Koneswaram Temple

The Koneswaram Hindu shrine in Trincomalee is beyond fascinating. Located within the Fort Frederick, beside one of the finest harbours in the world, the Koneswaram Temple sits on top of a gigantic cliff known as Swami Rock, facing the Bay of Bengal and the eastern coast of India. Therefore, the wide view of the ocean is beyond mesmerising.
After having been attacked during the colonial rule by the Portuguese, the temple was rebuilt during the 17th century. This temple has been revered as the most impressive and sacred temples in the eastern province of Sri Lanka attracting many devotees and tourists.
Two projecting headlands guard the entrance. The Swami Rock rises above the city of Trincomalee. This rock is dedicated to Lord Shiva which is visited by many Hindus. The temple is enriched with South Indian Dravidian architectural features and Hindu styles. The gold plated towers elaborated with Gopuram were completed during the medieval period.
This temple holds the traditional Hindu chariot festival or Vel Perahera during the months of April and May.