Trincomalee is a natural deep-water harbour and one of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding tourist destinations. It is a city on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast, some 152 miles (245 km) from Colombo. This historic location was a source of strife for colonial armies for years, including Danes, Dutch, Portuguese, and others. In 1617, the Danes took possession of the harbour on behalf of the Dutch. The Portuguese built a fort in the town a few years later. The harbour was conquered by the Dutch in the mid-seventeenth century and remained under their authority until the late-eighth century, when it was controlled by the British and the French. It was converted into a naval base during World War II. The Sri Lankan Navy is now based in this port.
Trincomalee is surrounded by tropical jungles and has plenty of natural beauty in the form of warm, clean seas, gorgeous sky, and magnificent skies. The features that lure people to this location include the pleasant weather throughout the year, sandy beaches, sheltered bays, and magnificent sea. The battle between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government left this area in shambles for years.
Trincomalee Tourist Attractions
Fort Frederick
Fort Frederick in Trincomalee was originally built by the Portuguese on a piece of land facing east towards the sea. The fort is currently being used as a barracks. You can see a stone slab with inscriptions concerning Indian Pandyan Empire next to the fort gate. You can go through the fort to go to Tirukoneswaram temple. Taking images of the fort, however, is not permitted.
Wellington House
The Duke of Wellington used to live in Wellington House, which is located within the fort. After suffering from malaria, Arthur Wellesley visited Trincomalee in 1799 to recover. He found this place to be so enjoyable that he decided to stay for a while. Wellesley became Duke of Wellington after a few months, and the house was renamed Wellington House.
Tirukoneswaram Temple
Tirukoneswaram Temple, located at Swami Rock, is one of the country’s most important Hindu sites. The Portuguese demolished and razed the ancient temple in the 17th century. They threw the temple’s ruins into the sea. Later scuba divers managed to get fragments of the temple and its lingam. Later, this lingam was relocated to the new temple.
Kanniyai Hot Springs
Kanniyai Hot Springs, located about 4.3 miles (7 km) northwest of Trincomalee, are well-known for their medical properties. The hottest spring temperatures are at 115°F/ 46°C. These springs are thought to have been created by God Vishnu. It’s now a nice area to take a hot shower. Men’s and women’s changing rooms are available.
Velgam Vihara
Velgam Vihara is a lonely Buddhist shrine about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Trincomalee. A stupa and an image house are the two principal structures here. These monuments, which are thought to date from the 2nd century AD, were among the few Buddhist temples used by Tamils in the country. In the 10th century, the Cholas occupied this region and looked after this temple site.
Uppuveli and Nilaveli Beaches The villages of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, located about 3.7 miles (6 km) and 10 miles (16 km) north of Trincomalee, respectively, boast long, white beaches that appear to merge with the horizon. These are some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches. The tsunami in 2004 wreaked havoc on the villages of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, but they have since recovered to become beautiful swimming and relaxation locations.
