2 Days in Trincomalee: 7 Best Things to Do and Hotels to Stay

It was our birthday weekend and we decided to head over to some other place than the South of the country. Don't get me wrong, South is my favourite. A couple of months back, we went to surf in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka, so this time we decided to go to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. I always had this perception growing up that a certain part of this island was not a 'fun' place to be. I was wrong. In this article, I'm going to write about all the things to do in Trincomalee over a weekend.

But firstly, I'll write about the unique story of Trincomalee. I learnt about this when visiting Fort Fredrick and the Thirukoneswaram Kovil.

History of Trincomalee

Trincomalee was called 'Gokanna' back in the 6th century BC and was an active harbour. The Tamil name 'Thirukonamalai' was later bestowed following the control of the Arya Chakravarthi Kings of Jaffna after the 12th Century. Throughout history, it was a key transit spot in the Silk Route, attracting many foreign merchants from India, Persia, China, Greece, Rome, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

In the 11th Century, the Chola took control of Trincomalee and extended their power up to the Polonnaruwa Kingdom for a brief period. Again, in 1215 A.D, it was under the invasion of Kalinga Magha, who built a fortress in Trincomalee.

Fort Ostenburg - Lesson for Trading Ginger for Chillies

After the Portuguese arrived, they started building a fort on Swamy Rock (Fort Fredric) in Trincomalee in 1623. To get rid of them, King Rajasinghe II sought help from the Dutch, and in return, they took control of all the areas which were under Portuguese rule.

You'll find the Ostenburg Hill, which was halfway built by King Rajasinghe II to protect against any other European invader. This was following the Dutch invasion, which Sri Lankans call 'Trading ginger for chillies' because the Dutch were worse than the Portuguese. Ironically, when the British started colonising, the Dutch were said to have hidden in this very hill to save themselves.

Trincomalee's Role during the Civil War in Sri Lanka

Trincomalee played a huge part in the 30-year civil war between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan Government. It was a strategic naval port and was under high security due to possible attacks. Throughout the war period, it was under the control of the Sri Lankan Government, and even today, you can see many bunkers in the hills.

Legend of Koneswaram Temple

The Koneswaram temple was built in 1580 B.C. and was believed to have been an ancient temple city similar to Madurai.

According to myth, King Ravana and his mother were devoted worshippers here, and he is even said to have created the nearby Kanniya hot springs for her final rites, suggesting that the temple’s roots reach back over 5,000 years, if true. Over time, Koneswaram grew into one of Sri Lanka’s five great ancient Shiva shrines, shaped and renovated by royals from Sri Lanka and South India.

Its golden age began around 205 B.C., when the Chola king Elara transformed it into a grand Dravidian-style temple city. The temple was one of only two non-Indian temples that were praised by the great 6th-century A.D. Hindu poet-saint Sambandhar in his Tevarams.

Is Trincomalee Worth Visiting in Sri Lanka

Yes. In my opinion, it's better than Pasikuda. It's not limited to beaches only. You can see and do many things, from Trincomalee beaches, snorkelling, whale watching, to visiting modern naval museums, ancient temples and exploring food culture.

Is Trincomalee Safe?

Yes, Trincomalee is quite safe. Violence and crime cases are pretty low, but you'd come across scammers and might have to keep an eye out for petty thefts. Especially when you're visiting beaches, make sure you keep your belongings in a safe place.

How Many Days Do You Need in Trincomalee?

2 days are enough to cover your Trincomalee itinerary. We went over the weekend, and it was enough time to do most of the activities. If you'd like to travel a little inland to see elephants and wildlife, I'd recommend staying 3 days.

What's The Best Time to Visit Trincomalee

May to October is the best period to visit Trincomalee. It's the dry season, and you can do all the water activities. We visited in November, and there were downpours in the mornings. However, keep in mind that the sun can be pretty harsh, so carry some sunscreen.

Where is it Best to stay in Trincomalee?

We stayed in Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, and it's one of the best places to stay in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. It's on the Uppuveli coast, and the staff were very hospitable. All the amenities were great, and the food was amazing.

