Location: Trincomalee
Top Things to do in Trincomalee
10 Sights & Landmarks in Trincomalee That You Shouldn't Miss
Trincomalee (English: /ˌtrɪŋkoʊməˈliː/; Tamil: திருகோணமலை Tirukōṇamalai; Sinhalese: ත්රිකුණාමළය Trikuṇāmalaya) also known as Gokanna, is the administrative headquarters of the Trincomalee District and major resort port city of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Located on the east coast of the island overlooking the Trincomalee Harbour, 113 miles south of Jaffna and 69 miles north of Batticaloa, Trincomalee has been one of the main centres of Sri Lankan Tamil language speaking culture on the island for over two millennia. With a population of 99,135, the city is built on a peninsula of the same name, which divides its inner and outer harbours. People from Trincomalee are known as Trincomalians and the local authority is Trincomalee Urban Council. Trincomalee city is home to the famous Koneswaram temple alluded to in its historic Tamil name Thirukonamalai and is home to other historical monuments such as the Bhadrakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee, the Trincomalee Hindu Cultural Hall and, opened in 1897, the Trincomalee Hindu College. Trincomalee is also the site of the Trincomalee railway station and an ancient ferry service to Jaffna and the south side of the harbour at Muttur.
Restaurants in Trincomalee
1. Velgam Vehera
2. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Kovil
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By BalajiJ - Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The temple is located on the Nilaveli road about 10 Kms from Trincomalee town. There is ample parking space. The bus stop is also very close to the temple. For those who travel by bus take a bus that goes to Pulimudu or ask which bus goes to 6th mile stop. Most of the bus operators will know the place by name. the compound is huge. The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narayanan - Vishnu. You will not miss the temple when you are on the Nilaveli road. it is on the left as you go from Trincomalee. It is painted gold on the top and the walls blue. They have a beautiful lengthy hall to stand and pray in front of the god. Place is very clean and serene. Felt at peace when I visited the temple. Such was the impact. There also idols of all the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu on the left hand side of the main sanctum sanctorum. photography inside the temple is not permitted. If you visit temples and if you are in Trincomalee do take time to visit this temple. It is worth a visit. There is a good veg restaurant adjacent to it (it might be run by the same trustee as the temple)
3. Salli Sri Muthumari Amman Temple
4. Koneswaram Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 915 reviews
Reviewed By RamblingR - Melbourne, Australia
There is something exhilarating about standing on the top of a rock and taking in a magnificent view. From this temple, which is as close to God as anyone can get here in Trincomalee, the views over the Indian Ocean are sublime. There are small shrines built into the cliff and it is lovely to stand with Hindu devotees as they perform their rituals. The temple, the people, and the wonderful view make this place a worthy place to visit. On our way down the hill, after collecting our shoes, we sat in a coconut cafe, high above the cliff, sipping coconut water whilst immersing ourselves with this unforgettable cultural experience.
5. Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By SujeewaW_12 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Seruwila Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient temple which is among the sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka [Solosmasthana]. It is reachable via Trincomalee - Muttur (42.4Kms) or via Kantalai - Allai (45Kms). Both the roads are well carpeted and in pretty good condition (Better than roads in Colombo) . which is approximately 45 km through dense forest. There are many monuments in the complex including Stupa which was originated in 2nd Century B.C. and restored in 1920's.Restored Northern entrance ,with evidence of molded bricks, balustrades, guard stones and moonstones.Western entrance with evidences of preliminary stages of stone works in moldings showing exemplary stone jointing methods.Southern entrance with balustrades of elephant motifs, guard stones and stone door frame.Eastern entrance, Image house building at the Stupa terrace, Sculptured stone lotus, Bo tree shrine [Bodhighara], Ancient pond, Remains of ancient Chapter House, Remains of monasteries and remains of a building on stone pillars. You can find natural stone platform and caves with primitive paintings According to the history this complex was build by King Kavantissa (2nd century B.C.) who was ruling the Kingdom of Ruhuna and the sacred relic, which was the frontal bone of the Buddha, was enshrined in the stupa which was known as Tissa Maha Vehera Every year thousands of devotees visit this sacred place for worship and its worth visiting this place if you are a explorer of Buddhist history.
6. Trincomalee War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Trincomalee is a seaport on the north-eastern coast of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and was formerly a naval station. After the fall of Singapore it became a naval base of importance to our command of shipping in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The cemetery was originally the Combined Services Cemetery, but was taken over by the Admiralty from the military authorities in April 1948 for use as a permanent naval cemetery. On the withdrawal of United Kingdom Forces from Ceylon it became the property of the Ceylon Government who have granted the Commission security of tenure in perpetuity. Save for a few post-war and non-war graves it is purely a war cemetery, and service war graves were transferred to it from Trincomalee (St. Mary) Churchyard; Trincomalee (St. Stephen's) Cemetery, Kottadi Cemetery, Jaffna; and Vavuiyna Combined Cemetery. A special memorial commemorates a naval man buried in Trincomalee (St. Stephen's) Cemetery whose grave could not be found. The non-war graves are those of men of the Merchant Navy whose death was not due to war service, and of civilians, of whom some were employees of the Admiralty; while the post-war graves were dependents of servicemen, civilian employees of the Admiralty and dependents of such employees.
Reviewed By ericnjan - Bolton, United Kingdom
This peaceful cemetary is beautifully kept by the staff. It has 364 graves, and many do not contain bodies having never been recovered. This includes British, French, Dutch forces, but also Muslim and Indian members of the forces - it shows what a truly allied force was out here and 'fought for our futures'. Very moving to walk around the graveyard, any visit pays tribute to the fallen.
7. Lanka Pattuna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By achinthau2016 - Sri Lanka, null
As a buddhist i visited here because of this is the place where sacred Tooth Relic came to sri lanka by Prince Dantha and princes Hemamala. and also this is an attractive place.
8. Wilgam Rajamaha Viharaya
9. Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By ericnjan - Bolton, United Kingdom
Many of the temples in Trinc don't let you take photos. They are also quite traditional in that in the main building They have a central shrine, with shrines around the outside of that. This temple is wall to wall, including the ceiling, covered in colourful statues and paintings. Forget trying to make sense of it all, just go and soak it in - best temple to visit, IMO.
10. Trincomalee Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By 940samithd - Colombo, Sri Lanka
- This was located in Tricomalee face to see side with nearly 9 small islands. - This is under control of Sri Lanka Navy and if you need to visit there first you need to get approval from them. It's not big process and you can request on arrival. But better if you can inform before. - We were visited there by SL Navy boat and it was fantastic journey with lots of experiences. - Navy members gave us lots of knowledge about this harbor and it was interesting. - One special thing is this has only 2 entry points and because of it's structure large ships can stop there with safely. This is only for you information and i know you can't come with a ship :) - We can see lots fisher men there since fish population is high in this area. - Also you need hear all instructions that gave from Navy guys since you need to be safe when travelling with boat.
