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:
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