Joanna James
Set in the less explored East coast in Sri Lanka, Trincomalee is a pretty coastal town scattered with stunning beaches, white sand and laid-back adventures. There are hill tops, rock formations and wildlife trails in the coastal town. Let’s look at what you can cover in three days in Trincomalee.
Dutch Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. And, that is saying a lot in the sunny island of Sri Lanka. A lot of Trincomalee hotels provide easy access to this beach. For example, if you’re staying at the Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, you can get to Dutch Beach within 15 minutes. Locals frequent this enchanting beach during the weekend, and on weekdays, it is practically deserted. You’ll have stretches of sand and sea waves all to yourself on weekdays. If lady luck is on your side, you might even spot some dolphins.
Museums can be boring at times. But, the Maritime Museum in Trincomalee will pleasantly surprise you. They simply ask for a small donation to enter the museum. The museum is well laid out and the displays take you back on a journey across the Silk Road and ancient trade days. At the end of your tour, go up to the roof to enjoy the expansive sea views.
The whale watching season in Trincomalee technically starts in May and lasts until the end of October. But, you’re more likely to spot sea giants between June to August. A safe, environmentally conscious and reliable tour cost between 40 to 60 USD. A tour can last from 2 to 4 hours. Sign up for an early morning tour to have the best chance of spotting whales. You’ll come across frolicking dolphins and solitary whales splashing in mesmerizing movements in the sea. If you’re lucky you might get a chance to go on a rare and restricted swimming with whales tour. These cost about 220 USD per person.
Reef sharks, vibrant fish and turtles spend their days (and nights) in the strip of coral near Pigeon Island. You’ll need to hire a boat to reach the island, located about 2.5km away. Plan for a half-day trip to Pigeon Island to make the most of it. Expect to pay about Rs 2000 per person for a boat trip to the corals. Once you're there, be mindful of the fragile coral and wear reef-safe sunscreen.
There are tested and wonderous scuba diving spots in Trincomalee, along with tons of scuba tour operators. Most dives are shallower than 18m, hence perfect for beginners. They usually charge about 70 USD for two boat dives. The best time for diving in Trincomalee falls between April to September. Remember to ask for recommendations from other travellers, and choose a certified and well-run scuba diving company for your dive.
Marble Beach is located about 30 minutes away from Trincomalee. But, the half-hour journey is worth the trouble. The beach is full of white, silky sand and serene swells. The deep, clear blue of the ocean will remind you of a picture postcard from an exotic vacation. The public area of the beach is free for everyone, and you can swim in the sea nearby. The sea is tranquil, and well-suited for swimming. Sink your stresses away in the turquoise depths of the salty, sensual sea.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
