Trincomalee

Trincomalee has a deep natural harbour and a long, quieter coast that is the one to choose while the south and west are wet. From about February to September the sea here is calm and clear, with beaches at Nilaveli and Uppuveli.

Pigeon Island National Park, a short boat ride from Nilaveli, has shallow reef for snorkelling, and between roughly May and October whales and dolphins can sometimes be seen offshore. In town, Koneswaram temple stands on a rocky headland above the old Dutch fort.

It is a long way from the airport, about six hours, or two and a half hours from Sigiriya. We usually pair it with the cultural triangle and give it at least two nights. From late October to December the north-east monsoon brings rain and rough seas, so we plan the south coast then.