Alternatively, you can stay at Amaranthé Bay Resort, which is slightly more pricey, but it doesn't have a beach stretch. Uga Jungle Beach is also a nice place to stay, but it's located north of Nilaveli, which means you need to travel further south for all the activities.

If you're on a budget and would also like to experience the local life in its purest form, you can stay at The Beach Lovers Nilaveli. It's located on the Nilaveli Coast and is as authentic as a Trincomalee stay can be, but don't expect luxury amenities.

Where to Eat in Trincomalee

One thing I've noticed when travelling to many rural parts of Sri Lanka is that many shops and restaurants close during the rainy season, holidays and weekends. If you're coming to Trincomalee during these times, don't expect much liveliness from the streets.

Reddit recommended a restaurant called 'Eastern Lanka Seafood Restaurants', but when we got there at 2.30 p.m. on a Sunday, it was closed. 'Cafe on the 18th' is a good place, and if you want something more satisfactory, 'Isso Prawn Crazy' is a better place. They have branches across Colombo, and the food is good.

We tried a roadside rice and curry shop called 'Arasy Restaurant' on the Nilaveli Road, which had some really authentic Northeastern rice and curry. The fish rice was super spicy and flavourful. We got 2 rice parcels and 2 ginger teas, which cost us about 3$ (₹.263).

What to Eat?

The food in Trincomalee is very similar to South Indian food. They have a lot of vegetarian and vegan meals like Rice and Curry, Dosai, Biriyani, Kottu and many Muslim and Tamil-influenced dishes. Make sure to eat some Jaffna Crab Curry and traditional pittu while you're here. You can find a lot of Chicken, Seafood and Mutton dishes in Trincomalee.

When it comes to beverages, you can find Palmyrah fruit (ice apple) all over Trincomalee. Though it's not as delicious as King Coconut, when it's made into a sweet drink, it tastes like Lychee.

If you're travelling back to Colombo from the Habarana road, you'll pass Kantale where you can try delicious curd and treacle, an authentic Sri Lankan dessert.

7 Exciting Things to Do in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or planning a longer holiday, here are 7 exciting things to do in Trincomalee that will make your trip unforgettable. This Trincomalee travel guide is made for 2 days.

1. Visit the Stunning Koneswaram Temple

Entrance: Free

Opening times: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 6.45 p.m.

No trip to Trincomalee is complete without visiting the famous Koneswaram Temple. Perched on a high cliff overlooking the bright blue Indian Ocean, this ancient Hindu temple is one of the most iconic sites in Sri Lanka.

You’ll walk through the famous Lover’s Leap viewpoint, spot playful deer wandering around, and admire colourful statues and carvings.

It’s peaceful, spiritual, ancient and one of the most beautiful places to watch the waves crash into the cliffs below.

2. Explore Fort Frederick

Entrance: 6$ (₹.538)

Open times: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Located right next to Koneswaran Temple, the Portuguese built Fort Fredrick in the 1600s, and later it was used by the Dutch and British. Fort Frederick is a living piece of Sri Lanka’s colonial history. Today, it’s controlled by the military, but parts of it are open to visitors.

Inside the fort, you’ll find:

• Remnants of a Renaissance fortress

• A 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean, including the Trincomalee harbour

• A Scottish-type cliff with the distant view of Koneswaran Temple

• Modern abandoned wartime bunkers

• Old colonial buildings

• Friendly deer roaming around

3. Modern Navel Museum, Trincomalee

Entrance: https://visitdockyard.navy.lk/

Open Times: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending on sea conditions)

It’s not your typical walk-in museum. This is an active naval base, which means security is taken very seriously.

To visit, you must make an appointment at least one day in advance. On the day of your visit, expect a proper security screening before entering the premises. Inside, you’ll find modern weapons, communication systems, equipment used by the Sri Lanka Navy, and displays that explain the region’s maritime history. It’s an especially great experience for those interested in defence, engineering, or naval life.

