about Trincomalee

The history of Trincomalee

Trincomalee's recorded history dates back over two and a half thousand years, beginning with the pre-modern civilian settlement associated with the Koneswaram temple.

Best times to visit Trincomalee

The best time of the year to visit this amazing place would be between May and September. This is because during the monsoon season from October to early January the city will not be fully active with most of the shops and restaurants will be closed during this period of time.

Getting to Trincomalee

If you arrived at Sri Lanka at the Bandaranaike International Airport, the city of Trincomalee is 233km away. It's located on the opposite coast of the country but it's well worth a visit. This city offers a multitude of experiences for visitors traveling along the island's east coast. Car or bus are good options to reach Trincomalee.

Getting around in Trincomalee

Trincomalee does not require transportation to get around because the city is not very large. However, transportation is still required because the main resort area is located on the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli. The best way to move around Trincomalee would to rent out a small motor bicycle you can find so many rental places in the city. The standard price is 1500 rupees per day, but if you haggle or look for, it can be found for 1200. As collateral usually ask for nothing, the agreement is not signed, all on parole.

Where to stay in Trincomalee

In Trincomalee on the adjacent beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli quite a lot of accommodation options in different categories, ranging from single ending of hostels and five-star hotels with their territory. Start at a price of about 7.5$ you can stay in a hostel with a fac and if you want air conditioning it will be around 20$, the fully luxurious experience is also here at Trincomalee at about 100$ with meals included (all the prices are for single night stays).

Beaches in Trincomalee

It can be stated that Trincomalee has the best white sand some of the most beautiful beached in the country. Trincomalee is also surrounded by wildlife, hilltops, and picturesque rock formations. Surfing is an activity which you have to try if you are in Trincomalee, it will be the best sea experience hence you will be able to experience the real beauty that the coast of the Trincomalee has to offer.

Trincomalee - Travel Itinerary

Day 1

05:00 - 08:00

Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli Beach, Sri Lanka

Nilaveli Beach can be described as one of the most spectacular beaches in Sri Lanka. Nilaveli Beach is about two kilometers in length and it is a white sandy beach with crystal clear water and gentle surfs. Across the sea about two kilometers towards the Indian ocean, the famous pigeon island is visible providing a great landscape for a unique beautiful photoshoot. With its diverse vegetation, reef fish, and corals, Nilaveli is a biodiversity hotspot. The area consists of lush coconut palm groves and cattle. Once you have arrived at the beach you don’t have to be worried about food and accommodation, because there are enough resorts and hotels with a wide range of facilities. Also, for any kind of budget at hand, you can choose the best food and accommodation at and around Nilaveli beach from 5 stars to the cheapest. Nilaveli Beach is more of a calm and peaceful environment, so perfect to watch the sunrise and have your own romantic moment. Picture By Anton 17 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20968655

Article By: Hiruni Perera

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Nilaveli Beach
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	Free

Notes

Tip – If you come during the evening a wonderful sunset will be on your way which you can enjoy while having dinner.

Getting there

Nilaveli beach is situated about 16km North of Trincomalee. If travelling from Trincolamee 13.6 km to the north on the Pulmoddai Rd.

Nilaveli Beach

08:00 - 10:00

Koneswaram Temple

H6MW+352 Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

The Holy Koneswaram Temple is a Hindu temple in Trincomalee that is also known as Thirukoneswaram. The temple is located on a rocky protrusion that is surrounded by the sea on three sides. This temple has been around for nearly three millennia, with records dating back to 1580 BC. This historic landmark, which is still stunning, is all that remains of what was once a huge temple city akin to Madurai, India. This Temple is full of magnificent cultural arts both inside and outside, with vivid colors themes of the Hindu culture. So, if you are willing to gain some knowledge on vastly diverse cultures and legends this is a must-go-to place. To visit the Koneswaram temple you don't need to have prior knowledge about the Hindu culture, even most of the locals from different religions come over there to make wishes of good health and prosperity and also to just gain some inner peace. Picture credits to Hiruni Perera

Article By: Hiruni Perera

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Koneswaram Temple
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	Free

Notes

Be mindful that you have proper attire which reaches below the knee and covers the shoulders and also you should take off shoes before visiting the temple. Also, most popular visit time are around 7 to 8 a.m when you can get a glimpse of the pooja as well.

