Koneswaram Kovil

Koneswaram Kovil is located at Trincomalee town on the top of Swami Rock. It is a Hindu religious pilgrimage centre dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. It is believed that this Kovil has been in existence for 2500 years and its designs reflect the Pallava, Chola, Pandyan and Jaffna Tamil influence in the Vannimai region from the classical period. The place is known as the Rome of the Gentiles/Pagans of the Orient and also Tirukoneswaram Kovil. This Kovil was renovated by the South Indian Chola King Kulakottan and maintained by other Sinhala Buddhist kings. Travellers can take part in the evening or morning pooja (prayer service) or obtain a blessing from the priest at the Kovil. The place offers beautiful views of the harbour and the Indian Ocean.