Sri Lanka is a mesmerising island with a changing climate and a rich cultural and historical heritage. Trincomalee is a favoured town by many visitors to the region. With its beautiful white sandy beaches and surrounding wildlife, rock formations and hilltops, it’s definitely a place to be experienced by both Sri Lankan residents and tourists alike. The town is in the process of being developed like much of the East Coast, and is quieter than the South. It takes 2 to 3 full days to get the best out of this town because there are quite a few interesting things to do in Trincomalee.
1. Koneswaram Temple
The Koneswaram temple lies perched atop the cliff as part of an ancient Dutch fort and provides a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean and Trincomalee city. Fans of mythology will be appreciate of the famed “Ravana Cut”, also called the Lover’s Leap, that is located here. A few small cradles lie tied to trees outside the temple. Couples who aren’t able to conceive visit the temple to pray for a child and then tie a cradle to the trees in the hopes that this will bring them luck.
2. Whale Watching
Trincomalee beaches have been recognized as being amongst the best vantage points by oceanographers for whale watching. Nature enthusiasts often visit Trincomalee between March and April to get the opportunity to spot blue whales. Sperm whales can be seen in action between August and September. There are small boats that can carry around six passengers at a time to a spot where you can zoom 30 km to 50 km into the ocean to spot whales in their natural habitat, demonstrating their acrobatic skills and splashing about in azure ocean water. Many Trincomalee places to stay such as the luxurious Trinco Blu by Cinnamon offer their guests whale watching packages that can be customised according to their preferences.
3. Dolphin Watching
Dolphin watching in Sri Lanka is possible from May to August. This is when the whales are away. Travellers can feast their eyes on not 15 or 20 but 300 dolphins in their natural zone, playing and interacting with one another. This expedition is best enjoyed in the morning and afternoon though the morning is most preferable as this is when the sun is not too hot. Dolphin sightings can be unpredictable at times and there are always occasions where you will not be able to sight these magnificent mammals. However, regardless of whether you sight dolphins or not, a trip to the Indian Ocean is always an enjoyable experience.
4. Pigeon Island
Of Trincomalee Sri Lanka points of interest Pigeon Island is thought to be by far the most interesting. The island is close to Nilaveli Beach and is named after the rock pigeons that call the town home. If you are a water sports enthusiast and are looking to have some serious fun in the sun, Pigeon Island is a must-visit destination. It is the perfect site to go snorkeling, spot corals and get better acquainted with marine life. There are notable instances where travellers to the region have swum alongside octopus at Pigeon Island.
5. Kanniya (Seven Hot Wells)
The first mention of the Kanniya Hot Springs was in the Ramayana. The seven walls are now a popular attraction for visitors to Trincomalee. Each of the wells has varying temperatures of water ranging from lukewarm to extremely hot. The water in these bathing wells is thought to have therapeutic healing abilities and holds the cure to various ailments. Visitors are recommended to experience everyday local traditions by partaking in a bath at the springs. On stepping onto the tiled floor, one will discover seven man-made, square-shaped wells that are waist-deep. One has to only grab a bucket, scoop out naturally sourced spring water from below and bathe.
6. Visit Sri Pathrakali Amman Kovil
The Sri Pathirakali Amman Kovil is a temple that is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhadrakali, a form of the goddess Kali Amman in Trincomalee. It is the Kali temple of the historic Trincomalee Koneswaram Temple Compounds and is a large complex encompassing connected shrines in the Trincomalee Konesar Malai region. The temple is situated in close proximity to the Trincomalee Hindu College and features classical Dravidian architecture. The temple can be found just beyond the Konesar Road Esplanade before the entrance to Swami Rock. Both ancient kovils share functions during Ther Thiruvillah Festival procession and the Back Bay Sea (Theertham Karatkarai).
7. Visit Fort Frederik
Fort Frederik is an ancient fort that was constructed by the Portuguese. In this day and age, it is utilised by the Sri Lankan military but remains open for travellers to the region. On entering the fort, you will see many deer who come here to escape the scorching mid-day heat because much of the fort is covered with trees.
Trincomalee’s attractions are endless and it is the ideal town for a complete holiday with so many activities to partake in to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. The location will also serve as the ideal beach getaway for those looking to relax and unwind by Marble Beach Trincomalee or any other Trincomalee beaches. It is a serene haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital.
