The range of unforgettable experiences offered by Sri Lanka has earned it favoured destination status amongst travellers from across the globe. From exploring its rich cultural & historical sites to its beautiful beaches, wildlife parks and tea plantations, there’s never a dull moment on your trip to the pearl of the Indian Ocean. A hidden gem in the country, Trincomalee is not just one of the finest natural harbours in the world but also a delightful tourist destination offering a smorgasbord of experiences. The things to do in Trincomalee range from visiting historical sites to unwinding at the beautiful beaches, learning to scuba dive and spotting whales & dolphins. Let’s check out some interesting Trincomalee activities worth indulging in.
10 Must-Have Experiences In Trincomalee For Your Next Trip
While there are innumerable things to do in Sri Lanka’s town of Trincomalee, here’s a list of ten best experiences that’ll help you have an impeccable holiday with your loved ones. 1. Gaze in wonder at the majestic Whales & Dolphins 2. Unwind at the beautiful Marble Beach 3. Take a diving course at the AquaCreed Scuba Dive Centre 4. Take a dip in the healing waters at the Kanniya Hot Water Spring 5. Splash around at the Isha Water Park 6. Soak in the serenity at Girihadu Seya 7. Seek solace at the ancient Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya 8. Enter the world of guns & armoury at Orrs Hill Army Museum 9. Head to Pigeon Island for snorkelling 10. Learn about the countrys naval history at Hoods Tower Museum
1. Gaze in wonder at the majestic Whales & Dolphins
Nothing can match the thrill of watching gigantic blue whales from close quarters and the city offers you a chance to do just that! One of the most exciting things to do in Trincomalee is head out on a boat 35Km into the ocean to spot these majestic creatures playing and displaying their acrobatic skills. While the blue whales can be spotted in March-April, the sperm whales head out in August-September. Those visiting between May-August can spot hundreds of dolphins swishing about in the waters.
Must Read: 6 Adventure Places In Sri Lanka To Quench The Thirst Of Your Inner Daredevil!
2. Unwind at the beautiful Marble Beach
Spending a relaxing day this secluded cove and beautiful beach sprinkled with powdered white sand is one of the best things to do around Trincomalee. The calm turquoise waters are just perfect for swimming, even with kids, and also offer snorkelling opportunities. You can enjoy a hearty meal at the beach resort run by the air force or simply carry your own picnic basket and laze around in the sand. The resort has lovely chalets with open verandas should you decide to spend a night. A hike up diamond hill rewards you with breathtaking views.
3. Take a diving course at the AquaCreed Scuba Dive Centre
Image Credit: mkayak85 for Pixabay
For diving enthusiasts, one of the top things to do in Trincomalee Sri Lanka would be head to Nilaveli for a certificate course at the highly-rated Aqua Creed Scuba Dive Centre. The PADI certified centre boasts of professional and helpful instructors who make the dives a breeze. The Open water diver course is a great start for beginners and encourages them to explore with greater confidence. With superb equipment and fantastic choice of diving sites, AquaCreed is the ideal choice for your tryst with scuba diving in Trincomalee.
Timings: Daily 9AM-5PM
Suggested Read: Snorkeling In Sri Lanka: 15 Spectacular Spots To Take A Dive
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4. Take a dip in the healing waters at the Kanniya Hot Water Spring
With several myths and legends associated with these hot water wells close to Trincomalee, you can pay a quick visit to this popular attraction. Frequented by the locals for their medicinal properties, the 7 wells with varying temperatures of water also hold religious significance as theyre believed to be created by Ravanas sword. The geothermal wells have changing room facilities for men & women and food stalls close by in case you decide to take a bath.
5. Splash around at the Isha Water Park
Image Credit: jarmoluk for Pixabay
If youre wondering what to do in Trincomalee to keep the kids happy, Isha Water Park is a decent option to spend few hours splashing around in the water. With racing slides, a partially enclosed slide and a fully enclosed one, you can experience the excitement of splashing into a pool after zipping through the slides. The splash pool has two water fountains and a huge water bucket. Located just close to the beach, Isha Water Park is fun place for a family visit.
Timings: Daily, 10AM-6PM
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6. Soak in the serenity at Girihadu Seya
Perched atop a hill around 45Kms north of Trincomalee is this sacred Buddhist temple believed to be the first Stupa in Sri Lanka. Constructed by two seafaring merchants Trapassu and Bhalluka, the stupa holds great significance due to its religious and historical importance. Be prepared to climb up a few hundred steps to reach this sacred site with spiritual vibes and a panoramic view of the area. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes and carry a hat as well as water bottle along. Making a trip to this fantastic site is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Trincomalee.
