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Diving the submerged ruins of Koneswaram Temple at Swami Rock

Asked 5 months agoSeen by 2,296 travellers

Sophie T.•6000 rep•2

While waiting for the Trincomalee surf season to peak, I want to dive Swami Rock. Can recreational divers actually see the submerged ruins of the ancient Hindu temple that was destroyed in the 1600s.

surfing temples trincomalee diving

asked 5 months ago

Sophie T.•6000 rep•2

2 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. The Portuguese pushed the ancient Koneswaram temple over the cliff in 1624. When diving Swami Rock today, advanced divers can navigate through massive stone pillars, carved masonry, and occasionally spot statues resting among the coral reefs at depths of 15 to 25 meters. The visibility is getting fantastic this week.

answered 5 months ago

Dr. Aruna W.•10870 rep•1

Arthur C. Clarke actually helped rediscover many of these artifacts in the 1950s. It is one of the most historically significant dive sites in the Indian Ocean. Ensure you dive with an operator who respects the archaeological integrity of the site.