Trincomalee

On Sri Lanka's sun-drenched east coast, Trincomalee guards one of the finest natural deep-water harbours in the world. The beaches here are magnificent — Nilaveli and Uppuveli stretch for kilometres of powder-white sand beside crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling and diving, particularly around Pigeon Island National Park where colourful reef fish and blacktip reef sharks patrol vibrant coral gardens. Between May and October, blue whales and dolphins are sighted regularly just offshore. The hilltop Koneswaram Temple, perched dramatically on Swami Rock above the ocean, is one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Hindu shrines. Trincomalee remains wonderfully unspoilt.