Trincomalee Guide & Itinerary: Top Things to Do, Where to Eat & Stay
- Kate Colliety
- Aug 8
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Trincomalee, or “Trinco” as the locals call it, is an emerging tourist town tucked away on Sri Lanka’s northeastern coast. It was the second stop on our tuktuk road trip and a place we think you should add to your Sri Lanka Itinerary!
This laid-back town may still be flying under the radar compared to Sri Lanka’s southern hotspots, but it has so much to offer: whale watching off its turquoise coast, natural hot springs, ancient temples perched on dramatic cliffs, and arguably some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
But beyond the sights, what really made us fall for Trinco was its warm, welcoming spirit. Despite growing interest from travellers and growing tourist spots, the town has kept its authentic, local vibe and its people were some of the kindest we’ve met.
Below we share the top things to do in Trincomalee, where to stay, where to eat (for the best kottu) and everything else you need to know to plan your trip to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
Discover The Top Things To Do In Sri Lanka!
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Top Things To Do In Trincomalee
Pigeon Island is the best snorkelling spot in Trincomalee if you want to explore the underwater world. The coral reefs around this Trincomalee marine park are home to over 100 different species of coral and 300 species of fish and during the dry season (May to September) there is excellent visibility.
This is definitely one of the top things to do in Trincomalee!
If you’re on a budget check out the snorkelling trips to Navy island and Swami Rock. These are located outside Pigeon Island National Park and therefore are a cheaper alternative.
In the heart of the bustling coastal town of Trincomalee there are three of the top things to see in the area: Fort Frederick, Thirukoneswaram Kovil & Lover’s Leap. Exploring here is a great way to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s fascinating history, religion and fairy-tales.
Fort Frederick was originally built by the Portuguese but was rebuilt by the dutch. As well as enjoying the surrounding views of the fort, it's also possible to explore what is left of the ruins and bunkers that were once used to protect the Trincomalee Harbour.
Thirukoneswaram Kovil is a Hindu temple perched on the side of Swami Rock and Lover’s Leap close by tells the story of the daughter of a Dutch Officer who once jumped from the rock when the ship of her lover passed over the horizon.
A true local attraction is Kanniya Hot Springs. Seven, square springs of varying temperatures are a public bathing area where you can douse yourselves in buckets of warm water.
The springs hold cultural and spiritual importance to Sri Lankans and with an average temperature of 36 degrees, the warm water is pleasant to pour over yourself. You might as well try out a bucket as the locals believe the water to have healing properties for skin conditions and arthritis.
There is a small entrance fee of 100 LKR.
During whale watching season (April to September), organised boat tours depart from Trincomalee Harbour, offering a rare opportunity to spot majestic Blue Whales, Fin Whales, and playful pods of dolphins. Cruising across the calm eastern waters, you’ll have the chance to witness some of the largest marine mammals on Earth in their natural environment. Whale tours cost around $50 per person but are well worth it if you’re visiting in season.
Unfortunately, as we visited in November there were no whale tours, but we were lucky enough to be in Mirissa at the right time and enjoyed a tour with Raja & The Whales which was a highlight of our time in Sri Lanka.
Nilaveli Beach greets you with the melodic tune of the ice cream tuk tuk. You feel the warmth of the sun on your shoulders and you’re mooching the stalls that line the dusty road leading you to the beach with its golden sand and refreshing waves.
It is the perfect place to come and relax or cool off from the scorching sun as the beach has lifeguards. Nilaveli Beach is a popular area of Trincomalee to stay at, although we choose to stay at Uppuveli beach.
This is the most popular area for tourists visiting Trincomalee meaning there’s lots to do here. As well as the large, sweeping beach where you can do a variety of watersports there are plenty of restaurants and bars. Fernando’s is the most famous and comes alive at night with campfires, live music and ice cold beers.
We recommend staying in Uppuveli and using it as your base to explore the rest of Trincomalee’s tourist spots.
Alongside Uppuveli Beach and Nilaveli there are plenty more coves to discover. These include Marble Beach and Coral Cove Beach which are run by the navy. Access is controlled but you can find out more here.
