Delve into the backstreets of this eastern Sri Lankan city you will find a vibrant food scene, a friendly reception and Hindu temples worth lingering over.
Sitting in one of the world’s finest natural harbours, Trinco’s (as the locals say) straddles a narrow peninsula between the Indian Ocean and the sheltered inner harbour. While most are drawn here for the golden sands of Uppveil and Nilaveli’s beaches, there’s plenty of history to Trincomalee too.
The city has shaken off its turbulent past- the port was fought over during the colonial period and suffered unrest during the civil war in 1983. To reveal a rich culture that goes beyond its famed deep water that attached seafarer Marco Polo. Easy to combine with visits further afield to the many national parks (Yala National park is particularly good for spotting leopards) or surfing in Arugam Bay, the lesser known area on the pearl of the Indian Ocean has charms galore.
Follow the sounds from Kandasamy Kovil, the revered historical Hindu temple nestled on top of the rocky hill, at sunrise. Weave your way through the flocks of locals en route to morning prayers and take in sweeping views across land and water, picking up a glass of freshly squeezed lime juice from a rustic café on the way.
The daily fish market on Konesar road is the place to immerse yourself in the flavours of Tami cuisine: roam the bursting stalls where freshly caught crab, barracuda and squid take centre stage alongside myriad fruit and vegetable, including snake gourds and mangoes.
Just like the culinary offerings, the Maritime and Naval History museum or Dockyard road is a treasure trove of influence- Sri Lankan naval history dates back to the 16th century when the Dutch first landed on the island. Beyond Trinco, white sand beaches stretch for miles. However Dutch bay, in the centre of the town, makes for a picturesque stroll along the fishing boat strewn shores with an ice cream one of the many beach-side vendors in hand.
Currency in Sri Lanka is rupee
From the secluded private beach and glistering lagoon to snorkeling at the nearby coral reefs or reclining in the spa, everything you could want from a luxurious lodging like Contemporary Design reigns, where accents of dark wood, colourful textiles and vintage maps create a contemporary yet calming atmosphere the rooftop bar provides stellar views of the surrounding coconut grove and the shimmering seas.
Continued part 2
Sitting in one of the world’s finest natural harbours, Trinco’s (as the locals say) straddles a narrow peninsula between the Indian Ocean and the sheltered inner harbour. While most are drawn here for the golden sands of Uppveil and Nilaveli’s beaches, there’s plenty of history to Trincomalee too.
The city has shaken off its turbulent past- the port was fought over during the colonial period and suffered unrest during the civil war in 1983. To reveal a rich culture that goes beyond its famed deep water that attached seafarer Marco Polo. Easy to combine with visits further afield to the many national parks (Yala National park is particularly good for spotting leopards) or surfing in Arugam Bay, the lesser known area on the pearl of the Indian Ocean has charms galore.
Follow the sounds from Kandasamy Kovil, the revered historical Hindu temple nestled on top of the rocky hill, at sunrise. Weave your way through the flocks of locals en route to morning prayers and take in sweeping views across land and water, picking up a glass of freshly squeezed lime juice from a rustic café on the way.
The daily fish market on Konesar road is the place to immerse yourself in the flavours of Tami cuisine: roam the bursting stalls where freshly caught crab, barracuda and squid take centre stage alongside myriad fruit and vegetable, including snake gourds and mangoes.
Just like the culinary offerings, the Maritime and Naval History museum or Dockyard road is a treasure trove of influence- Sri Lankan naval history dates back to the 16th century when the Dutch first landed on the island. Beyond Trinco, white sand beaches stretch for miles. However Dutch bay, in the centre of the town, makes for a picturesque stroll along the fishing boat strewn shores with an ice cream one of the many beach-side vendors in hand.
Currency in Sri Lanka is rupee
From the secluded private beach and glistering lagoon to snorkeling at the nearby coral reefs or reclining in the spa, everything you could want from a luxurious lodging like Contemporary Design reigns, where accents of dark wood, colourful textiles and vintage maps create a contemporary yet calming atmosphere the rooftop bar provides stellar views of the surrounding coconut grove and the shimmering seas.
Continued part 2