East Coast
Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
East-coast blue
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Trincomalee is Sri Lanka's main east-coast port town, with white-sand beaches, warm calm water and a season that runs May to September - the opposite of the west and south coasts. Nilaveli and Uppuveli are the main beach strips 5-15 minutes north of town, and Pigeon Island offshore is the best snorkelling in Sri Lanka. It is a full day's drive from Colombo.
Why go to Trincomalee
When the west and south coasts are under monsoon (May to September), Trincomalee is dry, hot and calm. It has the best snorkelling in the country at Pigeon Island, whales in the local season, and a long uncrowded beach at Nilaveli. For a mid-year Sri Lanka trip that wants beach time, this is the answer.
Best things to do in Trincomalee
- Pigeon Island snorkelling - reef sharks, turtles and reef fish. USD 15-25 for the boat and gear.
- Nilaveli beach - 5 km of white sand, calm swimming water, functional beach hotels.
- Whale watching from Trincomalee (May to September) - blue whales in a shorter and less crowded season than Mirissa.
- Koneswaram Temple on Fort Frederick - the classical Hindu temple on the headland, plus wild deer roaming the fort.
- Marble Beach - a small quiet cove south of town.
- Fort Frederick itself - a Dutch/Portuguese/British fort still in use by the Sri Lankan military.
How to get to Trincomalee
From Kandy it is 180 km and 4-5 hours; from Sigiriya 100 km and 2-2.5 hours; from Colombo 260 km and 5.5-6.5 hours. Almost no one drives direct from CMB.
| From | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya | 100 km | 2 - 2.5 hrs |
| Kandy | 180 km | 4 - 5 hrs |
| Colombo | 260 km | 5.5 - 6.5 hrs |
| Anuradhapura | 110 km | 2.5 hrs |
| Arugam Bay | 230 km | 5 - 5.5 hrs |
How many days do you need in Trincomalee?
Two or three nights. One night is not enough to include a Pigeon Island trip; three nights lets you combine snorkelling, whales and a lot of beach.
Best time to visit Trincomalee
May to September is the east coast season. October to January the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain. February to April is shoulder - viable but variable. See all 12 months of Sri Lanka weather compared for a fuller picture, or browse tour packages that already sequence the seasons for you.
What to pair Trincomalee with
Trincomalee pairs with the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa) on a mid-year east-coast itinerary. It does not combine well with a south-coast trip.
The one thing that changes the visit
Include Trincomalee in a private tour
Every stop on our itineraries is optional and re-orderable. Tell us your dates, group size and interests and we build a private route around them - with a driver from your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to your final drop-off.
Read next: 7-day itinerary (Classic Loop) · 10-day itinerary · 14-day itinerary · Private driver costs · Attraction fees
What travelers ask us this week about ask-this-week
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When is Trincomalee season?
May to September is the dry season on the east coast, when Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches are at their best and Pigeon Island snorkelling is clearest. October to January the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain and roug...
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Is Nilaveli or Uppuveli better?
Nilaveli is longer, quieter and further from Trincomalee town (15 minutes north). Uppuveli is closer to town (5 minutes) and has more bars and small hotels. Families and beach-focused stays usually prefer Nilaveli.
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Is snorkelling in Sri Lanka good?
Pigeon Island off Nilaveli is the best snorkelling in Sri Lanka, with reef sharks, turtles and reef fish in shallow water. The season runs May to September. The Mirissa side of the country does not have comparable sno...
Good to know
Trincomalee - common questions
When is Trincomalee season?
May to September is the dry season on the east coast, when Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches are at their best and Pigeon Island snorkelling is clearest. October to January the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain and rough sea.
Is Nilaveli or Uppuveli better?
Nilaveli is longer, quieter and further from Trincomalee town (15 minutes north). Uppuveli is closer to town (5 minutes) and has more bars and small hotels. Families and beach-focused stays usually prefer Nilaveli.
Is snorkelling in Sri Lanka good?
Pigeon Island off Nilaveli is the best snorkelling in Sri Lanka, with reef sharks, turtles and reef fish in shallow water. The season runs May to September. The Mirissa side of the country does not have comparable snorkelling.
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