Trincomalee, Sri Lanka: attractions, hotels and reviews

This beach resort, located in a closed bay, which protects it from winds, is not in vain considered the main treasure of Sri Lanka. A major tourist center, where not only foreign guests are rushing to rest, but also residents of the state, is famous for its luxurious beaches and unique sights.

Few facts about the city

The tranquil port town of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) has always admired its amazing beauty. Its modern name comes from the word Tirukonamalai, which is translated from Tamil as "the lord of the sacred hill". The administrative capital of the eastern province of the country is the main center of the Tamil language culture. In the vicinity of the village, which was first mentioned 2500 years ago, there are many holy places for Hindus and even Buddhists. Bound Ceylon and South-East Asia, he has long been a foreign court.

The famous resort of Trincomalee, located 250 km from the informal capital of Colombo, has been under the rule of Europeans since the 17th century: it was owned by the Portuguese, the British, the Dutch and the French. And only in the middle of the last century the situation changed when Sri Lanka finally gained independence. Trincomalee is now a modern city with a developing tourist infrastructure. The picturesque resort already has loyal fans who, if possible, come here again.

Weather and climate

The warm tropical climate allows tourists to relax almost all year round in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. The weather from May to October pleases with sunny days, and throughout the year the average air temperature varies little (from 27 to 30 degrees). The rainy season begins in November and lasts until April. However, do not worry, because the precipitation is short-lived and will not prevent you from exploring the ancient city.

Only two months of the year (November and December) are heavy showers. The unbearable heat, creating waves of monsoons and a lot of fumes do not allow you to feel comfortable, and it is best to move the trip to another time.

A resort combining several cultures and religions

The multifaceted Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) is a city in which several religions coexist, though not always peacefully. And this circumstance left its mark on the appearance of the popular resort. Here you can find a Moslem mosque, Protestant, Catholic and Buddhist temples, as well as the remains of an ancient Hindu settlement. In the city there are more than twelve religious monuments dedicated to various deities, very colorful, with original decor and drawings that do not repeat.

The beautiful temple of Shri Patrakali, whose photo flaunts on all postcards dedicated to the resort, stands out against the general background. The facade of the Hindu landmark is decorated with many colorful sculptures depicting deities worshiped by Tamils.

Thiru Koneswaram Temple

The majestic temple of Koneswaram, which appeared before our era, attracts pilgrims from different parts of India. The shrine was destroyed by the Portuguese, who fortified their fort with materials. Thus, powerful columns serve as the basis for a defensive structure that protected the city from attacks. In the XVII century, a religious monument was partially restored, and local residents, who hid relics, brought them back to the temple, which is visited by both Buddhists and Hindus. Now in Konessvaram, at the entrance to which adorns a huge statue of Shiva, repainted in blue, you can see a lot of fruit baskets brought by believers as a gift.

Some items from the destroyed religious monument were transported to Portugal and are now kept in the museums of Lisbon. One of the most interesting exhibits is a stone inscription with an engraved prophecy that in the 16th century people with colorful eyes will come to earth and will rule the state for about 500 years, and after that the authorities will return to the inhabitants.

Fort Fredrick

Fort Frederick, which is associated with many historical events, is considered an important architectural monument of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka). Curiously, the road that leads to Koneswaram is the entrance to a fortified fortress built by the Portuguese on the site of the destroyed Hindu temple. In the XVII century an important structure, equipped with guns, was captured by the Dutch, and the new owners restored it. And only 33 years later the fort, inside which the Catholic Church and the soldier's garrison were located, began to belong to the French.

Now the dilapidated defensive structure is not used for its intended purpose, but is a tourist attraction, the entrance to which is open to all comers. Near it there is Fort Ostenberg, where now there is a naval base, closed for visits.

Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya

The Buddhist temple complex, located on an area of 35 hectares, appeared in the II century BC. In addition to the monastic monasteries and the Bo tree (sacred ficus), it includes a stupa in which the frontal bone of the Buddha was laid during the construction. After the Tamil invasion, the structure was destroyed, and only in the 20s of the last century it was found by an archaeological group, which has been restoring the shrine for several decades.

Trincomalee Harbor

The former British military base, transferred to the government of Sri Lanka in the 50s of the last century, was soon converted to a commercial port. The deep inland harbor, protected from monsoon winds, accommodates a huge number of vessels of various sizes. It is curious that there is a cemetery of old ships, which look scary.

It is the only port in the Indian Ocean accessible to ships in all weathers.

Fiery Hills

Picturesque landscapes of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) are simply admired, especially so-called fiery hills, which are visible from afar. Stunning panoramas of natural miracle with winding trenches remind the Martian surface. Nearby there is a small village, whose inhabitants have turned the land of an unusual color into fertile soil.

A trip to hot springs

Talking about popular excursions from Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), one can not fail to mention the trip to the hot springs of Cannia (Kanniya Hot Springs), which were created by order of the god Vishnya to defend themselves against demons. In any case, so says the ancient legend, passed from generation to generation.

