Trincomalee
Trincomalee is famed for its natural harbor which is ranked as the world’s fifth larget natural harbor. During the Second World War, the harbor became the base for combined East Asian Fleet of the Allied Forces. Today, it is the ideal beach resort. All water sports are available here including Whale watching, snorkeling and diving. Located in the mouth of Sri Lanka’s longest river Mahaweli, Trincomalee’s most famous landmark is Fort Frederick. Trincomalee is also a blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultural mix with a number of historical sites.
Places to visit
Fort Frederick
Fort Frederick
Occupying the neck of a narrow peninsula, Fort Frederick has been a defensively important site for centuries. A fortress was initially constructed here by the Portuguese in 1623 and later rebuilt by the Dutch. The British took over in 1782. The
fortress is used today by the Sri Lankan military, but you're able to explore most of the fort by foot or car. Assorted cannons and artillery are dotted around the enclave, which also contains a small number of spotted deer grazing under huge banyan trees.
Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya
Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya
Counted amongst the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, this temple is one of the important places to visit in Trincomalee for the spiritually inclined travellers. The 2nd century stupa was originally built by King Kavantissa and holds the sacred frontal bone of Lord Buddha. Thousand of devotees visit this sacred Buddhist Vihara every year to pay homage and seek blessings of Lord Buddha.
Marble beach
Marble beach
Marble Beach, also known by the name of Marble Bay Beach is a beautiful and clean beach situated alongside Kinniya Road, Trincomalee. This pristine sandy beach is excellent for relaxing and the sea is ideal for swimming. The famous Marble Beach Air Force Resort managed by the Sri Lanka Air Force is also located here. The name “Marble Beach” is derived from the fact that when the sea is calm on a clear and bright day, the surface can be seen to be shining like marble. This calm and beautiful beach is relatively untouched and remains to be clean with pristine clear blue water.
The sea here is also popular for snorkelling due to the existence of large schools of coloured fish.
Koneswaram Temple
Koneswaram Temple
Undoubtedly one of the first sites to be ticked off the Trincomalee tourist map is this revered temple located atop a cliff inside Fort Frederick. This important Hindu pilgrimage site displaying Darvidian architectural style is believed to be one of the Panch Ishwarams (five abodes of Shiva) with a swayambhu lingam. The shrine exudes sacred vibes and is a wonderful place for seeking solace in the divine presence. Surrounded by magnificent views of the Indian Ocean, this fabulous temple is one of the most important places to visit in Trincomalee.