A beach near Trincomalee on the east coast

Town guide · in season April to September

Trincomalee, Nilaveli & Pasikudah: Our Favourites

Koneswaram Temple above the sea, Pigeon Island, the beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli and the calm bay of Pasikudah, in season when the west coast is wet.

The back story

  1. The back story

    The east coast: Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay

    East coast·In depth: the regions

    Empty beaches, a deep natural harbour, Hindu temples on the cliffs and Sri Lanka’s most famous surf town, in season when the west is wet.

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What to see

  1. On Swami Rock

    Koneswaram Temple

    Trincomalee·Hindu temple

    A revered Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, on the clifftop of Swami Rock above the sea in Trincomalee.

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  2. Snorkelling

    Pigeon Island National Park

    Nilaveli·Marine national park

    A small marine national park off Nilaveli, with coral reefs and reef fish, reached by boat.

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Beaches

  1. Long beaches

    Nilaveli and Uppuveli

    North of Trincomalee·Beaches

    Two long, quiet beaches just north of Trincomalee, with calm water in the east-coast season.

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  2. Calm and shallow

    Pasikudah

    Near Batticaloa·Bay

    A wide bay of shallow, calm water near Batticaloa, lined with resorts.

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Where to stay

  1. Wild beach

    Jungle Beach by Uga

    Kuchchaveli·Beach resort·$$$$

    A luxury resort of cabins between the jungle and a quiet beach, north of Trincomalee.

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  2. Uppuveli beach

    Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

    Uppuveli·Beach hotel·$$

    A beachfront hotel at Uppuveli, just north of Trincomalee.

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Getting there

  1. By road or rail

    Getting to the east coast

    East coast·Getting there

    Trains from Colombo to Trincomalee and Batticaloa, and road links from the Cultural Triangle and Ella.

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Share your Trincomalee tips

Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.

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