Hindus faithfully believe in the sacred power of this corner, so on a par with tourists there are a lot of pilgrims. I must say that the sources of depth of about a meter are more like miniature baths and are made in the form of small wells. Guests of the amazing place, which is part of the ancient Buddhist temple, which belongs to the era of King Devanampiyatissa, poured thermal water out of buckets.

Excursion to Pigeon Island

Another excursion, which is very popular with tourists, is a trip to a tiny coral island called Pigeon Island. It is best to go here early in the morning, until the sun does not burn so much. One or two hours spent in a picturesque corner, enough to swim with a mask, admire the coral reefs and soak up the local beach.

To get to the island, which is a national park, you can only on a boat. Access fee (about 10 dollars), and tickets are sold at the checkout located on Pigeon Island.

Paradise corners

Perhaps the main attraction of the resort are long and clean beaches with white sand. They are of interest for both diving enthusiasts and connoisseurs of a peaceful holiday, who arrived with small children. The 30-kilometer coastline is divided into three beaches located outside the city of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka). Photos of heavenly corners, looking very attractive, are unlikely to be able to convey their fantastic beauty.

The three main beaches of Trincomalee

A small and well-groomed Marble, located 20 km from the center of the resort, is always crowded, especially on weekends, and it's not very comfortable to rest here because of close attention to Europeans. The beach belongs to the Air Force of the country, therefore its significant part is closed for visits.

Lovers of secluded holidays come to the village of Nilaveli (Nilaveli), located 12 km from the resort. However, tourists looking for luxury, will be disappointed. There are no chic hotels and entertainment clubs, but it's a wonderful place where the local flavor is fully felt. Guests practice water sports and relax on beaches that are considered the best in the resort. This is a very picturesque place, and since there are very few people here, everyone will feel like Robinson Crusoe on an uninhabited island. In addition, you can wander through the ruins of the hidden military bases of Britain during the Second World War.

A little closer, just four kilometers from the resort, is the small village of Uppuweli, which has received the unspoken name of "a paradise for thrifty tourists." You can get to it on a public bus that runs once in half an hour, or a taxi. Guests wishing to luxuriate on the sandy beaches are attracted by the developed infrastructure: there are many cafes, shops, cozy bungalows on the beach, inexpensive guesthouses and mini-hotels, where you can comfortably accommodate. Uppuveli is perfect for snorkeling, and very near is the diving center, which is famous throughout the world for Sri Lanka.

Trincomalee: hotels

A popular resort is considered one of the best places for holidaymakers, who are not ready to spend money. Along with luxury apartments in luxury hotels, there are inexpensive bungalows, where the comfort can accommodate tourists. Each guest will find a room with all amenities and excellent service. The staff, according to the reviews, is very helpful and benevolent.

One can not even doubt that the hotels of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, fully comply with European standards. Guest reviews are full of positive emotions: the price of living for one person does not exceed five thousand rubles a day, and the hospitable attitude and the opening picturesque panoramas make the holiday unforgettable. In the resort itself you can rent both rooms and houses, but there are not so many offers as you would like.

Where to stay?

So, where to stay for tourists who chose a great holiday on the island of Sri Lanka? Trincomalee, whose hotels are best booked in advance, offers too few options for accommodation, so seasoned tourists recommend staying at the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli.

Aqua Hotel Trincomale, located six kilometers from the Conesswaram Temple, offers free parking and a luggage storage. A cozy hotel in Uppuveli will be to your liking, those who are forced to save on housing, but dream of a price-quality ratio.

Hotel Coral Bay is an inexpensive hotel located in Nilaveli, rooms which are equipped with all amenities. Cute little houses on the coast will please tourists, accustomed to comfort and comfort.

Jungle Beach Resort 5 (Trincomalee, Sri Lanka) - is a luxury eco-hotel for those who seek solitude. Composed of a complex of one- and two-storey cottages, it is located in a very picturesque place, and its rooms are buried in tropical greenery. A huge complex with a spa, gym, swimming pools, laundry, conference room, restaurant, 24-hour room service is chosen by wealthy tourists. Guests of a wonderful place, rested from the city bustle, celebrate an unforgettable vacation and admit that they finally found a real paradise on earth - the sunny island of Sri Lanka.

Trincomalee: reviews of tourists

Some tourists who have visited the resort remain disappointed, since a quiet city is more suitable for those who like a secluded holiday and do not favor noisy companies. There are no entertaining institutions and large shopping centers, and fans of parties and noisy parties go to other resorts, because there is completely no nightlife. Here go those who are tired of people and city bustle to lie on the beaches and wander around the surrounding hospitable Trincomalee (Sri Lanka).

The guests' reviews of the genuine pearl of the country, who came with children, are full of raptures. Tourists are happy with the pastime and believe that a quiet resort is simply created for comfort and a relaxing holiday. Connoisseurs of natural beauty also acknowledge the love of this picturesque corner, devoid of glossy gloss.