Nilaveli
A long, powder-white beach and gateway to Pigeon Island Marine National Park.
About Nilaveli
Just north of Trincomalee, Nilaveli is a long stretch of powder-white sand backed by casuarina trees. A short boat ride offshore lies Pigeon Island Marine National Park — one of the finest snorkelling and coral reef sites in Sri Lanka.
Top experiences
- Nilaveli Beach
One of Sri Lanka's finest beaches — kilometres of soft white sand with calm turquoise water.
Pigeon Island snorkellingA short boat ride to a coral marine sanctuary teeming with reef fish and blacktip reef sharks.
Sunrise on the beachOne of the best places in Sri Lanka to watch the sun rise straight out of the sea.
Things to do
Snorkelling at Pigeon Island
Reef sharks, turtles and coral gardens in a marine sanctuary.
Surfing at Arugam Bay's Main Point
World-class right-hand point break, mellow beach breaks nearby.
Whale watching from Trincomalee
Seasonal blue whale and dolphin encounters off the east coast.
Beach horseback ride
Long empty beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli at sunrise.
Attractions nearby
Koneswaram Temple
Cliff-top Hindu temple with sea views on Trincomalee's Swami Rock.
Fort Frederick
Colonial-era Portuguese and Dutch fort overlooking Trinco harbour.
Nilaveli & Uppuveli beaches
Long stretches of white sand fringing turquoise waters.
Pigeon Island National Park
Offshore marine sanctuary with vibrant coral reefs and reef sharks.
Nilaveli in pictures
