#where to stay in trincomalee

[croissance-a]

Unwind at Passekudah Hotels: A Peaceful Escape on Sri Lanka’s East Coast

Sri Lanka’s east coast is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and the tranquil beaches of Passekudah are among the country’s most serene destinations. Passekudah’s calm, shallow waters and pristine beaches provide the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway. Staying at one of the Passekudah hotels allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of this coastal paradise while enjoying the luxury and comfort of top-tier accommodations.

Passekudah: A Hidden Paradise

Passekudah is a small beach town on Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline, famous for its long stretches of white sandy beaches and calm, turquoise waters. What sets Passekudah apart from other beach destinations is its unique bay, where the ocean remains shallow for hundreds of meters, making it one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka for swimming. This makes Passekudah an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

While the beach is Passekudah’s main attraction, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. From snorkeling in the bay’s vibrant coral reefs to exploring the nearby historical town of Batticaloa, Passekudah provides a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Calm Resort & Spa: A Luxurious Retreat

For those seeking a luxurious retreat in Passekudah, Calm Resort & Spa is the perfect choice. This beachfront resort offers guests the ultimate in comfort and relaxation, with spacious rooms that feature private balconies or terraces overlooking the ocean or lush gardens. The resort’s infinity pool is the perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning views of Passekudah Bay, while the full-service spa offers a range of treatments designed to help guests unwind and rejuvenate.

One of the standout features of Calm Resort & Spa is its commitment to wellness. The resort’s spa offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments, yoga classes, and meditation sessions, all designed to promote balance and relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying a massage, practicing yoga on the beach, or simply lounging by the pool, Calm Resort & Spa ensures that every aspect of your stay is focused on well-being.

Exploring Passekudah and Beyond

While Passekudah’s calm beaches are perfect for relaxation, there are also plenty of activities for those who want to explore the area. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Passekudah, thanks to the vibrant coral reefs that can be found just off the coast. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet skiing in the calm waters of Passekudah Bay.

For history buffs, a visit to the nearby town of Batticaloa is a must. Batticaloa is known for its colonial history, and visitors can explore landmarks such as the Batticaloa Fort and the old Dutch churches. The Batticaloa Lagoon is also a great spot for birdwatching and offers boat tours that take you through its mangroves and wetlands.

If you’re looking for more adventure, Passekudah is a great starting point for excursions to other parts of Sri Lanka’s east coast. A day trip to Pigeon Island National Park offers the chance to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and see exotic marine life, while the nearby town of Trincomalee is known for its historical temples and whale-watching tours.

Dining and Local Cuisine

One of the highlights of staying at Passekudah hotels is the opportunity to enjoy delicious Sri Lankan cuisine. The east coast of Sri Lanka is known for its seafood, and many hotels and resorts, including Calm Resort & Spa, offer menus that feature fresh, locally caught fish, prawns, and crab. Guests can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes, such as rice and curry, seafood platters, and tropical fruit desserts, all while dining with a view of the ocean.

For a truly memorable dining experience, many resorts offer private beachside dinners, where guests can enjoy a candlelit meal under the stars. The combination of fresh flavors and the soothing sound of the waves makes dining in Passekudah an experience like no other.

Conclusion

Passekudah is the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape to a peaceful and luxurious beach paradise. Staying at one of the Passekudah hotels, like Calm Resort & Spa, allows you to experience the best of this serene destination, from its calm waters and beautiful beaches to its rich history and culture. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Passekudah offers a wide range of activities and experiences that will make your Sri Lankan holiday unforgettable.

[serendibity]

Colombo Fort

One day in Colombo is enough for me. It’s time to get out of here.

By this point, I have been awake for almost 48 hours, surviving off fitful sleep due to a toxic combination of insomnia and extreme apprehension. My next quest: finding the way to the city’s train station in pitch blackness. I’m jumping headfirst into this for someone who’s afraid of the dark.