7. Seek solace at the ancient Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya
Believed to be located at the exact place where Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha landed in Sri Lanka with the tooth relic of Buddha, this ancient temple is one of the most important Buddhist viharayas in the country. Located about 50 Kms away from Trncomalee town, visiting this important historical site is a worthy addition to your list of things to do in Trincomalee. The location and setting is beautiful and the sea view from the top is breathtaking.
Suggested Read: Be A Part Of These 16 Festivals In Sri Lanka That Showcase Its Culturally Vibrant Side
8. Enter the world of guns & armoury at Orrs Hill Army Museum
Run by the Sri Lankan Army, this interesting museum has a wide display of weapons, artillery guns, mobile radio equipment, rocket launchers, armoured vehicles and even modified weapons of the LTTE! The war archives throw light on the civil war and the helpful guides make the whole experience interesting and informative. Located just near the harbour, the well-maintained museum also has an air rifle range where you can try your hand at firing, making it one of the most unusual things to do in Trincomalee.
Timings: Daily, 8AM-6PM
9. Head to Pigeon Island for snorkelling
When in the city you cannot miss out on one of the most fascinating things to do in Trincomalee: a trip to the beautiful Pigeon Island offering a chance to get up close with octopuses and sharks! The secluded pristine island offers abundant marine life waiting to be explored, with myriad colourful fishes well as blacktip reef sharks found in the coral reefs close to the shore. The clean and beautiful beach is a also perfect for a relaxed day by the sea.
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10. Learn about the countrys naval history at Hoods Tower Museum
Run by the Sri Lankan Navy, this wonderful museum located atop a high ridge not only takes you throw the naval history of the country but also allows a panoramic view of the Trinco bay and inner harbour. The exhibits range from those dating back to WWII to the ones from Sri Lankas war with LTTE, including suicide boats, firearms, etc. The guided tour by naval officers is very informative and interesting. Though not so popular, we recommend a trip to the naval museum amongst other things to do in Trincomalee.
Further Read: Top Places For Trekking In Sri Lanka For The Thrill Seekers!
Along with important Buddhist temples and unusual museums, Trincomalee nightlife too can be explored once you’re done with your touristy trips during the day. So, don’t think much and plan your trip to Sri Lanka with TravelTriangle right away for an impeccable holiday experience! Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Trincomalee
What are the top attractions to visit in Trincomalee?
Trincomalee is famous for some of its pristine beaches and ancient temples such as Shri Thirukoneswaram Temple, Shri Bhadrakali Amman Temple, Gokanna Temple, Uppuveli Beach, Arisimale Beach, and much more.
What are the best outdoor activities in Trincomalee?
You can indulge in several adventurous and fun activities such as water-sports, snorkeling, scuba diving, whales and dolphins watching, fishing, Kayaking, and exploring the water park which consists of exciting water rides.
Is it safe to visit Trincomalee during covid times?
Sri Lankan Government has passed some important covid guidelines for tourists such as purchasing a covid-19 insurance is mandatory, vaccinated tourists are exempted from RT PCR test on-arrival. Non-Vaccinated tourists need to quarantine themselves for 7 days in a Bio Bubble. Children below the age of 12 years are exempted from any kind of covid tests.
What is Trincomalee famous for?
Trincomalee, known as one of the deepest natural harbors in South-Asia, is famous for its rich cultural heritage which can be experienced by visiting various temples in the city. It also has several pristine beaches which offer many exciting adventures.
What is the best time to visit Trincomalee?
Best time to visit Trincomalee is during summer and winter as the rainfall is quite low and all the top attractions are open for tourists, but you won’t be able to find a negotiable deal, as Trincomalee experiences a large number of tourists during these seasons. For an affordable vacation to Trincomalee, it is advisable to visit during spring i.e., from March till May.
How many days are required to explore Trincomalee?
At Least 3-4 days are required to visit and explore Trincomalee, as it comprises several top attractions and adventurous activities such as water-sports, scuba diving, etc. which cannot be covered in less than 3 days.
What are the best resorts in Trincomalee?
Hilton Cottage, Liyonaa Beach Hotel, Regina Beach Bungalow, Lobster Inn, Sasvi Cabana, and Woody Crest are some of the many hotels situated in Trincomalee, which offer a luxurious experience during your stay. Most of the above mentioned hotels are located approximately 200-300 m from the beach.
Which is the best way to reach Trincomalee?
Although there is no airport in Trincomalee, it can be best reached via flight and taxis. Sigiriya is the nearest airport to Trincomalee which is located at a distance of about 80 kilometers from the city. It is best to take a taxi to the domestic airport, and then take a flight to Sigiriya and then hire a taxi to reach the destination.
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