Trincomalee in May Uppuveli or Nilaveli which beach base is better

Great timing, the Trinco east coast season is roughly May to September with calm, clear water. Uppuveli is the livelier tourist hub: more hostels, restaurants and beach bars, walkable and social, good for solo travelers. Nilaveli is a few km further, quieter and more local, with wider emptier sand and the resorts more spread out. For snorkeling, Nilaveli is the jump-off for Pigeon Island marine park (go early, it limits numbers). My pick: stay Uppuveli if you want company and food options, Nilaveli if you want calm and space. Many people do a few nights in each.