Trincomalee
The attractions of Trincomalee (Trinco) on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast, 240km away from Colombo, have long intrigued visitors. During colonial history, most of these visitors were interested primarily in Trincomalee’s best asset – her deep harbour and strategic location in the Bay of Bengal. To defend it the commanding Fort Frederick was built, which is today one of the town’s major tourist destinations. Almost equally represented in number, communities of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims live in Trincomalee. You will notice the particular characteristics of each group in various parts of the town from the obvious Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils and Islamic mosques to chosen dress and language of locals, to the cows, deer and goats roaming the streets.
One of the highlights of Trinco town is Fort Frederick. For a short introduction into its colourful history take a look at the plaque on the left hand side of the entrance gate archway. This reveals that the fort was constructed in 1623 by the Portuguese, only to be captured by the Dutch in 1639. By 1795 the British had captured the fort again and it stayed that way until they withdrew their military forces in 1916. It was named Fort Frederick in 1803 and even survived a Japanese air raid during World War II. Inside it is shady with huge banyan trees providing the comforting canopy. At the top of Fort Frederick is Swami Rock and the Tirukoneswaram Kovil, an ancient Hindu temple. It is easy to while away an hour or so in this gorgeous location high above the sea, especially if you visit in the evening between about 4.30pm and 6.30pm. On Tuesdays, Fridays and other special religious days it is the time of the evening pujas. It is also the time when fishermen come in their boats to give offerings and ask the gods for safe passage before heading out to sea.
Back in the town itself - the fish market in the centre, right near the bus stand, is worth a visit. Some of Sri Lanka’s best seafood comes from the Trincomalee district and this is where all the bargaining takes place. Fishermen from the fishing villages throughout the area gather to sell their day’s catch, much of which is snapped up by Colombo traders who then package the fish into large wooden crates crammed with ice and transport it by road to the capital.
(Content Source : Travel Sri Lanka Magazine)
(Image Source : commons.wikimedia.org, trincoresort.blogspot.com,nytimes.com)
