Tag: Trincomalee Sri Lanka

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.

TRINCOMALEE, SRI LANKA
Extraordinary sites of ancient worship

Built on a truly majestic natural harbor – one of the world’s largest – Trincomalee is a gateway to the deep
historical interests of Sri Lanka. Richly cultural and historic, Trincomalee is surrounded by treasured sites,
which hark back thousands of years – and hold unprecedented cultural value. Set on the eastern coast of Sri
Lanka – on the peninsula that it shares its name with – ventures inland to explore some of the world’s most
majestic and evocative archaeological and holy sites. Or, take it easy and lie back on Trincomalee’s plentiful,
palm-lined beaches.

Boat tours can take you out to cruise among dolphins and whales, or to the reefs of Pigeon Island. A swirl of colonial houses, temples, and mosques lines the multi-cultural streets of this fascinating destination. Live like a local and start the day with a steaming cup of Ceylon tea and buffalo curd for breakfast before heading out to visit extraordinary sites of ancient worship, as you explore Sri Lanka’s incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Head inland to the jaw-dropping Golden Temple of Dambulla, a vast temple, dominated by a gleaming gold Buddha figure. The amazing Ancient City of Polonnaruwa dates back to the 12th century and is an unearthed treasure trove of ruins, renowned for its meticulously planned urban design.

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, and you can visit the first capital at the Sacred City of Anuradhapura – a place of immense value to the Buddhist faith. The Sirigiya Rock Fortress is a jaw-dropping collaboration between man and nature, perched atop an almighty 200-meter-high slab of rock.

SIGHTS

• Thirukoneswaram Kovil
• Marble Beach
• Trincomalee Beach
• Fort Frederick
• Shri Badrakali Amman Hindu Temple
• Trincomalee War Cemetery

SHOPPING
Shopping is not just an activity you do; it is a feeling. Taking things back from a country is not just about money; it’s about something tangible that stays.

This sparsely populated island offers a small variety of trinkets. Mostly, there are booths near the temples and places of visit selling souvenirs, pottery, brassware, clothing, handmade jewelry, holy images, etc., which make good mementos.

Excursion – Temple & Sights of Trincomalee

We toured Trincomalee and its surrounds.

A natural deep-water harbor, Trincomalee has attracted seafarers for centuries; Ptolemy, Marco Polo, and traders from across Southeast Asia and China have all docked here. This seafaring town is also home to the largest Dutch fortress in Sri Lanka and the oldest Hindu temple. Today, its pristine beaches are a hub for surfing, scuba diving, whale-watching, and fishing.

Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee City Drive
Your tour begins with a scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Koneswaram Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the
Koneswaram Temple is nestled amidst the historic and much-fought-over Fort Fredrick, a 17th-century Dutch Fort. The original shrine was demolished in 1622 by the Portuguese, who called it the ‘Temple of a Thousand Columns’, and fortified the heights of the fort with material derived from its destruction. Some artifacts from the originally demolished temple were kept at the Lisbon Museum, including a stone inscription by King Kulakkottan. Leaving the temple and fort, take an orientation drive through one of the oldest cities in Asia, along with the sights, sounds, culture, and architecture that reflect its glorious history as a bustling port.

Velgam Vehera Temple Ruins, Brick Dagobas, Balustrades, Guard Stones
Following a brief refreshment stop at a local venue, a final stop is made at Velgam Vehera, an important historic temple
revered by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists. Built during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa (307 B.C.-267 B.C.) it’s
been declared an archaeological protected site by the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department. The collapse of the
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Kingdoms, which led to the migration of the population to the southern parts of Sri Lanka, resulted in the temple being abandoned and falling into ruin. During your guided walking tour of the ruins, see stone inscriptions, brick dagobas, balustrades, and guard stones scattered around the temple complex.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.