Trincomalee Outings for Families
Timing a family trip
Families get the best of Trincomalee between about May and September, when the sea is calm. The north-east monsoon, from roughly October or November to February or March, brings rough water and closes Pigeon Island. Surf and rip tides can be dangerous at some beaches at some times of year, so check with your hotel before children go into the water.
Easy outings close to town
Deer at Fort Frederick. Spotted deer wander the fort grounds and the road to the temple, which makes a short, free walk that young children enjoy. Watch from a distance and never feed the deer, because plastic and human food make wild deer ill. Part of the fort is military, so follow the signs about photography.
Marble Beach. This beach is roughly 10 to 16 km from town on the Kinniya road and is run by the Sri Lanka Air Force. Bring a passport for the ID check. The small entry charge is reported at LKR 20 to LKR 100. The water is usually calm for most of the day, but judge the waves yourself and stay within arm’s reach of small children.
Kanniya Hot Springs. Seven shallow wells, each about 3 to 4 feet deep, sit around 8 km north-west of town. Most sources give the foreigner price as about LKR 50. Water temperatures are high, so feel the water first and supervise children closely. No soap or detergent goes in the wells.
Boat days
Pigeon Island. Boats from Nilaveli beach reach the marine national park in about 10 to 15 minutes. You pay a park ticket and a boat fare, and children pay about half the park fee. Check sea conditions on the day, and ask the crew about lifejackets for children. There are no shops on the island. Explain the rules before landing: no standing on coral, no chasing or feeding fish, sharks or turtles, and all rubbish comes home.
Whale and dolphin watching. This is a long morning for children, with a start around 06:00 and a total of 5 to 6 hours. It suits older children who can sit still. Dolphins are far more common than whales, and nothing is guaranteed. Boats operate from about March or April until August or September.
Elephants inland
An afternoon jeep drive at Kaudulla or Minneriya is a highlight for older children. Kaudulla is about 75 km away, which means about 2 hours in the car each way. Minneriya’s gathering peaks from August to September, and Kaudulla draws bigger herds from about September or October to November or December. Hundreds of elephants can gather in a good year. Children must stay seated and quiet.
Packing and planning
Bring hats, sun cream, rash vests and plenty of water. Carry rupees for entry charges and small purchases. Check current government travel advice, and keep to established roads and paths.
Read more: Trincomalee day trips and Trincomalee activities .
Family-friendly boat trips can be searched on Viator . For park and safety details see the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the UK advice for Sri Lanka .