TRINCOMALEE

165 miles from Colombo, is one of the largest and safest Natural Harbours in the World. Trincomalee is connected by Rail and Road. It has sunny weather throughout the year, with white sandy beaches, calm, placid and warm waters, ideal for underwater activities and for Whale watching. Trincomalee was a Buddhist Center known as “Gokanna” from very early times and later a Hindu Kovil was constructed at the site. In 1617 five (5) Danish ships entered Koddiyar Bay, but the negotiations with the Kandyan King was fruitless and they sailed away. In 1624 the Portuguese completed the construction of a Fort here after destroying the Hindu Temple at Swami Rock in the Fort. The Fort, which had only 3 Bastions was taken by the Dutch in 1639, but abandoned, re-fortified in 1675 and named it Fort Fedrick. In 1795 the British captured it after a 4-day bombardment and it became the first possession of the British in Sri Lanka. Nilaveli-10 miles away are the finest beach in Trincomalee starting at Uppuveli- 5 miles away extending all the way to Nilaveli. Pigeon Island is a great place for Diving, Snorkeling and sea bathing.