Trincomalee is the jewel of the East Coast, centred around one of the world’s most magnificent natural deep-water harbours. This historic city offers a profound blend of culture and nature, from the colourful Koneswaram Temple perched on a cliff to the herds of spotted deer roaming Fort Frederick. Between February and April, the deep waters become a theatre for mighty blue whales, while the nearby Pigeon Island offers world-class coral reef snorkelling. Its urban bays and pristine shores offer a quieter, more spiritual coastal experience than the busy south.