The East
First the good points: it's cheap, sociable and the beachfront location is superb. Prepare yourself, however, for the fearsomely ugly concrete accommodation block and distinctly grim budget rooms (with a dim, bare light bulb for 'decor'); air-conditioned options are slightly better.
As a place simply to crash and meet others it's doable, and Fernando’s Beach Bar is undeniably a great place to hang out for a drink, even if the food is forgettable.
6.36 MILES
Nilaveli's 4km stretch of sand is considered one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches and with its paradise-island remoteness, swaying palms and golden tinge to…
0.2 MILES
This honey-coloured crescent of sand makes a lovely spot to enjoy life under a coconut tree. Swimming is possible although there are often red flags…
2.85 MILES
This revered temple at the summit of a rocky outcrop is one of Sri Lanka’s pancha ishwaram, five historical Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva and…
3.11 MILES
Occupying the neck of a narrow peninsula, Fort Frederick has been a defensively important site for centuries. A fortress was initially constructed here by…
18.14 MILES
One of the holiest Buddhist monuments in Sri Lanka, founded in the 2nd century BC, but only rediscovered, and reconstructed, in the 1920s. This stupa…
Maritime & Naval History Museum
3.34 MILES
A grand 18th-century Dutch colonial building has been renovated and turned into a museum. Displays on the ground floor cover Sri Lankan naval history back…
3.99 MILES
Manayaweli Cove is an appealing curl of fishing beach with clean sand where you can also swim in the clear water; reach it by strolling past Manayaweli…
2.84 MILES
The base for Kandasamy Kovil is considered the world's greatest vantage point for spotting blue whales. Note the odd cubic-shaped rocks below.
0.2 MILES
This honey-coloured crescent of sand makes a lovely spot to enjoy life under a coconut tree. Swimming is possible although there are often red flags…
0.32 MILES
For a break from the beach, stroll up to this beautifully kept cemetery. This is the last resting place for 364 Commonwealth servicemen who died at Trinco…
3. Salli Muthumariamunam Kovil
0.64 MILES
This beachfront temple is 4km by road from Uppuveli, but only a short wade (or hop by boat if the tide is high) from the north end of Uppuveli beach. It’s…
2.8 MILES
Fishy interest is provided at the raucous daily fish market near the bus station. Early mornings are busiest.
2.84 MILES
The base for Kandasamy Kovil is considered the world's greatest vantage point for spotting blue whales. Note the odd cubic-shaped rocks below.
2.85 MILES
This revered temple at the summit of a rocky outcrop is one of Sri Lanka’s pancha ishwaram, five historical Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva and…
2.95 MILES
Kali Kovil has the most impressive, eye-catching gopuram (gateway towers) of Trinco’s many Hindu temples. It's always busy.