Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka

2 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

Silversea Cruises (2 Cruises)


Frequently Asked Questions

In one of the largest natural harbours in the world, on the northeast coast. Depending on the line, you go ashore alongside or by tender, landing a few minutes from a compact centre that is easy to cover on foot or by tuk-tuk.
A fortified peninsula that holds most of what there is to see. Past the stone gateway carved with British arms, the drive climbs gently among banyans, monkeys and spotted deer grazing the glacis under the indifferent gaze of passers-by.
A temple to Shiva on the edge of a cliff dropping into the ocean, at the top of Swami Rock. Venerated since antiquity, destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt, it receives coconuts and garlands in a scent of camphor. From the parapet you can watch the deep blue below, where turtles sometimes pass.
Fort Frederick and Koneswaram, then the Dutch Bay promenade and the fish market. If beaches appeal more, head north to Uppuveli rather than trying to do both.
A clifftop viewpoint marked by a lone column. Legend attaches to it the story of a heartbroken woman who jumped. Late in the afternoon, Tamil families and tame peacocks share the esplanade in a quietly festive atmosphere.
Uppuveli, about 5 kilometres away, offers a long quiet strand lined with small restaurants right on the sand. Nilaveli, some fifteen kilometres out, spreads an even wider beach facing Pigeon Island.
Yes, at Pigeon Island off Nilaveli: a marine park whose reefs shelter colourful fish and harmless blacktip reef sharks. Local boats handle the short crossing, and masks and snorkels are rented on site.
In season, yes. The ocean trench opens just a few miles off the coast, which makes the trips surprisingly short. As everywhere, sightings are never guaranteed: check the season before booking.
Seven warm-water wells about 8 kilometres inland. You draw the water with a bucket and pour it over your head: the ritual is more cheerful than therapeutic, and locals join in with good humour.
The mix. Churches, mosques and Hindu kovils follow one another within a few streets, a faithful summary of the Tamil, Sinhalese and Muslim communities. The centre lines up batik shops, lace workshops and spice stalls, and the fish market displays the morning's catch, tuna and parrotfish laid out on ice.