Trincomalee: East Coast Beaches and Whales
Trincomalee sits on a deep natural harbour on the east coast, where the beaches are wide and the water calm and clear. It runs on the opposite season to the south, so it shines when the south-west is wet.
The beaches
Uppuveli and Nilaveli are long, quiet stretches of pale sand a few kilometres north of town. Pigeon Island, a short boat ride from Nilaveli, has shallow reef you can snorkel with reef sharks and turtles.
Koneswaram Temple
This colourful Hindu temple sits on Swami Rock, a cliff above the sea at the edge of Fort Frederick. The coastal views are excellent, and you may share the road in with the fort's resident deer.
Whale watching
Blue whales and sperm whales pass offshore, and morning boat trips run in season. Sightings are never guaranteed, so pick a responsible operator that keeps its distance.
Best time to visit
The east coast season runs roughly May to September, the mirror image of the south and west, which makes Trinco the smart choice for a beach trip in the northern summer.
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