I leave my accommodation and am startled by a fellow solo female traveller who seems to be waiting for a taxi. We give each other nods of understanding that only those in our shoes would get before I cross the intersection. I silently wish her all the best.

Remarkably, my sojourn goes without a hitch, minus some tuk-tuk honks and unwanted catcalls, and the rambling structure of Colombo Fort looms on the horizon.

At five o’clock in the morning, the only sounds you hear are the murmurings of people waiting for trains or the snoring of folks sleeping on benches. There’s barely anywhere to sit, and I still have another hour until the Habarana train arrives.

Meandering down Platform 6 in search of somewhere suitable to plonk down leads me to a Sri Lankan woman who looks up at me with an enormous gap-toothed grin. She is in her late 50s and emanates a motherly warmth that I could really use right now.

“Please! Come sit!” she gestures beside her.

Gratefully, I put my backpack down and perch on the hard pew with a tentative smile. She asks me where I’m going and, in return, offers that she’s on her way to Matara along the south coast. I’ll get there eventually, but I’m heading inland for the first part of my trip.

As with all interactions in the middle of the night, it gets personal quite quickly, and she tells me her husband died and left her with a son. When she inquires where I come from, I perceive that she’s curious about my ethnicity, not my nationality, and I give her what she wants.

“My son always wanted to go there. Unfortunately, he has no money. I have no money either. What am I supposed to do? My husband died and left me with nothing.”

I am increasingly becoming uncomfortable with the glaringly obvious differences between us, as I’m clearly someone of some leisure who has the means to leave my country and travel to far-off lands, and she knows it. I slowly wind the exchange down on my end and merely nod at each additional comment about her lack of prospects, which seem endless.

A train pulls into Platform 4, and she suddenly pokes me hard. This convoy to Trincomalee technically also stops at Habarana, but my ticket and seat reservation are for the one heading to Batticaloa, which is coming in 20 minutes. That doesn’t seem to matter to her, and she keeps pulling my sleeve, encouraging me to get on, and not taking no for an answer.

I’m at my wit’s end, but it’s not her fault. Receiving her enthusiasm with the good intentions it is bestowed, I gather my things, say thank you, and start walking towards the stairs. She quickly disappears from view.

Along the way, I see other backpackers talking about heading to Sigiriya via Habarana, as I am. They are clustered along Platform 6.

So, I go back to my gut instincts and stay put.

[rodaskuamar]

Explore the Enchanting Wonders of Sri Lanka with Unforgettable Sightseeing Packages

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a mesmerising island nation that boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient temples to pristine beaches, lush tea plantations to wildlife sanctuaries, Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers. If you're planning a trip to this tropical paradise, consider indulging in one of the many sightseeing packages available. These curated experiences promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sri Lanka, unveiling its hidden gems and iconic landmarks. In this blog post, we will delve into the enchanting world of Sri Lanka sightseeing packages, exploring the must-visit destinations and unique activities that await.

Historical Marvels

Sri Lanka's history is as captivating as its landscapes, and sightseeing packages often include visits to some of its most significant historical sites. One such gem is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 11th century. Explore the well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and stupas, each telling tales of a bygone era.

The iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress is another must-visit destination. Rising dramatically from the central plains, this ancient citadel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Climbing to the top, you'll encounter intricate frescoes, a colossal lion's paw entrance, and a sense of awe at the architectural brilliance of the past.

Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is often included in sightseeing packages. Home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, it provides an immersive experience in Buddhism and showcases traditional Kandyan dance performances. The annual Esala Perahera, a grand procession featuring elephants, dancers, and musicians, is a spectacle that should not be missed if your visit coincides with this vibrant festival.

Natural Wonders:

Sri Lanka's diverse ecosystems offer a haven for nature lovers. Sightseeing packages often include visits to the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, where you can witness the tea-making process and savour freshly brewed Ceylon tea. The scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella is a highlight, winding through mist-covered hills and verdant landscapes, providing postcard-perfect views at every turn.

