Things To Do
Minneriya National Park (85.8 km, 2 hours)
Safari tours are available. Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, this national park is renowned for its toque macaques, sambar deer, leopards and elephants. Lonely Planet, has named the “elephant gathering” of Minneriya as one of the World’s “10 greatest wildlife spectaculars.”
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (126 km, approx 2 hours 40 min)
Sigiriya is believed to contain the ruins of an ancient palace complex, built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477AD – 495 AD). It is one of the 8 world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and is renowned for its ancient paintings (frescoes). It is also considered one of the most important, elaborate and imaginative urban planning sites of the first millennium that combined concepts of symmetry and asymmetry to intentionally interlock the man-made geometrical and natural forms of the surroundings.
Passikudah Bay
The bay of Passikudah comprises a shallow fringing coral reef towards the outer bay with scattered coral communities within. Proposed as a Marine Sanctuary by NARA, it is one of the best-known reef systems in the East - perfect for snorkeling or diving.
Polonnaruwa (1 hour, 16 minutes)
Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s spectacular second ancient city, and the ruins from this golden age vividly reflect some of the most well-preserved architectural treasures of the time. Dating back to the tenth century, the ruins incorporate palaces, monasteries, Buddhist and Hindu temples, dagobas and many beautiful statues, and sit beneath shady trees near the Parakrama Samudra Tank. The compact site can easily be visited in a day, and the best way to see all the sights is to hire a bicycle and gently peddle between the ruins.
Whale Watching (2 hours 17 minutes)
Whale watching has now become firmly established during the East Coast Season. Between March to August, Trincomalee has high strike rates for Blue Whales and Sperm Whales and even higher for Dolphins, mainly Spinner Dolphins.