Trincomalee, Sri Lanka cruise port guide

Built on a truly majestic natural harbour - one of the world’s largest - Trincomalee is a gateway to the deep historical interests of Sri Lanka. Richly cultural and historic, Trincomalee is surrounded by treasured sites, which hark back thousands of years - and hold unprecedented cultural value. Set on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka - on the peninsula that it shares its name with - venture inland to explore some of the world's most majestic and evocative archaeological and holy sites. View less Or, take it easy and lay back on Trincomalee's plentiful, palm-lined beaches. Boat tours can take you out to cruise among dolphins and whales, or to the reefs of Pigeon Island. A swirl of colonial houses, temples and mosques line the multi-cultural streets of this fascinating destination. Live like a local and start the day with a steaming cup of Ceylon tea and buffalo curd for breakfast before heading out to visit extraordinary sites of ancient worship, as you explore Sri Lanka's incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Head inland to the jaw-dropping Golden Temple of Dambulla, a vast temple, dominated by a gleaming gold Buddha figure. The amazing Ancient City of Polonnaruwa dates back to the 12th century and is an unearthed treasure trove of ruins - famous for its meticulously thought out urban planning. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, and you can visit the first capital at the Sacred City of Anuradhapura – a place of immense value to the Buddhist faith. The Sirigiya Rock Fortress is a jaw-dropping collaboration between man and nature, and the incredible fortress sits perched above an almighty 200-metre high slab of rock.