Getting there

The temple is located on Sri Lanka's northeastern coast, near the very end of Konesar Road. Follow the path lined with shops past Fort Frederick (currently an army base and formerly a British colonial fort).

Koneswaram Temple

10:00 - 13:00

Fort Fredrick

H6GV+W86 Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Fort Fredrick also is known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, is a fort built by the Portuguese at Trincomalee. It was built on Swami Rock-Konamamalai from the debris of the world-famous ancient Hindu Koneswaram temple (Temple of a Thousand Pillars). Under Phillip III, the invader of the Jaffna kingdom and Malabar region on the island, the Portuguese colonial Constantino de Sá de Noronha destroyed the temple. On the Konamalai cape, a new village of Portuguese and Tamil inhabitants, 50 Portuguese troops, and a church dedicated to "Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe" was established. In 1665, the Dutch demolished the Fort of Triquillimale and rebuilt it as Fort Fredrick. Finally, the British took over the fort in 1782. This whole area is now inhabitant by a large number of deer, peacocks, parrots, and other wild animals. Importantly the deers are very friendly and quite used to humans as well, so you can easily snap some great pictures of the wildlife at the location. Fort Fredrick is more of a very calm visit, cultural mainly so it would be a great place to visit if you are not looking for too much adventure. On the inside of the fort, there is a lot of shade and some cafes for you to have a nice cup of tea and an evening leisurely walk. Picture By AntanO - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35425197

Article By: Hiruni Perera

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Fort Fredrick
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	Free

Notes

Once you are in the fort Fedrick it is just 600m walk for you to reach the Koneswaram Temple and you can do both of these tours as a two in one since both of the locations are very close together. If you want to have some rest after all the sightseeing then the Dutch bay beach is just 1km from the fort where you can refreshen up and have swim before starting the tour again.

Getting there

The fort is situated 4.2 km away from Trincomalee. When coming from the city you can come down in the konesar road and at the roundabout you have to turn to the left where you will see the entrance of the fort Fedrick.

Fort Fredrick

14:00 - 17:00

Kinniya hot springs

கன்னியா வெந்நீரூற்று | Kanniya Hot Springs | කන්නියා උණුදිය ලිං., Kanniya, Sri Lanka

Another stop that you should make is at the Kinniya hot springs, which are believed to have been built by the ancient Sri Lankan king Ravana. Upon visiting this place, you can go around the ruins and view the historic remains still available open to the air. The Kinniya Hot Springs will make you feel refreshed and full of energy even on the hottest day. At these hot springs, the old stairs will lead to a four-foot-underground space with seven wells, where water is always very close to the surface if not overflowing. Remember to try water from each well since there is a noticeable difference in the temperature of the water, which is either hot or warm. Picture By K.shayanthan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35115961

Article By: Hiruni Perera

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Kinniya hot springs
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	Free

Notes

Ticket -Hot spring 10 rupees per person

Getting there

The springs are located about 8 to 9 kilometers away from the main temple and fort on the same road.

Kinniya hot springs

Day 2

06:30 - 12:00

Somawathiya National Park

Gangapahalavila, Sri Lanka

Queen Somawathie built the Somawathie dagoba along the eastern bank of the Mahaweli River in the 2nd century BC, giving the national park its name. On the 9th of August 1966, the park was recognized as a wildlife sanctuary, and on the 2nd of September 1986, it was designated as a national park. It lies in the deltaic flood plains of the Mahaweli River (the longest river in Sri Lanka) and it is here that the river forks into two branches: flowing into Koddiyar Bay and Verugal Oya, which eventually reaches the ocean. Given the park's location, it is home to some of the island's most spectacular wetland ecosystems, known as villus in the Mahaweli flood plains. These natural inland water features are characterized by aquatic plants and water-tolerant grasses. Somawathiya is environmentally noteworthy because of its large population of elephants (approximately 400 in the park and nearby areas), as well as its diversified animals. The golden jackal, fishing cat, rusty-spotted cat, leopard, wild boar, Sambar, water buffalo, porcupine, and black-naped hare are all noteworthy mammals that can be seen in the national park. In the winter, around 75 migrant species are known to visit the marshes, including garganey, marsh sandpiper, pintail snipe, and whiskered tern. Among the resident birds are the painted stork and the purple coot. so, if you are looking for the perfect place where to admire and taste whole the aspects of nature, the Somawathiya National Park is the ideal destination for you. Picture By Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35123064