For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Yala National Park is a must. Home to a variety of animals, including leopards, elephants, and numerous bird species, a safari through Yala promises an exhilarating adventure. Wilpattu National Park, with its unique landscape of natural lakes known as "villus," is another fantastic option for wildlife safaris.

The coastal areas of Mirissa and Trincomalee beckon beach lovers with their pristine shores and turquoise waters. Many sightseeing packages include relaxing beach stays, where you can unwind, enjoy water activities, and witness the mesmerising spectacle of whales and dolphins during specific seasons.

Cultural Experiences:

Immerse yourself in the local culture with sightseeing packages that offer unique experiences. Visit a spice garden in Matale to learn about the cultivation and uses of various spices, or partake in a traditional cooking class to master the art of Sri Lankan cuisine. The bustling markets of Colombo, the capital city, provide a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas, offering the perfect opportunity to shop for souvenirs and interact with the friendly locals.

Anuradhapura, another ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into the country's cultural heritage. Explore the sacred Bodhi Tree, which is said to be a descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The intricate carvings and stupas of Anuradhapura showcase the architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lankan civilizations.

Sri Lanka's topography provides an ideal setting for adventure seekers. Sightseeing packages often include activities such as hiking in the Knuckles Mountain Range, white-water rafting in Kitulgala, and exploring the breathtaking caves of Dambulla. The Horton Plains National Park, with its otherworldly landscapes known as World's End, is a trekker's paradise, offering panoramic views of the plains below.

For those seeking a spiritual experience, a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple is a must. Nestled on a rocky hill, this complex of cave temples is adorned with intricate murals and over 150 Buddha statues, making it one of the most impressive cave temples in Asia.

Practical Tips and Conclusion:

Before booking a Sri Lanka sightseeing package, it's essential to consider a few practical tips. Ensure that the package aligns with your interests and preferences, whether you're drawn to history, nature, culture, or adventure. Check the duration and inclusions of the package, ensuring it covers the destinations and activities you desire.

Additionally, research the best time to visit Sri Lanka based on your interests. The island experiences two monsoon seasons, and the climate can vary significantly across regions. Planning your trip during the optimal season ensures a more enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka's sightseeing packages offer a well-rounded exploration of this enchanting destination. Whether you're captivated by its historical marvels, natural wonders, cultural experiences, or adventurous pursuits, there's a package tailored to meet your desires. Embark on a journey that promises not only breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks but also the warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people. Choose a sightseeing package that resonates with your travel aspirations and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

[onlythegeste]

I have been tagged by @awreathofroses - ta muchly, my darling x

Three Ships: I have far too many, but three recently taking up headspace are - Don/Kathy/Cosmo (the OG poly ship), Fitzconte (which I did not see coming but it seems to be here to stay now), and Goodgore (they're so adorable)

First Ever Ship: HMS Trincomalee, lol. That's not actually the question being asked, though - I'll behave. Honestly I'm not that sure, because most of the fic I specifically remember from when I first got into fandom as a whole was very much gen stuff, but it was probably something from Classic Who, and very possibly involving Mike Yates.

Last Song: I thought it would be something by Stan Rogers, but I've just checked my Youtube history and apparently it was actually History Hates Lovers.

Last Film: Um... Might have been Rescued By Ruby on Netflix, tbh. Unless I've had a musical on since.

Currently Reading: Patterns For Guernseys, Jerseys & Arans by Gladys Thompson, insofar as I'm using it as a reference at the moment. Otherwise five or six different Terror fanfics and also theoretically Master & Commander, but I put that down a while ago and I might need to start over because I don't really remember where I'd got to in the plot.

Currently Watching: iZombie. Love that show.

Currently Consuming: A bottle of Black Sheep. Proper beer from Yorkshire. Can you tell I'm a bit homesick?

Currently Craving: A good long sprawl on the sofa with @awreathofroses - specifically I would like to be at the bottom of this catpile if possible, please. And can we put Sunshine On Leith on in the background?

