2 km6 km north

Uppuveli Beach

Uppuveli Beach is the most accessible and lively beach in the Trincomalee area, sitting just 6 kilometers north of the historic port city on Sri Lanka's northeast coast. This golden-sand beach stretches for about 2 kilometers and has become the social hub for travelers exploring the east coast, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities. Unlike its quieter neighbor Nilaveli to the north, Uppuveli has a walkable strip of beachside restaurants, bars, dive shops, and guesthouses that give it a welcoming, sociable vibe.

The beach itself is wide and clean, with warm waters that are generally calm enough for swimming during the dry season. The southern end near the war memorial tends to be busier with local visitors, while the northern stretch offers more tranquility. Uppuveli has also earned a reputation as an excellent base for whale watching, with Trincomalee harbor -- the departure point for whale watching boats -- just a short tuk-tuk ride away. Blue whales, sperm whales, and pods of spinner dolphins frequent the deep waters of the Trincomalee Canyon between March and August.

Beyond the beach, the Trincomalee area is rich with historical and cultural attractions. The magnificent Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock overlooking the ocean, Fort Frederick tells stories of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods, and the natural harbor -- one of the finest deep-water ports in the world -- has attracted traders and mariners for over two millennia. Uppuveli puts all of this within easy reach while providing a comfortable beachside base to return to each evening.

Things to Do

Whale Watching

$40-65 per person for a half-day trip

Trincomalee is one of the best whale watching locations in the Indian Ocean. Boats depart from Trincomalee harbor early morning to spot blue whales, sperm whales, and spinner dolphins in the Trincomalee Canyon.

Scuba Diving

$45-75 per dive; $350-450 for PADI Open Water course

Uppuveli has several PADI-certified dive centers offering dives at coral reefs, WWII shipwrecks including the SS British Sergeant, and underwater rock formations. Visibility reaches 20-30 meters during peak season.

Visit Koneswaram Temple

Free (donations welcome)

This stunning Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva sits dramatically on Swami Rock cliff, 130 meters above the sea. The views are breathtaking and the temple architecture is magnificent.

Explore Fort Frederick

Free

Walk through this Portuguese-era fort later rebuilt by the Dutch and British. The fort grounds contain a deer park and offer excellent views of the harbor and coastline.

Sunset Beach Bar Hopping

Meals: $5-15; Drinks: $2-5

Uppuveli's beachside bars and restaurants come alive in the evening with fresh seafood barbecues, cold drinks, and relaxed music, creating the best sunset social scene on the east coast.

Pigeon Island Day Trip

$20-30 per person including transport, boat, and park fee

Take a short trip to nearby Nilaveli Beach to catch a boat to Pigeon Island National Park for excellent snorkeling among coral reefs, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

Beach Tips

Book whale watching trips at least a day in advance during peak season (April-June), as boats fill up quickly.
The northern end of the beach is quieter and better for swimming, while the southern end is livelier with more restaurants.
Try the fresh seafood barbecue at beachside restaurants in the evening -- the grilled cuttlefish and fish ambul thiyal are excellent.
Combine Uppuveli with a day trip to Nilaveli Beach and Pigeon Island for the complete Trincomalee beach experience.
Rent a bicycle to explore the coastal road between Uppuveli and Nilaveli at a leisurely pace.
Visit Koneswaram Temple at sunset for spectacular views of Swami Rock and the Indian Ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for whale watching from Uppuveli?

The whale watching season runs from March to August, with the best sightings typically in April and May. Blue whales and sperm whales are the most commonly spotted species, along with spinner dolphins. Trips depart from Trincomalee harbor, a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Uppuveli.

Is Uppuveli Beach good for swimming?

Yes, during the dry season (April-September) the water is generally calm enough for comfortable swimming. The beach has a gradual sandy entry and warm water year-round. Avoid the rocky southern end and always check local conditions.

How does Uppuveli compare to Nilaveli Beach?

Uppuveli is closer to Trincomalee (6 km vs 15 km), has more restaurants and bars within walking distance, and a more social atmosphere. Nilaveli is longer, quieter, has whiter sand, and is the departure point for Pigeon Island snorkeling trips. Both are excellent beaches worth visiting.

Can I dive at shipwrecks near Uppuveli?

Yes, Trincomalee has several notable dive sites including WWII-era wrecks like the SS British Sergeant and the HMS Hermes aircraft carrier wreck. Multiple PADI-certified dive centers in Uppuveli offer guided wreck dives for certified divers and courses for beginners.

Is Uppuveli suitable for families?

Uppuveli can work for families, though the calmer, shallower waters at Pasikudah (about 100 km south) are better suited for young children. Uppuveli is ideal for families with older children who enjoy snorkeling, diving, and historical sightseeing.

Quick Facts

Beach Length2 km

Distance from Trincomalee6 km north

Water Temperature27-30°C year-round

Distance from Colombo260 km (5-6 hours)

Whale SeasonMarch - August

Sand ColorGolden

Crowd Levelmoderate

Best Time to Visit

AprilMayJuneJulyAugust

The best time to visit Uppuveli is from April to August when the northeast monsoon has passed and the sea is calm. Whale watching season runs from March to August with peak sightings in April and May. The beach is at its most vibrant from June to August when travelers flock to the east coast dry season.

Facilities

Beachside restaurants and barsDive centers with equipment rentalGuesthouses and small hotels along the beach roadWhale watching tour booking officesTuk-tuk stand for transport to TrincomaleeSmall shops for basic supplies

LifeguardsNo

Natural ShadeYes

Safety Info

Currents

Currents are generally manageable during the dry season, but can become unpredictable during monsoon transition months. The southern end of the beach near the rocks can have stronger currents. Always observe the sea conditions before swimming.

Avoid swimming near the rocky areas at the southern end of the beach where currents are stronger and rocks pose a hazard.
There are no lifeguards -- always swim with a companion and stay within your depth.
Be aware of fishing boats moving along the beach, especially early morning and late afternoon.
Keep valuables secure while swimming -- petty theft can occur on busy days, so use hotel safes.
The road between Trincomalee and Uppuveli has limited street lighting -- take care when traveling by tuk-tuk after dark.

Getting There

From Colombo

Approximately 260 km via the A6 highway through Habarana. The drive takes 5-6 hours by private car, with the option to break the journey at Sigiriya, Dambulla, or Habarana.

From Airport

From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Uppuveli is approximately 285 km and takes 6-7 hours by road. The China Bay airstrip near Trincomalee is not currently used for civilian flights.

Nearest City

Trincomalee