Trincomalee Tourism (2025) - Sri Lanka > Top Places, Travel Guide

Trincomalee Travel Packages

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7 Days / 6 Nights

Cultural & East Coast Tour Of Sri Lanka - Spice...

Sigiriya(1N) → Trincomalee(3N) → Kandy(1N) → Colombo(1N)

$450/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Magical Sri Lanka Monsoon Edition Tour Package

Anuradhapura(1N) → Trincomalee(1N) → Habarana(1N) → Kandy(2N)

$257/person

15 Days / 14 Nights

Sri Lanka Grand Ramayana Tour - Temple Hopping

Anuradhapura(2N) → Jaffna & The North(2N) → Trincomalee(2N) → Sigiriya(1N) → Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Ella(1N) → Yala National Park(1N) → Mirissa(2N) → Colombo(1N)

$454/person

10 Days / 9 Nights

Untouched Sri Lanka Tour Package

Lavinia(1N) → Jaffna(2N) → Anuradhapura(1N) → Trincomalee(2N) → Nuwara Eliya(2N) → Colombo(1N)

$1,040/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Beautiful Sri-Lanka 6 Days 5 Nights Tour Package

Colombo(0N) → Sigiriya(1N) → Trincomalee(1N) → Kandy(1N) → Colombo(1N) → Negombo(1N)

$350/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Magical Sri-Lanka Tour Package For 5 Nights

Colombo(0N) → Sigiriya(1N) → Trincomalee (1N) → Kandy(2N) → Colombo(1N)

$315/person

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Trincomalee Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 -2 Days

Best Time: May - October Read More

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Also Refered As:

Gokanna

"Sri Lanka’s coastal gem with serene beaches and ancient temples"

Trincomalee Tourism

The quaint city of Trincomalee, also famously known as ‘Gokarna’, is nestled on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is a city steeped in history, blessed with natural beauty, and vibrant with cultural diversity. Whether looking to relax on the beach, explore cultural sites or swim with Turtles on Pigeon Island, Trinco is your ideal holiday destination.

Trincomalee's cultural tapestry is rich and diverse, reflecting its centuries-old heritage. You can explore ancient temples, such as the Koneswaram Kovil, a Hindu temple perched atop Swami Rock with breathtaking views of the ocean, or the Seruvila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya, a revered Buddhist temple nestled amidst lush greenery. One of the city's most iconic landmarks is its natural harbor, one of the largest and deepest in the world.

Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Trincomalee is renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Nilaveli Beach, just north of the city, is famed for its powdery white sands and shallow turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Pigeon Island National Park, a short boat ride away, offers stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.

Trincomalee is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with nearby nature reserves providing sanctuary to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The nearby Kanniya Hot Springs, with its natural thermal waters, offers visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate amidst tranquil surroundings.

Stay near Uppuveli Beach, which is the most tourist-oriented part of the city. If you prefer more seclusion, stay near Nilaveli Beach.
Rent a scooter to explore the attraction within city. It is available for 1000-1500 LKR per day.
Many restaurants along the beach and other areas close down during the low season

Places To Visit In Trincomalee

Koneswaram Temple

Fort Frederick

Shri Badrakali Amman Hindu Temple

Trincomalee Beach

Kanniya Hot Springs

Whale Watching

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Top Hotels In Trincomalee

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History of Trincomalee

The history of Trincomalee is quite vast and rich, having layers of ancient pilgrimage, the British arrival, and the post-Independence period. The port city of Trincomalee or Gokanna/Gokarna and Dambakolapattuna in Jaffna have been some of the great seaports of ancient Sri Lanka since 543 B.C. These ports have attracted pilgrims and traders from different parts of the world.

The history of Trincomalee goes as it is believed to be the harbour where Prince Panduvasudeva sailed into Sri Lanka from Sinhapura, India. After the ancient kings and rulers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the civilian settlements, and the Tamilian dynasties arrived along with Jacob Burnand, a Swiss soldier’s memoirs discovery, it was long established that the city of Trincomalee would play an essential role in the progression of the country. Along with some highs and lows during the British Raj, post-independence saw Trincomalee’s history prevailing with its ancient temples, texts, and ports.

Historical Sites of Trincomalee

With a mixed-up and vast history of the city, Trincomalee occupies some incredible historical sites with a faithful background of worship and obedience to Lord Shiva. Along with Shiva, the earliest ancient texts were found in Trincomalee city written in the Tamil language along with an inscription discovered by archaeologists among its Hindu archaeological remains revealed that worship of deities from Hindu, Catholic, and Buddhist Vihara had taken place during the earlier times. Significant historical sites include the Bhadrakali temple on Konesar road, artifacts of the Koneswaram temple compound (3rd Century/demolished in 1622), and the Dutch Fort built in 1623(entrance to the Koneswaram temple, captured by Portuguese).

