Trincomalee

Trincomalee sits on one of the finest natural harbours in the world, with a history shaped by ancient kings, colonial powers and seafaring traders. On Swami Rock, the Koneswaram Temple overlooks the ocean from a dramatic clifftop, its bright gopuram a striking sight against the blue, while Fort Frederick guards the headland below and spotted deer graze calmly within its walls.

North of town, the soft white beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli are among the most beautiful on the island, with clear, calm water during the east coast season. Days are simple and restorative: an early swim, breakfast by the sea, a boat to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkelling among reef fish and, with luck, blacktip reef sharks and turtles, then a lazy afternoon in the shade.

Trincomalee also has a rich cultural life. Hindu kovils, Buddhist shrines, mosques and churches sit side by side in town, and the hot springs at Kanniya and the ancient Buddhist ruins at Velgam Vehera make interesting short excursions. In season, boat trips head offshore in search of dolphins and, at times, whales.

Because the east coast enjoys its best weather when the south-west is wetter, Trincomalee is a lovely beach choice for summer journeys. It pairs naturally with the Cultural Triangle, just a few hours inland, and with Pasikuda further down the coast.