Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Trincomalee, also known as Gokanna and Gokarna, is a city located on the east coast of Sri Lanka. With a history spanning over two and a half thousand years, Trincomalee is one of the oldest cities in Asia. The city is built on a peninsula that separates its inner and outer harbours, with a population of 99,135 and is the administrative headquarters of the Trincomalee District. Trincomalee is home to the famous Koneswaram temple, a sacred temple site that has been a major pilgrimage site for Hindus for centuries. The town is also home to other historical monuments such as the Bhadrakali Amman Temple and the Trincomalee Hindu Cultural Hall. The city’s architecture shows some of the best examples of interaction between native and European styles. Trincomalee is known for its beautiful beaches at Uppuveli, Salli, and Nilaveli, used for temple visits, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and whale watching. Popular tourist destinations also include the Kanniya Hot Springs. Trincomalee is served by a campus of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka and has been the inspiration of both domestic and international poetry, films, music, and literature for many centuries. Come explore this hidden gem and uncover the many treasures of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.