**Trincomalee**
-** Trincomalee, also known as Gokanna and Thirukonamalai, is the administrative headquarters of the Trincomalee District and a major resort port city in the Eastern Province. With a population of 99,135, it sits on a peninsula of the same name, which divides its inner and outer harbors. It is home to the famous Koneswaram temple from where it developed and earned its historic Tamil name Thirukonamalai. The town is home to other historical monuments such as the Bhadrakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee Hindu Cultural Hall, and the Trincomalee Hindu College (established in 1897). Trincomalee is also the site of the Trincomalee railway station and an ancient ferry service to Jaffna and the south side of the harbor at Muttur. The city ’s architecture shows some of the best examples of interaction between native and European styles. Attacked by the Japanese during World War II, Trincomalee has a storied past and continues to thrive as a vibrant coastal destination..
**Koneswaram Temple**
-**Koneswaram Temple, also known as Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple, is a classical-medieval Hindu temple complex situated atop Swami Rock in Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. This temple is one of the five major Shiva temples in Sri Lanka , often referred to as Pancha Ishwarams. The monument was built significantly during ancient times on top of Konesar Malai, a promontory overlooking Trincomalee District, Gokarna Bay, and the Indian Ocean. Its main shrine is dedicated to Shiva in the form of Kona-Ishvara, affectionately shortened to Konesar.
-**The original kovil combined key features to form its basic Dravidian temple plan, including its thousand-pillared hall known as “Aayiram Kaal Mandapam” and the Jagati. The temple’s architecture, elaborate sculptural bas-reliefs, and multiple gold-plated gopuram towers make it a remarkable building of its age. It stands distinctly on the cape’s highest eminence , offering breathtaking views. Pilgrims begin their journey at the opening of Konesar Road, passing through courtyard shrines dedicated to deities such as Bhadrakali, Ganesha, Vishnu Thirumal, Surya, Raavana, Ambal - Shakti, Murukan, and Shiva himself, who presides at the promontory’s height.
-**The annual Koneswaram Temple Ther Thiruvilah festival involves the Bhadrakali temple of Trincomalee , the Pavanasam Theertham at the preserved Papanasuchunai holy well, and the proximal Back Bay Sea (Theertham Karatkarai) surrounding Konesar Malai. The temple’s rich history includes the patronage of Sinhalese king Gajabahu II, who ruled Polonnaruwa from 1131 to 1153 CE and is described as a devout worshipper of Shiva and a benefactor of the temple.
**Fort Frederick**
-**Fort Frederick, also known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, is a historic fort built by the Portuguese in Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Completed in 1624 CE, it stands on Swami Rock-Konamamalai, constructed from the debris of the ancient Hindu Koneswaram Temple (Temple of a Thousand Pillars). The fort’s stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance, making it a fascinating glimpse into history. During its three-century existence, Fort Frederick has witnessed activity in four military conflicts and served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s. Today, historical exhibits within the visitor center and fort barracks tell the captivating stories of this remarkable site. If you visit, you’ll also find the fort’s 585-acre park bordering the Potomac River, featuring hiking trails, a boat launch, campsites, and more.
**Nilaveli Beach**
-**Nilaveli Beach, located about 16 kilometers north of Trincomalee, is a serene paradise on Sri Lanka’s east coast. With its pearly white sands, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, Nilaveli is an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation. The waves here also make it suitable for surfing. Despite being relatively small, the beach attracts people from all across the nation, especially on weekends. Nilaveli Beach is known for its pristine white sands, gracefully swaying palm trees, and glistening waves. This is the perfect place to relax, swim, and sunbathe.