Trincomalee

Trincomalee's natural harbour is one of the finest deep-water harbours in the world, a fact that has shaped the town's history — fought over by Portuguese, Dutch, French and British fleets in turn, largely because of its strategic value.

Above the harbour, Koneswaram Temple sits on Swami Rock, a Hindu temple with roots going back over a thousand years, rebuilt after colonial-era destruction and still an active pilgrimage site with sweeping ocean views. Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the British, guards the approach to the temple.

The coastline north of town, including Nilaveli beach, has calm, clear water well suited to swimming, while Pigeon Island National Park just offshore is one of the more accessible spots on the island for snorkelling among reef fish and the occasional blacktip reef shark.

During the Second World War, Trincomalee's harbour served as a major base for the British Eastern Fleet, a role its depth and shelter made it well suited for. A short drive inland, the natural hot wells at Kanniya — seven square wells side by side, each at a noticeably different temperature — are a lesser-known stop for travellers with time to spare.