05 Fun Things to do in Trincomalee

Since Trincomalee is legendary for her beaches, this is definitely where you should start your adventure. The beaches to be found here are stunning to say the least, with powdery sands and turquoise waters which is why there is many a Trincomalee hotel to be found such as Trinco Blu by Cinnamon. The two most famous beach areas in Trinco are Nilaveli and Uppuveli. These are the two places you should target if you wish to have some fun in the sun or go for a swim. If you'd like to take some unique sights and go for a stroll, there's the captivating Dutch Bay. Swimming in the bay is also possible, but can be a little dangerous due to the strong undertow. If you'd like to witness some local fisherman carrying out their livelihood, take a stroll to Manayweli Cove which is a fishing beach.

This is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Sri Lanka and is part of the pancha ishwaram which refers to the five most significant temples that devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. The temple is incredibly ancient and the site it is built on has been a place of worship ever since the 4th century AD. The temple as it stands today is a result of construction that has occurred over thousands of years and was built by the Chola Dynasty as well as the Jaffna Kingdom. The ancient version was destroyed by the Portuguese and the current one was built after their reign. The current structure was completed sometime in 1952.

These hot-springs have a story that dates back thousands of years, involving the mythical Demon-King Ravana who was the ruler of ancient Sri Lanka during that time. King Ravana wanted to embark on some endeavour that the Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu, wished to discourage. So he disguised himself as an old man and approached the King as he was passing through this region in order to deliver false news that the kings mother, Kannya, has passed away. When the King asked the old man if he can find water nearby for the ritualistic ablutions the old man disappeared and the hot-springs were in his place.

This massive military structure has been a point of defence for hundreds of years and has architectural components from each of the three European entities that occupied Sri Lanka. The fort was initially built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch before being taken over by the English. The fortress is managed by the Sri Lankan military but most of it is open for visitors except for specific areas. The enclave contains various antique armaments as well as a small population of spotted deer, making it a striking place.

It's always good to conclude a long day of exploration with a hearty and comforting meal, and for a place that serves incredible local fast-food, this is where you need to go. It is very popular with both tourists and locals alike, and has a great reputation among restaurants in Trincomalee.