Trincomalee Travel Guide: Why Backpackers Love Sri Lanka’s East Coast Gem

Trincomalee, often called “Trinco” by travellers, sits on Sri Lanka’s sun-soaked northeast coast. Known for its turquoise waters, historic temples, and relaxed beach life, it’s become one of the most popular backpacking stops in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re chasing culture, history, surf, or seafood, Trincomalee has it all.

Why Visit Trincomalee?

• Beaches that rival the south: Uppuveli and Nilaveli Beach are wide, clean, and far quieter than Mirissa or Unawatuna. Perfect for long stays.

• Rich history and culture: From ancient Hindu temples to colonial forts, Trincomalee has been a crossroads of faith and empire.

• Marine adventures: Snorkelling at Pigeon Island National Park and diving with reef sharks are some of the best underwater experiences in Sri Lanka.

• Budget-friendly: Guesthouses and beach shacks keep costs down, and food is both cheap and delicious.

A Brief History of Trincomalee

Trincomalee’s harbour has been prized for centuries. Known to ancient traders as one of the world’s finest natural deep-water ports, it was fought over by the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. Its cultural heart is Koneswaram Temple, a Hindu shrine perched dramatically on Swami Rock, believed to date back over 2,500 years. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt across empires, its story mirrors Sri Lanka’s own layered past.

Nearby, Fort Frederick, originally built by the Portuguese in 1624, later reinforced by the Dutch and British, offers colonial history alongside herds of wandering deer.

Best Things to Do in Trincomalee

1. Koneswaram Temple & Swami Rock

One of Sri Lanka’s most important Hindu shrines, with sweeping views across the Indian Ocean. The cliffside setting is unforgettable, especially at sunrise or sunset.

2. Fort Frederick

A walk through the gates brings you to colonial stone walls, cannons, and deer roaming freely. It’s a reminder of Trincomalee’s strategic importance.

3. Nilaveli and Uppuveli Beaches

Golden sands, calmer vibes than the south coast, and great spots for swimming or lounging with a coconut.

4. Pigeon Island National Park

Just offshore, this marine park is a snorkelling and diving hotspot. Expect vibrant coral and the chance to see reef sharks.

5. Whale Watching

Trincomalee is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot blue whales, especially between March and August.

6. Hot Springs at Kanniya

Seven bubbling hot wells, each with slightly different temperatures. A site tied to legend and Hindu rituals.

Food in Trincomalee

Food here reflects Sri Lanka’s Tamil and Muslim communities. Expect spicy curries, seafood fresh from the harbour, and South Indian flavours.

• Crab curry: A Jaffna-style dish, rich and fiery, often considered a regional speciality.

• Kottu roti: The famous chopped roti stir-fry, loud and theatrical, cooked on metal griddles in roadside eateries.

• Hoppers: Bowl-shaped pancakes, either plain or with egg, served with sambol.

• Seafood barbecues on the beach: Many guesthouses and beach bars offer evening grills with prawns, fish, and squid.

Backpackers tend to gather at casual spots along Uppuveli Beach, where the vibe is easy-going and meals are budget-friendly.

Backpacker Tips for Trincomalee

• Getting there: Night buses run from Colombo and Kandy, or you can take the scenic train to Trinco station.

• Where to stay: Uppuveli and Nilaveli are the main backpacker hubs with guesthouses, hostels, and beach bars.

• Best time to visit: May to September is the dry season on the east coast—perfect for beach days.

• Cultural respect: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Shoes must be removed before entering.

Why Backpackers Keep Returning

Trincomalee offers something rare: the energy of a backpacker hub, but without the overdevelopment of Sri Lanka’s southern coast. It’s where you can snorkel in the morning, explore a 17th-century fort by afternoon, eat crab curry for dinner, and end the night watching the waves under the stars.

Please make sure to read our travel safety blog, especially if you are a backpacking/ travelling female. There are some things you should be aware of when visiting the beaches of Sri Lanka.