Walking Routes in Trincomalee Town

Walking in Trincomalee

These routes are easy to walk on your own. Two are within walking distance of each other on the peninsula, and the war cemetery lies farther out. Go early or late, because midday heat on the stone paths is hard going.

Fort Frederick to Swami Rock

This walk is about 3 km and takes roughly 2 hours at a gentle pace.

  1. Start at the fort entrance and follow the shaded road, where spotted deer graze. Keep your distance and do not feed them.
  2. Part of the fort is still used by the Sri Lankan military, so obey the no-photography signs near installations.
  3. Climb towards the temple. Tuk-tuks and cars use the road up to the parking area below the temple stairs, and walkers cover the last stretch of about 300 m through the bazaar street.
  4. Koneswaram Kovil is an active Hindu shrine. Entry is free. Cover your shoulders and knees, take your shoes off, and follow the signs about photography near the sanctum. It is open in the morning and late afternoon, so check on arrival.
  5. Finish at the cliff viewpoint known as Lover’s Leap, which looks out over the bay.

Dutch Bay and the fish landing

A dawn walk from about 06:00 to 08:30 shows the working harbour. Fishing boats land tuna, seer fish, crab and squid at the Trincomalee fish landing site along Dutch Bay, and buyers bid on the sand. From there you can stroll the seaside promenade, then walk into the bazaar on Central Road for spices, tea and Tamil sweets such as laddu and murukku. Watch your footing near wet boats and nets, and ask before you photograph people at work.

Pathirakali Amman and Main Street

Main Street runs through the centre of town. The Pathirakali Amman Temple here is dedicated to the goddess Kali and is a place of active worship, so dress modestly and walk through quietly.

The war cemetery

The Trincomalee War Cemetery lies about 6 km along the Nilaveli Road, on the eastern side, so take a tuk-tuk. Parking is on a busy main road. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission lists 314 identified casualties. Keep your voice low and walk the paths with respect.

Tips for walking

  • Carry water and a hat, and wear sandals that slip off easily at temples.
  • Stay on established roads and paths.
  • Walk early or late, since the east coast sun is strong.
  • Between roughly October or November and February or March the north-east monsoon brings heavy rain, so expect wet paths.

Read more: Sightseeing in Trincomalee and Attraction tours in Trincomalee .

Guided walks and tuk-tuk tours can be compared on GetYourGuide . Background pages: Wonders of Ceylon on Koneswaram , CWGC and UK travel advice for Sri Lanka .