Koneswaram Kovil

What?
This is a famous Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Where?
It is located in the Trincomalee district and approximately 260 km from Colombo.

When?
It can be visited all year long, especially during Hindu festivals.

Koneswaram Kovil is located in Trincomalee town on the top of Swami Rock. It is a Hindu religious pilgrimage center dedicated to the 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, as well as Tirukoneswaram Kovil. This kovil was renovated by the South Indian Chola King Kulakottan and maintained by other Sinhala Buddhist kings. Travelers 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 harbor and the Indian Ocean.