Colombo Trip Overview
Travel to the northern coast of Sri Lanka for two days. Well known for its pristine and undisturbed beaches, Trincomalee is often overlooked by visitors as a historic destination. However its world-class deep water harbour acted as a passageway for trade during the Anuradhapuran and Polonnaruwan periods, as well as during colonial times, and as a result Trincomalee has a lot to offer. This 2 days tour includes a visit to Fort Fredrick; built in 1624 the fort remains formidable to this day. Entrance to the fort is currently monitored as it is used as an army garrison, however visitors are given the opportunity to either walk or drive into the fort and visit the famous Koneswaram Temple. The temple is built atop ‘Swamy Rock’, a rocky promontory cape overlooking Trincomalee. You will also visit the World War II Cemetery and will learn about the harbor that is so central to Trincomalee’s history.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Travel to the northern coast of Sri Lanka for two days. Well known for its pristine and undisturbed beaches, Trincomalee is often overlooked by visitors as a historic destination. However its world-class deep water harbour acted as a passageway for trade during the Anuradhapuran and Polonnaruwan periods, as well as during colonial times, and as a result Trincomalee has a lot to offer. This 2 days tour includes a visit to Fort Fredrick; built in 1624 the fort remains formidable to this day. Entrance to the fort is currently monitored as it is used as an army garrison, however visitors are given the opportunity to either walk or drive into the fort and visit the famous Koneswaram Temple. The temple is built atop ‘Swamy Rock’, a rocky promontory cape overlooking Trincomalee. You will also visit the World War II Cemetery and will learn about the harbor that is so central to Trincomalee’s history.
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo – Trincomalee
Stop At: Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Koneswaram Temple is a classical-medieval Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Trincomalee, Eastern Sri Lanka. The temple is situated atop Konesar Malai, a promontory that overlooks the Indian Ocean, the nearby eastern coast (the Trincomalee District), as well as Trincomalee Harbour or Gokarna Bay. Koneswaram is revered as one the Pancha Ishwarams, of Sri Lanka for long time. Being a major place for Hindu pilgrimage, it was labelled “Rome of the Gentiles/Pagans of the Orient” in some records. Koneswaram holds a significant role in the religious and cultural history of Sri Lanka, as it was likely built during the reign of the early Cholas and the Five Dravidians of the Early Pandyan Kingdom. Koneswaram gains its name from the main deity of the temple, the Hindu God Shiva. Shiva, who is also called Eeshwar or Eeshwarar, reigns over the mountain of Holy Konam.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Fort Frederick, Trincomalee Town, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
Fort Fredrick, also known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, is a fort built by the Portuguese at Trincomalee. The Fort is well known to house within it, the Koneswaram Temple, yet another attraction in this area. Captured by a Dutch fleet, the Fort was re-created, to defend against any threats from the British and the French. Currently, it is manned by the Sri Lankan Army and is an alluring tourist destination depicting the footprints left behind by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. Inside, you will also stumble across the Gokana Temple and the Wellesley Lodge, among other historical imprints. The remarkable landmark offers an unparalleled experience, taking you on a journey back in time.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Trincomalee War Cemetery, Nilaveli Road, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
The Trincomalee war cemetery is a magnificent green lawn, strewn with gravestones of many brave men, of different nationalities who fought and fell in the Second World War. Falling under the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, this place in Trincomalee is one of 11 burial grounds strewn across the island and each with a similarity in terms of landscaping, headstone structure, layout and a significant cross that looms over each cemetery, known as the Cross of Sacrifice.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Nilaveli Beach, Nilaveli Sri Lanka
For years Nilaveli has been considered one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches. It certainly has that feeling of paradise-island remoteness, with plenty of bending palms swaying over the golden sand. Nilaveli captures the essence of a paradise island, with endless possibilities for a relaxing holiday. With beautiful palm-lined sands, Nilaveli is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most perfect beaches. Languish on the golden sands, as the ocean invites you to cool down or enjoy an evening stroll and capture the striking sunset. A few hundred meters offshore from Nilaveli Beach is Pigeon Island, renowned for its abundant marine wildlife, powdery white sands and impressive coral gardens. Tantalizing with possibilities.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Trincomalee
Day 2: Trincomalee – Colombo
Stop At: Pigeon Island National Park, Public Beach Road, Nilaveli 31010 Sri Lanka
Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province, encompassing a total area of 471.429 hectares. The island’s name derives from the rock pigeon which has colonized it. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. The pigeon island national park comprises of two islands – the large pigeon island and the small pigeon island. The best thing about any island has to be the beach, and it is no different with the Pigeon Island National Park. The twist to the plot is the coral reef that extends 200m long and 100m in width. So, you can see plenty of sea life within the reach of the beach. The small pigeon island is has a rocky islet surrounding on its coral rich habitat. The rocky outcrops and the islets is a breeding and feeding ground for over 300 species coral reef fish keeping the colorful underwater symphony alive.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Kanniya Hot Springs, Trincomalee Sri Lanka
The Kanniya Hot Springs is a site with hot wells located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. There are seven wells in a square shape. Each spring is enclosed by a stone wall to form seven individual wells, which in turn are covered by a wall to provide privacy to those who bathe. The size of each well varies. The bottom of the well is formed of quartz, sand and gravel and thus the water is clear and not muddy. The temperature of each well varies and due to its mineral composition the water is said to cure skin ailments and arthritis. However due to the spirituality of the surroundings, many come here to soothe their mind, body and soul. Further, to have bathed at the hot water springs in Kanniya is significant and is much talked about after visitors return home.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Trincomalee Harbour, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
Trincomalee harbour is the second best natural harbour in the world and the available water and land area is about 10 times as much as the Port of Colombo. Trincomalee was tentatively identified to cater for bulk and break bulk cargo and port related industrial activities including heavy industries, tourism and agriculture etc. There have been many sea battles to control the harbour. The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and the English have each held it in turn. In 1942 the Japanese Imperial Navy attacked Trincomalee harbour and sunk three British warship anchored there.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: No accommodation included on this day