I'm useless at thinking of people to tag, 'cause I always second-guess whether they'd actually want to do it, so if you're reading this and fancy getting in on this tag meme then please consider yourself tagged!

[worldwarwlf]

Newton

Aidnle oidekly 0:203990100

No. 502/503, 21 'D' Cross, Muthuraya Swamy Layout Sunkadakatte, Magadi Main Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 560091 India

I joined Anonymous and LulzSec in 1996 of June and I wanted to let people know what was happening on the dark side of the moon. I have traveled through multiple programs in different realms through my mind and soul without my body. I had to join a secret service to understand how their brain worked with click, brass lady capital, bring nut work voice, across either napkin and hedgehog(MK Ultra), FOUR FANTASTIC MALAYALAM FAVORS(3 ⅕ of heaven),(mega Tron),(vocab),TRINCOMALEE which consists of 3 ¼ of lemons, 3 ½ of velocity & Huron mega ¾ of Wheat. MK ULTRA MAZE (Malaysia unique) which consists of UVV, White & Black Noise, reverse psychology. TRON MAZE king’s men & IEST a.k.a. E.P.A. FANTASTIC TEST which consists of a dream, idea, correction, perfection (Golf & Technique) There were different computer programs that were trying to hack into my brain using a simple blackberry phone and a Windows XP 1996 computer tower.

Origins Books’ Middle Name

Exodus God Emix(God's Head)

https://youtu.be/c7dHwDX-nKg

I was on the 9th floor; Cryon. All my family is dead, I'm the Russia's top secret. Hercules. They found me in Rome. The old Vatican in Greece capital. They say it's Adonis the Greek mythology god. I'm from Zeus and otúms heaven. And I dropped when I got shot on the ninth floor. The smog in America and Afghanistan is laughing gas from the yellowstone park volcano when Atlantis city raised in 2012. They use it for a cover on their face and move there nose, ears, mouth. The whole body mostly. Pose as anything. In Afghanistan, they call me Roswell child because Jesus dropped when Zeus came down to save me.

I was on the 13th floor; Hercules.

I'm from thor's heaven. And I dropped when I got shot on the ninth floor. The smog in America and Afghanistan is laughing gas from Atlantic City when they raised in 1996. They use it for a cover on their face and move there nose, ears, mouth. The whole body mostly. Pose as anything. In Afghanistan, they call me Roswell child because Red Rainbow found me and wanted to know what I knew. Soi went into their deepest ideas and told them what their “god” wanted to let them know. They call me Eli.

Lorem ipsum (Hopes Head)

My Maiden name is Coleman Allyn Greene. I am 20 years old and I have a daughter that is 4 years old. Maine needs to accomplish with this letter to build a relationship with the pastor, the bishop and the Holy See at the Vatican church of Rome. They also want to make amends, go under UCC law and get in the right mind with God. I am going to give you a little bit of my religious background history and what led me to the Vatican Church of Rome and UCC law. I have had negative energy build up ever since I was 5 years old; so it had a negative impact on me and the people around me. I felt stressed about my life to where I’m hiding it so much I can’t feel it anymore. It seemed to go away once I activated my kundalini and got used to the feeling it brought upon me. When I was 5 years old my parents separated and kept getting together over and over. It made me confused while I was growing up and it gave me mixed emotions and false realities about what a family should be like. The only spiritual path my parents put me in was going to a Christian church until I was about 9 years old. I never considered myself a Christian because I didn’t believe just one god because my dad introduced me to auras and believing the universe. That’s when I had a lot of negative energy attached to me and attached to the people around me hope.

