Trincomalee (or Trinco as it’s called) is the gateway to some of the finest beaches in Sri Lanka: Uppuveli and Nilaveli. With one of the world’s best deep harbours, it is the East’s largest industrial center and naval base, and a potential economic center post-war. There are a handful of things to see in town and pretty views across the three main bays, but many people pass through on their way to the beach.

During the recent war the area continued to attract some travelers, and when the 2002 cease-fire came into effect the town and beaches were flooded with Sri Lankans from the South taking the first opportunity in many years to appreciate the fine, white-sand beaches

There isn’t much accommodation in the town, but guesthouses are re-opening along the Uppuveli and Nilaveli beaches.Trincomalee has the most convoluted colonial history in Sri Lanka. The Dutch (or rather the Danes, because Danish ships were used in the Dutch-sponsored visit) first turned up in 1617, but their visit was a brief one