3. Visit the Underwater Dive Museum (Only if you have an Open Water Dive License)

Entrance: Guided dive packages (price varies)

Open Times: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending on sea conditions)

If you're a certified diver, this is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in Trincomalee. The Underwater Dive Museum sits at a depth of around 18 meters, which is why an Open Water Diving License is required. It’s not suitable for beginners or snorkelers.

This underwater museum features sunken artefacts, monuments, statues, old naval equipment, and sculptures placed on the seafloor, all designed to create an artificial reef over time. As marine life grows around the structures, divers get a mix of art, history, and ocean beauty in one immersive experience.

You’ll need to book your dive through a licensed dive centre in Trincomalee.

4. Visit the Kanniya Hot Springs (Optional)

Entrance: 1.63$ (₹.145)

Opening times: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Located a short drive inland from Trincomalee town, the Kanniya Hot Springs are a set of seven ancient hot wells. Each well has water at a slightly different temperature, and the site is filled with legends; some say King Ravana created the springs thousands of years ago.

Locals often visit for religious and healing purposes. I, of course, found this place to be overwhelming, with locals splashing water everywhere.

5. Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park

Entrance: 42$ (₹.3765) + boat ride

Opening times: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Just a short boat ride from Nilaveli is Pigeon Island, one of the best places in Sri Lanka for snorkelling. The boat ride costs about 3.25$ (₹.292), and requires 8 people.

This little island is known for its shallow coral reefs and gentle reef sharks (they’re harmless!). If you’re new to snorkelling, this is a great place to start because the water is calm and clear. You’ll likely spot turtles, baby sharks, and schools of bright tropical fish. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Trincomalee, especially if you love the ocean

6. Have a Seafood Dinner Feast by Nilaveli beach

Cost: 20$ for 2 people (₹.1460)

Where: Nilaveli beach stretch

While you're in Nilaveli, make sure to feast on some fresh seafood while watching the ocean waves at sundown. Trincomalee is famous for its fresh seafood. Whether you like grilled prawns, crab curry, cuttlefish, or simple fish and chips, you’ll find plenty of beachside restaurants serving delicious meals with ocean views.

7. Go Whale Watching

Cost: 65$ (₹.5825) - price varies

Trincomalee is one of the top whale-watching spots in Sri Lanka, especially between May and September. The ocean here is deep and calm, making it a great place to spot:

• Blue whales

• Sperm whales

• Spinner dolphins

Tours usually start early morning from Trincomalee Harbour. Even if you’re not lucky enough to spot a whale, the sunrise over the ocean alone is worth waking up for.

How to get to Trincomalee from Colombo?

Buses and trains are the most common transport options. There's a luxury 7-hour night bus that leaves from Wellawatte (Colombo 6), a one-way ticket would cost about 8$ (₹.716). The first bus leaves at 10 p.m. and reaches Trincomalee at 5 a.m. There's another that leaves at 11 p.m. You can book on Superline, but make sure you inform your hotel of your early arrival and request transport to pick you up. These are rural parts of Sri Lanka, and you cannot find cabs in the early morning.

You can also take the scenic train, which costs about the same but takes 8 hours. If you have a much larger budget, Cinnamon Air offers seaplanes, which would take about 60 minutes. We haven't experienced it, hence we cannot comment on it.

Should I visit Trincomalee on my first trip to Sri Lanka?

Trincomalee is one of the best places to travel to, but if you're on a 10-day itinerary to Sri Lanka, I would not recommend visiting Trincomalee. There are many better places to visit for a first timer; however, make sure you come back to Sri Lanka for a second trip and add Trincomalee to your itinerary.

Conclusion

Trincomalee turned out to be one of the most unforgettable weekends we’ve had in Sri Lanka. From its ancient temples and dramatic cliffs to the clear blue beaches and incredible marine life, this coastal town has a charm that’s completely different from the busy southern coast.

Whether you come here for snorkelling, history, food, or just a quiet escape by the ocean, Trincomalee has something special waiting for you.

If you're planning a quick getaway to Trincomalee, we hope this guide helped you.