Trincomalee Holidays

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a world leader in whale-watching – but Trincomalee is the jewel in the crown. Up to 27 different species of whales and dolphins, including the enormous blue whale, migrate along Trincomalee’s coast every year. For close-up views, book a day trip and head out to sea with local experts. Most boat trips are small with a maximum of six passengers but, if you’d prefer not to sail, you don’t need to worry about missing out – you can often see Blue Whales from the top of towering Swami Rock, just south of the city.

Swami is also the site of Koneswaram Kovil – one of only five Hindu temples in Sri Lanka dedicated to the goddess of Shiva. Outrageously ornate and colourful, this temple is an important pilgrimage site and gets busy during daily prayers. But, crowded or not, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Of course, whale-watching cruises and dolphin-spotting trips are high on Trincomalee’s to-do list. But if you really want to get close to marine life, catch a boat and spend a day snorkelling round Pigeon Island National Park. The reef here is teeming with tropical fish and the calm, shallow waters are safe, even for children and inexperienced snorkellers.

Don’t miss a walk round Fort Frederick on your Trincomalee holiday. Built by the Portuguese in the 17^th century, this place is known for its grand Georgian mansion house, but most famous of all for its banyan trees and small herds of spotted deer. Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya isn’t to be missed either. One of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist monuments, it’s about an hour south of the city and looks spectacular lit up in the evening. And always make time for ancient Kanniya, where pilgrims come to bathe in sacred springs, which range in temperature from tepid to boiling hot. 

Sri Lanka’s south coast is trimmed with great surfing beaches. But to the east, the beaches have calm waters and peaceful shores. Trincomalee specialises in stretches of sand made for lazy days in the sun, interspersed with the occasional swim or stroll.

Head to Dutch Bay, just south of the city, if you want to combine an urban beach with Indian Ocean serenity. Pristine sands and transparent waters are all in place here, but you’ll also find restaurants and museums nearby. There’s even a tiny Buddhist temple minutes from the shore.

Lovely Marble Beach is popular for its endless sea views and densely forested headlands, and it’s just a 30-minute drive south of Trincomalee. Or, to completely escape, choose long and lustrous Nilaveli. It’s just a short car – or tuk-tuk – ride north of the city, but it feels a million miles away and is said to be one of the loveliest beaches on Sri Lanka’s east coast.

It’s always warm in Trincomalee with temperatures around 26°C in January and upwards of 35°C between May and August. But Sri Lanka’s east coast monsoon season starts with late afternoon thunderstorms in October, and quickly heads into torrential downpours from November through to the start of February.

If you want dry weather, whale-watching, lively city life and plenty of sun-soaked beach time, book your Trincomalee holiday between March and September. Naturally, this is also the busiest time of year, but Trincomalee is still fairly tourist-light compared to the south and west coast of Sri Lanka. If you want to see blue whales, though, you’ll need to visit between February and April. Sperm whales make an appearance in August and September, while May until August is prime time for dolphin spotting. But beach weather is at its peak in June, July and August when rainfall is low and water temperatures hover around 28°C.