Article By: Hiruni Perera

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Somawathiya National Park
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	100.00 - 150.00 USD

Notes

If you can go inside the national park as early in the morning possible then it will be easier to observe so many animals hence it is the most active time of the animals. Ticket – For a normal 3.5 hours to 4-hour safari inside the national park will cost approximately 100 -150 $ a for two person tour with a guide.

Getting there

The Park can be reached from Polonnaruwa or from Minneriya when you are travelling from Trincomalee. Coming from Minneriya, you have to pass the Higurakgoda town to reach Sungawila. From Polonnaruwa, you need to turn at the Hospital Junction (between Polonnaruwa and Kaduruwela towns). The distance to the stupa from both these towns (Minneriya and Polonnaruwa) is about 40 kilometers.

Somawathiya National Park

15:00 - 17:00

Snorkeling at Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island, Sri Lanka

Trincomalee is full of places where you can do snorkeling and scuba diving, but nothing will give you the same experience that you can have at Pigeon Island. Pigeon Island is famous among tourists for the different activities available and the unique wonders of the surrounding environment. Wondering why you should choose pigeon island? Well in addition to the spectacular beauty of the environment, Pigeon Island Marine Sanctuary is one of the two marine National Parks in Sri Lanka. The Pigeon Island Marine Sanctuary extends up to 471.4 hectares in a total of which 9 ha cover the landmass and the rest encompass the coral beds which is the borderline of the Marine National Park. To reach Pigeon Island all you need is just a 20-minute boat ride towards the island, you will experience clear turquoise waters and the fresh and salty wind blowing through your hair. A piece of advice would be to reach Pigeon Island during the morning, while the breeze is still fresh and the sun is not burning, then after a beautiful boat trip, you can dive in exploring the marine wonders surrounding the Island. The beautiful Corals of different vivid colors, the luminescent fishes, and turtles swimming will give you a breathtaking environment and will keep you wondering about nature’s spellbinding creativity. Picture By AntanO - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79483641

Article By: Hiruni Perera

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Snorkeling at Pigeon Island
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	45.00 - 60.00 USD

Notes

The normal range is at 45 – 60 $ according to the package for a person for approximately a three-hour session.

Snorkeling at Pigeon Island

17:30 - 19:30

Uppuveli Beach

Uppuveli Beach, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

After a long day of touring and traveling, you'll be exhausted and in need of some refreshing refreshment. Where would be a better place to unwind after a long day than on the beach? After two whole days of travel, Uppuveli beach would be the ideal place to spend your evening and catch some breath. Uppuveli Beach is situated in Uppuveli, Trincomalee, and just as the Nilaveli Beach, it adds up to the list of the must-visit beaches in Sri Lanka. Out of the two, Uppuveli beach is the more popular destination, mostly because of the better vibe and festive atmosphere when compared to the relaxed feel of Nilaveli. The Uppuveli Beach is famous for its calm waters and suitable conditions for diving and snorkeling. The beach features immaculate white sand, which adds to its allure. Whale viewing is one of the best things to do in Trincomalee if you visit during the right season. Picture By Honeplus - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25650768

Article By: Hiruni Perera

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Uppuveli Beach
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	Free

Notes

The whale watching season starts around May and ends in September / October. Also make sure to ask other travellers who have been on whale watching to check if they’ve seen whales otherwise, it might be a waste of time and money.

Getting there

The uppuveli beach can be reached easily by foot if you are in the Trincomalee town. It is only a five-minute drive to the beach if going by road. You have to go down the uppuveli road about 2.7km then you will reach the Uppuveli beach.

Uppuveli Beach

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