A crescent of white sand with tree-lined lanes and plenty of parking; colourful local boats line the shores of Dutch Bay Beach and wild deer roam the sand. We enjoyed our visit to Dutch Bay Beach and joined it with exploring the bustling markets of Trinco Town.
Dutch Bay Beach feels more local and the currents here make it dangerous to swim but a visit is still a must to see the deer seeking shade under the fishing boats.
Trincomalee Town
The main town of Trincomalee is busy in the best way. Its bustling markets overflow with fresh produce, fragrant spices, street food, and colorful textiles, offering a true taste of local life.
Maritime & Naval History Museum
The Maritime & Naval History Museum in Trincomalee is located near Fort Frederick in a beautifully restored 17th-century Dutch colonial building. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich maritime past, with exhibits on ancient trade routes, colonial naval battles, and local marine biodiversity.
We love the look of this Sunset Cruise on a catamaran. This would make the perfect romantic evening, and you might even spot a whale!
Trincomalee Itineraries
2-Day, 3-day and 4-day Options Trinco Itinerary
Day 1 - Snorkelling & Hot Springs
Start the day off with a snorkelling tour to Pigeon Island (if the conditions are right). Explore the vibrant coral reefs and perhaps glimpse a reef shark.
In the afternoon head to Kanniya Hot Springs to soak up the healing properties then to Nilaveli to enjoy a swim, the evening sun and dinner.
Day 2 - Trinco Town & Attractions
Day 2 is all about exploring the heart of Trincomalee. In the morning head to Fort Frederick and explore Thirukoneswaram and Lover’s Leap.
Then spend the afternoon doing what you love best, either chill out with the deer on Trinco Town Beach, browse the local markets or escape the heat inside the Maritime Museum.
In the evening return to Uppuveli and enjoy dinner at Rice ‘n’ Curry and a cold beer at Fernando’s.
Day 3 - Whale Watching
Head off on a whale watching tour to try and spot fin whales, dolphins and the largest mammal in the world, the blue whale. These tours leave early and take up the majority of the day. In the afternoon relax on your favourite beach or if you fancy try some of the water sports available such as SUP, canoeing, waterskiing, and jet skiing.
Day 4- Beach Hopping In Trincomalee
Spend your final day exploring more of Trinco’s stunning coastline. Head to Marble Beach for calm waters and a peaceful vibe, or stay local and enjoy a relaxed beach day in Uppuveli.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Trincomalee?
The best time to visit Trincomalee is during the dry season from May to October, which coincides with whale watching season and the best season for snorkelling. The weather is sunny with calm seas, perfect for swimming and water activities.
We visited in November and the waves were choppy and the visibility poor for snorkelling so this is something to consider when planning your stay. We still enjoyed our time visiting cultural attractions and sunbathing on the beach, plus the waves were perfect for body surfing.
Some of the top things to do in Trincomalee are water based such as snorkelling and whale watching so when to visit is crucial for the perfect trip.
How To Get To Trincomalee
If you’re using public transport the easiest way to reach Trinco is via a bus to Trincomalee bus station followed by a short tuktuk taxi to your accommodation.
Getting There by Bus & Train:
From Colombo: Train (8 hours) or bus #49 (7 hours, overnight bus at 11pm)
From Dambulla: Bus (3.5 hours, 600 LKR) - several buses daily
From Sigiriya: Bus #49 via Inamaluwa Junction (3 hours) or via Dambulla (20 minutes to Dambulla first)
From Anuradhapura: Bus (3-4 hours) - few buses daily
From Jaffna: Bus (5 hours, 900 LKR) - several buses daily
By Private Car/Driver
Hiring a private car with a driver is a comfortable option, especially for families or those with heavy luggage. Journey times are similar to buses but with more flexibility for stops. Expect to pay around $70 from Colombo or $50 from Dambulla/Sigiriya.
By Plane
Cinnamon air offers flights from Colombo to Trincomalee that take just 60-minutes! We travelled with Cinnamon air from Koggala Lake to Colombo and it was one of our most memorable experiences during our trip.
How We Travelled To Nilaveli Beach
Arguably, the best way to reach Nilaveli Beach is by hiring tuk tuk, travel like a local and immerse yourself in the country! We rented our tuk tuk for 2-months and it gave us the freedom to explore all the corners of Sri Lanka!
