Destinations - news
Trincomalee With a Personal Driver: Routes, Beaches, Season
The east-coast gem that is quiet when the south is wet.
Trincomalee is Sri Lanka's east-coast port and a quiet beach alternative to the south. A personal driver links Colombo to Trincomalee in 6-7 hours or Sigiriya to Trincomalee in 3-4 hours. Best season May to September when the west is monsoon-wet. Beaches: Nilaveli, Uppuveli. Add Pigeon Island snorkelling. Half-day city tour includes Koneswaram Temple at Swami Rock and Fort Frederick.
Reaching Trinco
Drive from Sigiriya (3-4 hrs) or Colombo (6-7 hrs). The road is paved and in good condition.
Beaches
Nilaveli is the quieter stretch; Uppuveli has more cafes.
Season
May to September is dry; October to January is wet east-coast monsoon.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Pigeon Island worth it?
Yes - clear water snorkelling with reef sharks and turtles.
Can we fly to Trinco?
Domestic sea-plane sometimes operates in season.