Guide to Trincomalee
Virtual tour in Trincomalee
Trincomalee stands as the most renowned resort on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The city is adorned with some of the finest beaches in the vicinity, such as Uppuveli and Nilaveli, which are easily accessible from the city by bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk. When visiting Nilaveli from April to October, you have the opportunity to rent a boat and explore the nearby coral island of Pigeon, known for its water sports like diving and snorkeling. The prime season for sunbathing and swimming in the Trincomalee area is from March to June, as the rainy season arrives afterward, accompanied by jellyfish in the coastal waters.
The primary attraction of this resort is Fort Frederick, a construction dating back to the 17th century when it was erected by the Portuguese. It changed hands many times over centuries and only came under Lankan control in the 20th century. Today, a military unit occupies the premises, but visitors are welcome to explore the ancient fortification. Notably, the fort offers panoramic views of the city and the coastline.
About 13 kilometers from Trincomalee lie the ruins of the Buddhist monastery Velgam Vihara, which was established in the 2nd century A.D. Well-preserved fragments of several buildings and a life-sized stone Buddha statue are among the notable remnants. In 1934, the site received the status of an archaeological reserve.
Photos of Trincomalee
Tours to Trincomalee
Tourists have never been deterred by long distances and complicated flights. Getting to Sri Lanka takes time, but this exotic vacation is definitely worth all the effort and money.
Discovered by Admiral Nelson, the bay where Trincomalee is located is a popular destination for travelers. They travel around 18 hours to enjoy the best beaches along the coast.
Although your Trincomalee tour starts with a long flight, you'll never regret your choice. This resort offers incredibly cheap exotic fruits you've never even heard of! If you want inexpensive seafood, you are welcome. You won't find such low prices on lobster, crab, lobster, and unseen fish in any other island resort. Temperatures rarely dip below 30°C.
The best time to visit Trincomalee is in winter. But be prepared that accommodation prices will be a bit higher than, for example, in the spring months. Most tourists prefer to spend the winter period in the warmest place by the Bay of Bengal.
As you know, the most costly part of the budget in any trip is the flight. A hot tour to Sri Lanka is no exception. The cost of tickets depends on the season of your trip, the city of departure, the airline, and the number of connections. You should be guided by an amount starting from 473 USD for one person for a round trip.
In any case, it is always possible to individually tailor a trip to the tourist, taking into account his budget, wishes for the date of departure, and accommodation at the resort.
Interesting places in Trincomalee
Trincomalee may not offer an abundance of sights, making it easy to explore them all independently without the need for a tour company. You can find hiking options and routes for exploring the resort online. However, when planning a visit to one of the neighboring islands, it's advisable to purchase tickets for an organized excursion.
For those who are passionate about extensive shopping sprees and the lively nightlife, Trincomalee might not be the ideal destination. Instead, it serves as the perfect resort for a tranquil and relaxing vacation.
Flight ticket prices
You need to fly to Colombo, from where you can reach Trincomalee by train, bus, plane, or taxi. Bandaranaike International Airport receives flights from most European countries. There are no direct flights, so travelers from Warsaw, Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Paris, Munich, and other cities choose routes with layovers. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad operate these flights.
Ticket prices depend on the season. In the low season, tickets from Berlin cost from 470 EUR, from Vienna — from 500 EUR, and from Paris — from 530 EUR. In the high season (winter months), prices increase: flights from Prague start at 600 EUR, and from Budapest — at 580 EUR. Travel time with layovers ranges from 12 to 20 hours.
The best hotels in Trincomalee
There are three accommodation options for resort guests: in the town of Trincomalee, at Uppuveli Beach or at Nilaveli Beach. If your vacation will be short, it's best to book online to avoid wasting time searching for accommodation when you arrive. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses here, but the rental market is poorly developed, it will be difficult to find a separate house at an affordable price. The cheapest hotel rooms (17-20 USD per night) are not air-conditioned, but you'll be within walking distance of the ocean.
Travel budget
The cost of your Trincomalee vacation can vary significantly depending on various factors, including your choice of flight options and the timing of your visit to the resort. To keep your expenses within a budget, consider booking your plane tickets well in advance. Keep an eye out for round-trip options, which are typically more economical, even though they may require more travel time.
Additionally, dining at local small cafes can offer you good prices.
| The budget for a trip to Trincomalee | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | 30 USD | Flight | 600 USD |
| Accommodation | 20 USD | Average check in a restaurant | 15 USD |
| Transportation | 1 USD | Excursion | 30 USD |
| Total: about 900 EUR for four days | |||
Trincomalee: tips for tourists
Visa to Trincomalee
Citizens of the European Union require an electronic visa (ETA) to travel to Sri Lanka, which can be obtained online before your trip. In this case, you will pay 30 USD for it. The processing takes several days.
The airport in Trincomalee
The city has an airport (China Bay Airport) that receives only domestic and charter flights. Bandaranaike International Airport is 260 kilometers from Trincomalee and 35 kilometers from Colombo, where most international flights arrive.
Transfer to Trincomalee from the airport
Tourists arriving at Colombo Airport can reach the resort by rail. A train leaves Colombo Fort station once a day (at 21:45) to reach Trincomalee Central Station. The ticket price is LKR 450-760, depending on the class of carriage.
Car rental
Tourists arriving at Colombo Airport can reach the resort by rail. A train leaves Colombo Fort station once a day (at 21:45) to reach Trincomalee Central Station. The ticket price is LKR 450-760, depending on the class of carriage.
Transport
Buses run throughout Trincomalee and between towns in Sri Lanka. They are often overcrowded and not always air-conditioned, so they are not popular with tourists. A more exotic option is the tuk-tuk, a motorized scooter with a passenger cabin.
Safety
The resort is quiet, with police officers patrolling the streets and available to help in any emergency. To avoid pickpockets, leave jewelry, expensive appliances and large amounts of cash in your room when you go to the beach.