Book your tuktuk here and use our code KandM for a discount.
One moment that stands out? While we were chugging down a dusty road toward our guesthouse in Trincomalee, a friendly local waved us down and invited us to share a homemade masala dosa on the beach. We accepted the invite and enjoyed a lovely evening together… and now his mum has a framed photo of us in his house!
The most popular area to stay in is Uppuveli, here you will find plenty of cheap places to stay in Trincomalee including local guesthouses. Another popular area is Nilaveli which has a few family friendly hotels and some luxury choices. You could also opt to stay in Trincomalee town but expect chaos, in the best way possible.
We chose to stay at Breeze Guest House in Uppuveli when visiting Trincomalee and found it was the perfect budget friendly choice. Our room was spacious with a fan, mosquito net and large bathroom.
We also had access to a communal kitchen where we cooked our breakfast each morning. The hosts were super friendly and helped plan out day trips, plus there was secure parking for our tuktuk. This is a great pick if you’re on a budget, and it’s only 2-minutes away from the beach!
Lobster Inn is a friendly, laid-back guesthouse just minutes from Uppuveli Beach. Known for its relaxed vibe and great seafood, it offers clean, comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant.
The guesthouse has a small garden making it a peaceful setting and the option to choose a room with AC, which is sometimes a lifesaver in Sri Lanka’s humidity.
Uppuveli Beach by DSK offers clean, modern rooms just steps from the sand. The amenities here look incredible, with some villas having private plunge pools, a large infinity pool, gym and bicycles to get around.
You get the 5 star treatment here with cool flannels on arrival, fast WiFi, bathrobes and onsite restaurant that serves fine dining!
Vibushan Guest House is a laid-back paradise nestled in lush gardens just a quick walk from Nilaveli Beach. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to birdsong, sip fresh coffee on the porch, and plan your day’s snorkelling adventure with a host who treats you like family. The perfect budget choice of accommodation in Nilaveli.
Nilaveli Beach Resort is a charming, beachfront retreat with cosy rooms that open onto tropical gardens or sea views. There is a pool perfect for cooling off after a day of beach fun. This is a perfect place for Families due to the friendly staff, easy beach access, and on-site restaurant serving fresh local dishes.
Uga Jungle Beach is a hidden sanctuary where the jungle meets the sea in pure luxury. Picture waking up in your private villa surrounded by dense tropical foliage, stepping onto your own deck to breathe in the fresh sea breeze.
This 5 star hotel in Trincomalee offers a boutique vibe which means personalised service, with a secluded infinity pool, indulgent spa treatments, and yoga sessions, it’s a dream getaway hotel in Trincomalee.
Still Looking? Explore our full guide on where to stay in Trincomalee with budget options and 5 star Trincomalee Resorts!
Where To Eat In Uppuveli, Trincomalee
If you’ve read any of our other Trincomalee Blogs you’d have probably seen Rice ‘n’ Curry mentioned. That is because it is where we had the best food in the whole of Sri Lanka. The devilled chicken was delicious but the star of the show was the Kottu. We ate here many times!
The walls are covered in raving reviews from past travellers and the owner is super friendly. We found the portions here to be huge as well which was a plus as it’s so delicious.
The most popular evening spot in Trincomalee is Fernando’s which is based on Uppuveli Beach. You can get ice cold beers, pizza and other food from a collection of restaurants on the beach.
We normally don't eat breakfast out to save money on our backpacker's budget, however we made an exception and headed to NINA. Interestingly, there was a fusion of western and Sri Lankan Choices which were delicious. Kate had a Masala Dosa for breakfast and Mike went for pancakes with a sausage on the side which turned out to be a hot dog, which we should have known after spending 8-months in Asia. Still we recommend NINA’s for breakfast!
Best Trincomalee Tours
Try the Kottu at Rice ‘n’ Curry Restaurant, the best we had during our 2-month trip to Sri Lanka
Pack your own snorkel gear - this means you can enjoy the underwater world on your own terms and when the conditions are right
Watch out for Naval Base Boundaries - As we experienced, be careful not to wander too far along certain beaches as you might accidentally enter naval base territory.
Visit attractions early or late to avoid the midday heat!
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Sri Lankan adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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