Trincomalee is a place where ancient Hindu temples crown headlands above a deep-water bay that has fascinated seafarers and colonisers for two millennia. The Koneswaram Temple offers one of the most breathtaking settings, with the ocean visible in every direction far below. The city’s surrounding waters shelter hot springs, whale sharks and spectacular coral gardens, while the nearby beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli offer some of the finest stretches of sand on the east coast.