Harbours in Trincomalee

The fifth-largest natural harbor in the world, Trincomalee Harbour, has been held by the Dutch, the Portuguese, the French, and finally, the British. However, Trincomalee harbors have smartly adapted their techniques and formed new strategies to shape their trading. Also, the entrance of the port is held by two headlands. A tropical climate also allows tourists to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka.

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Trincomalee Photos

Procession of Koneswaram idol pooja in Trincomalee city

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FAQs on Trincomalee

What is the best time to visit Trincomalee?

Considering the country’s humidity, the annual temperature within the city is warm throughout the year with average rainfall. The best months to visit this historical city is within the warm months during May to early June, where the temperature usually varies around 39.1 degree Celsius to dropping down at 26.4 degree Celsius during the night. The winter months (December to February) are also an enjoyable time for the travellers as the temperature is pleasant with a low chance of rainfall. The temperature within this period ranges from 30.4 degree Celsius to 28 degrees with a slight chance of snowfall during this period. The city also witnesses massive tourism during this season. Thus, one can enjoy either the hot summers or experience the chills during the winter months of this serene city!
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What are the things to do in Trincomalee?

The top things to do in Trincomalee are Fort Frederick, Trincomalee, Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple (Koneswaram Temple), Trincomalee, Pathirakali Amman Temple, Kanniya Hot Springs, Swami Rock, Marble Beach. You can see all the places to visit in Trincomalee here

What are the places near Trincomalee?

The top places near to Trincomalee are Anuradhapura which is 94 km from Trincomalee, Sigiriya which is located 86 km from Trincomalee, Kandy which is located 157 km from Trincomalee, Nuwara eliya which is located 188 km from Trincomalee, Galle which is located 302 km from Trincomalee

Why is Trincomalee famous?

Trincomalee is famous for its natural harbor, one of the largest and deepest in the world. Additionally, Trincomalee boasts pristine beaches, such as Nilaveli and Uppuveli, renowned for their powdery sands and crystal-clear waters, attracting visitors seeking sun, sea, and relaxation. The city is also home to cultural and religious sites like the Koneswaram Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Which language is spoken in Trincomalee?

The language spoken in Trincomalee is Tamil, reflecting the significant Tamil population in the region. Sinhala is also commonly spoken, particularly among the Sinhalese community, while English is widely understood in tourist areas.

What to buy in Trincomalee?

Trincomalee only has small booths near the temple which is the main place for buying souvenirs and local products to take back home as mementos. Popular items include traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings, woven textiles, and pottery, as well as spices, tea, and gemstones. Additionally, explore local markets like the Trincomalee Fish Market, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere, offering a glimpse into daily life in the city.

What is the old name of Trincomalee?

The old name of Trincomalee is "Gokanna" or "Gokarna" in Sanskrit, which translates to "cow's ear" in reference to the shape of its natural harbor. This ancient name reflects the city's long history and cultural significance, dating back thousands of years to ancient times when it served as an important port and trading center for various civilizations.

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Trincomalee

Trincomalee Travel Packages

Cultural & East Coast Tour Of Sri Lanka - Spice...

Magical Sri Lanka Monsoon Edition Tour Package

Sri Lanka Grand Ramayana Tour - Temple Hopping

Untouched Sri Lanka Tour Package

Beautiful Sri-Lanka 6 Days 5 Nights Tour Package

Magical Sri-Lanka Tour Package For 5 Nights

Trincomalee Travel Essentials

Gokanna

"Sri Lanka’s coastal gem with serene beaches and ancient temples"

Trincomalee Tourism

Must Know Before You Travel to Trincomalee

Places To Visit In Trincomalee

Top Hotels In Trincomalee

More on Trincomalee Travel

History of Trincomalee

Historical Sites of Trincomalee

Harbours in Trincomalee

Best Time to Visit Trincomalee

Top Stories about Trincomalee Tourism

Nearby Places

Trincomalee Photos

FAQs on Trincomalee

What is the best time to visit Trincomalee?

What are the things to do in Trincomalee?

What are the places near Trincomalee?

Why is Trincomalee famous?

Which language is spoken in Trincomalee?

What to buy in Trincomalee?

What is the old name of Trincomalee?

Have a Question on Trincomalee?

Trincomalee Reviews

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