TRINCOMALEE BEACH SRI LANKA

Trincomalee is a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Set on a peninsula, Fort Frederick was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Within its grounds, the grand Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock cliff, a popular vantage point for blue-whale watching. The holy complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva. Nearby Gokanna Temple has panoramic views over the city and the coastline.

The Maritime and Naval History Museum exhibits military artifacts and cannons in a former Dutch colonial command outpost. To the south, Manayaweli Cove is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. Marble Beach is surrounded by tropical forest. North of the city, Nilaveli Beach is the departure point for snorkeling and diving trips to Pigeon Island National Park. The island’s shallow coral reefs are home to turtles, reef sharks and many species of fish. Inland, there are the Kanniya Hot Water Springs. South of Trincomalee, Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya is a restored Buddhist stupa, or shrine, dating from the 2nd century BC.