Trincomalee

The east coast’s major port city sits above a natural harbour that’s one of the finest in Asia, fronted by Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches – wide, white-sand, and remarkably uncrowded even in high season. Offshore whale watching from Trincomalee between May and September is some of the best in the country, and Pigeon Island Marine Park’s snorkelling is the clearest water you’ll find on any Sri Lanka itinerary.