Sri Lanka Travel & Tours - Trincomalee

AREAS OF INTEREST IN TRINCOMALEE

Derived from the Tamil word Tirrukkonamalai, Trincomalee is a captivating coastal location with a multitude of attractions for the avid traveler. Named Gokanna by ancient Sinhala inhabitants, it was also the site of a military and commercial harbour dating from the reign of King Parakramabahu I (1100 AD.). Historical chronicles of that period reveal that this natural harbour was the embarkation point for a thirty-ship-strong armada that set sail to invade Burma. Trinco can be accessed by either road or rail and is situated about 260 km northeast of the capital Colombo. Earlier off limits to visitors due to the past conflict situation, it is now one of the countries most sought after vacation hot spots.

This coast of long white beaches, great surf and mangrove lagoons has been largely off the tourist routes during civil unrest. Now is the time to visit - no crowds and a particularly warm welcome by local people wanting to re-establish tourism. May to September is the time to go for the weather; activities and general up keep of the beach cleanliness. Trinco is now an amalgam of naval and military post, thriving market, economic centre and wonderful beaches and diving. The better beaches are 20 minutes North in Nilaveli.

KONESWARAM KOVIL AND SWAMI ROCK

Trinco has a historical fort and is well worth a meander. As you reach the peninsular you will see Swarmi Rock dropping 130m into Bay of Bengal. Locally known as Lover's leap due to historic legend that a Dutch official's daughter threw herself off after watching her unfaithful husband desert her by sea.

Also at the peak sits the important temple Koneswaram Kovil, replaced after the Portugese pushed the original into the sea in 1624. Many pilgrims from Jaffna visit this holy site and drive evil spirits away through smashing coconuts followed by prayers in the temple.

Many divers chose this area to see old temple relics but make sure that you check the conditions as during July, large numbers of Portugese man-of-war drift to the shore and may become stranded. The sting is serious.

The Dutch Fort & Naval Museum in Trinco

The entrance to the roadway leading to Koneswaram is actually the entrance to what used to be Fort Fredrick. As you enter, a plaque hung on the sidewall of the archway reveals an intriguing history of occupation. The fort was built in 1623 by the Portuguese and captured in 1639 by the Dutch. It then went through a phase of dismantling and reconstruction and was attacked and captured by the French in 1672.

On January 8, 1782 it was captured by the British, only to be recaptured by the French on August 29 of the same year. In 1783 France ceded it to Britain and then by Britain to Holland. However, in 1795 the British recaptured and held it till Sri Lanka's independence in 1948. The importance of Fort Fredrick to so many colonial powers was due to Trincomalee's natural harbour, the fifth largest in the world. Through Trincomalee, it was believed a strong naval force could secure the control of India's Coromandel Coast. Today it is home to the Tissa naval base of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The Navy Base has one of Sri Lanka's most fascinating naval museums - The Hoods Tower Museum. Permission is required from the Navy to enter the base, and this can be arranged for groups of tourists. The name of the museum refers to a watchtower built on a hill, which commands a 360-degree view of the harbour and the bay. Three massive canons with a five-kilometer range, installed during the British period, keep a silent vigil over the harbour. Used for defense, the canons now form the centerpiece of an impressive array of antiquated military hardware.

Wooden lifeboats from the Sri Lankan Navy's first ship, huge boilers used to disinfect and clean clothes on ships, an assortment of weapons from a bygone era, and old spy glasses that still work (you are allowed to look through them) are some of the items on display. The museum is located on a site, which is arguably the only place in Sri Lanka that held successive Sinhala, Portuguese, Dutch and British fortifications.

Trincomalee is best visited during the April-August period. The weather is dry (but can be quite hot and humid) and the surf is gentle. The December-February period offers milder weather, but the skies can be grey and leaden with sporadic showers and the surf can be quite rough. By road from Colombo the journey takes about seven hours, and by rail it could take up to ten. There are many interesting archaeological sites and stopovers en-route and the journey will no doubt be a unique experience.

The Ceylon Angler's Club China Bay provides deep-sea fishing facilities for the tourist visiting Trincomalee.

NILAVELI BEACH RESORT

One tourist hotel in the area is the Nilaveli Beach Hotel, about thirty minutes drive (16 km) from Trincomalee town. The other is Club Oceanic Hotel. Alongside the road are many Christian and Catholic churches, while some are substantial structures others are little more than cadjan covered sheds, - a testimony to the success of the missionaries who accompanied the early Portuguese, Dutch and British colonizers. The hotel itself is located on one of Sri Lanka's most scenic beachfront properties. Here you will find Miles of sparsely populated, sun-kissed beach, gently rolling surf, and a remarkably shallow continental shelf, which extends for at least 300 meters. In most places it is quite possible to walk that distance into the sea, without the waterline rising above your shoulders.

Perhaps the best beaches of the East Coast and excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling. Just off shore lies Pigeon Island, which has superb coves home to the Blue Rock pigeon and a shaley beach for sunbathers looking to escape for the day. At weekends the island is noisy and full of locals partying.

Lotus Park and Nilaveli Beach Garden are two relaxed guesthouses on the beach and close to dive Centers. Nilaveli is surrounded by Asylum center for the homeless. Despite their poverty, the communities are extremely friendly and many will wave as they work in the local farms and tobacco fields.

Seven Islands hotel built on a cliff in Trincomalee gives a panoramic view of the Harbour.

The hot springs at Kanniyai are just 8 km away and known for their therapeutic properties. There is some controversy as to their Hindu origin but the 7 natural hot spring wells each have a different temperature. Not for swimmers but be sure to get wet.

Nilaveli - Excursion Delights

A 10-minute boat ride off the Nilaveli beach is Pigeon Island, once used for target practice by the British Fleet and now one of the new breading sites for blue rock pigeon.

