Featuring Hindu temples and colonial heritage on a historic natural harbour, Trincomalee is a gateway to the best beaches on the east coast. Blessed with sunny weather throughout the year, white sandy beaches, calm and warm waters, it is ideal for underwater activities and for whale watching. The skyline is dominated by its 17th-century Portuguese fort. Swami Rock, a cliff-side temple and sweeping coastal views invite gentle contemplation.
Those interested in military history will appreciate how being one of the largest and safest natural harbours in the world, Trincomalee was a critical operational and logistic naval station for the allied forces during the Second World War. After the fall of Singapore, Trincomalee became the home port of the Eastern Fleet of the Royal Navy, and submarines and flying boats of the Dutch Navy. The harbour and airfield were attacked by a Japanese carrier fleet in April 1942 in the Indian Ocean Raid. Trincomalee’s Commonwealth War Cemetery is a poignant reminder of Allied sacrifices made in this region.