There are coral reefs around the island, but the marine scenery is better on the reefs a little further out to sea. There is an also a natural salt-water pool among the rocks. For the less adventurous, the island offers an attractive picnic spot.

Those who like to go a little more close to the corals and sea life can get the facility from the well-equipped PADI dive center in the hotel. Boat and equipment with well-experienced instructors will be arranged for those want to enjoy the maximum.

You can get out of the resort and visit the Trinco town. The age old Fort Fredric and the Hindu temple at Swami Rock are some of the close by attraction. The Swami rock, where the infamous Lovers Leap is located. Both these places are fascinating not only for their historical value but the view of the natural harbour and the ocean is breath taking.

The coastal waters of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka are famous for Whale watching. More than 12 different species of these largest Mammals in the world are found including the Common Blue Whale, Bryde's Whale, Sperm Whale, and others are found in Trincomalee where the Continental Shelf is very close to the land. Whale watching in Trincomalee is recommended during the period of July - August.

ARUGAM BAY

Arugam bay lies on an elephant corridor - feeding on the beru grass. This tiny fishing village is fast becoming the young and trendy hideout with the best surf in Sri Lanka and some would say, SE Asia. German kite surfing companies and enthusiasts take courses to learn this new extreme sport. With a wide sweeping beach it is good for swimming virtually year round. For surfing April to September will see the "surfers" arrive tanned and eager- June 2004 saw the national championships here. The surfing is followed by the fishing season. "Stardust" is a lively and prestigious guesthouse whilst if you fancy watching from afar, hide away in a family beach hut, Kudakalliya.

Tours from Trincomalee

Trincomalee and the Cultural Triangle can easily be combined to offer a wide range of holiday interests. The cultural triangle covers areas in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya & Dambulla. Mileage & duration of these tours are as follows:

DAMBULLA

THE GOLDEN MOUNTAIN TEMPLE, which was a monastic settlement as early as the 2nd century BC, which is now among the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. The rock rises over 400 ft. above its surroundings and consists of 5 cave temples spread out of about 50 acres. There you could see one of the richest collections of 154 Sri Lankan sculptures in the form of a large number of Buddha images in standing, seated & recumbent postures as well as a few outstanding figures of gods. Well preserved massive wall and Ceiling Paintings covering 22,000 sq. ft. has made this temple complex more important to the world.

Dambulla Hotels
Culture Club Resorts - www.connaissance.lk
Kandalama Hotel - www.aitkenspencehotels.com

SIGIRIYA

The famous SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS, which is among the 7 World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. One of Asia's major archaeological sites which presents a unique conventration of 5th century urban planning, architecture, gardening, engineering, hydraulic technology and art. The Apsara paintings are the most famous features of the Sigiriya complex gives an outstanding example of the classical school of Sri Lankan painting. The Lion staircase, palace on the summit, Mirror wall, and beautifully designed Water garden has made landscape a remarkable one in the world. In extent of 1.2 hectare top of the rock of Sigiriya is a mosaic of low brick walls, terraces, platforms and pools carved out of solid rock.

Sigiriya Hotels
Hotel Sigiriya – www.serendibleisure.com
Sigiri Village Hotel – www.sigiriyavillage.lk
Elephant Corridor – www.srilankahotels.de/elephantcorridor

POLONNARUWA

The medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century AD. Archaeological evidence for the early habitation in Polonnaruwa goes back to the 2nd century. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa covers an area of about 122 hectares is the “Renaissance Jewel” of Sinhala architecture. See the great monuments such as an immense figure of sculpted in whit rock probably represents King Parakramabahu, “rotunda” shaped Potgul Vihara building, Royal Palace & Audience Halls of King Parakramabahu I and king Nissankamalla, Thuparama, Vatadage, Hetadage, Pabalu Vehera, Menikvehera monastery complex, Alahana Parivena (University), Kirivehera, Rankot Vehera, Baddha Simaprasada, Lankatilalaka image house.

Also see the one of the greatest and best known masterpieces of Sri Lanka art – Gal Vihara, a group of four statues of Lord Buddha cut into a granite escarpment and surviving in a perfect state of preservation. The image house or Tivanka-pathimaghara contains a unique collection of 12th century murals of the classical painting. The great man made lake Parakrama Samudra, 2,500 hectares in extent has a capacity of 134 million cubic meters. The New Museum where you will find all above places displayed with modules.

Polonnaruwa Hotels
The Deer Park - www.lanka.net
Giritale Hotel - www.carsoncumberbatch.com

ANURADHAPURA - (5th century BC to 10th entury AD)

Anuradhapura was the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka. The monuments Lovamaahapaya - The Brazen palace the center of Buddhism has been a 7 storied building which Sheltered more than 3,000 monks at that time. The sacred Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka is considered one of the best known trees in the world with the recorded history of 2,500 years. It is hard to believe but there is no shadow of doubt at all, Thuparama Dagaba - The most ancient dagaba's in Sri Lanka, Abhayagiri Vihara (1st century BC) housed 5,000 monks with the second tallest (370 feet or 113m) stupa in the world, The monastery of Jetavana (3rd century AD) housed 3,000 monks with the tallest (400 feet or 122m) stupa in the world, was constructed of 62 million large bricks, The Kuttam Pokuna twin ponds, Ruwanveli Maha seya, Thuparamaya, Isurumuniya.

Anuradhapura Hotels
Hotel Randiya - www.hotelrandiya.com
Miridiya Hotel - www.galway.lk
Palm Garden Village Hotel - www.palmgardenvillage.com

Superyacht Agents for Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar
Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand

Superyacht agents, bunkering, crew agency, yacht charters and Southeast Asia Guides