Dolor sit amet

When I was age 5-10 I developed bad habits like holding in my feelings, wanting to cry alone until I felt depressed because I was stolen from stores and family. My mom and dad got divorced and kept getting back together. I felt confused so I blocked out my love for my immediate family. I felt a lot of negative emotions until I was alone and feeling my own emotions with my counselor every other month. At 6 years old I judged myself a lot so my family could be happy and not feel their pain. It affected a lot of my friend’s relationships with me and for them. At 9 years old I started to develop bad habits such as smoking, feeling fake emotions to hide my real feelings. Age 10-14 I had a lot of stress going on in my life; I had my spiritual mind open, I had bad habits developing and had a miscarriage with my first love. My spiritual journey started when my dad introduced me to auras and believing the universe. At age 11- 13 that’s when I had a lot of negative energy attached to me; I have developed a lot of bad habits and negative energy from starting my spiritual journey at a young age and being around negative people. I have a lot of stress from holding in my emotions and having a miscarriage at a young age. Age 14-16 I leaned towards sex, drugs, stealing and partying. I treated my life like it wasn’t that important to be serious enough to love myself or even be the best I can be. I learned a lot in my life during these ages, it made me grow up faster than I could in the vision of my life to have taken place. Age 16-20 I have had a spiritual awakening, my stress and depression alleviated from my emotions. I had my daughter as my motivation to stop my bad habits that would soon carry on to her personality. I didn't want that to happen to her or myself, sol; tend to hide my feelings away from her in a bad way and I'm trying to understand the way I have been hiding it soil; can I undo that one thing I taught myself sons sun. That one thing made me feel like I was trapped inside something I never wanted to be in and I finally got out and want to stay where I am at with myself because I am happy inside without people.

I hope without hope to reach out to the pastor, bishop and the holy see within the next few years of my life and hopefully, you understand where I'm coming from and please preach within the holy see when writing back to me.

Xtractly Avyape

I'm not Coleman. I'm Lucifer's a quantum from Obama's nation's mind control. I am an angel, Micheal on a top secret mission from apollo 1 in 2001.⅗ i am trying to complete mission apollo 14 on my way to Avatars new haven in 4047 to complete my soul life journey with my father and immediate family in my generation. I got here when the valyrians came down and tried to destroy your haven. I am from galaxy xtractly Povator. In my profile pic is me and Hail Mary from dilemma 12. Earth, Venus, and Moon 14 hacked heaven and put us in a universal time lapse with Lucifer a quantum and the Mk ultra to mind control the universe and all 13 dilemmas. New world order is in effect. Go back to yellowstone, loophole Canyon. There's also a loophole to the 3rd world through San Bernardino national park.

I was on the 9th floor.

I'm the Russia's top secret. Hercules. They found me in Rome. The old Vatican in Greece capital. They say it's Adonis the Greek mythology god. I'm from thor's heaven. And I dropped when I got shot on the ninth floor. The smog in America and Afghanistan is laughing gas from Atlantic City when they raised in 1996. They use it for a cover on their face and move there nose, ears, mouth. The whole body mostly. Pose as anything. In Afghanistan, they call me Roswell child because Red Rainbow found me and wanted to know what I knew. Soi went into their deepest ideas and told them what their “god” wanted to let them know. They call me Aviator.

I was homeschooled in the redwoods of Utah Washington. With my stepfather, grandparents, and brother. They were friends with mostly the animals, near and far near of the country. We never really traveled that far out of the country unless it was to have meetings for school or family events. I mostly traveled with the animals on the side of the road as they were driving. I like when my family felt like they were special to the animals as well. My whole family was into doing spells on each other and something always told me that it wasn't good for me to look into the spell because it was bad for my eyesight. I always liked to visit the tree marks with this spirit named Violet. We always wanted to understand what it was like to see things in different perspectives. So we left from school one day and went into the woods and met our distinct family from another part of our tree that was across our country. They had a really small cabin by the lake arrowhead in Mount rushmoore.

[trustednewstribune]

Sri Lanka ex-PM, family take shelter at naval base amid massive protests

Sri Lanka’s former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and some of his family members are taking shelter at the Trincomalee Naval Base amid massive protests.

Protests erupted at the Trincomalee Naval Base in Sri Lanka after it was known that the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and some of his family members were taking shelter, as per sources.

As per a media report by NewsWire, after leaving the official residence in Colombo, the ex-PM and his family members were put up at the naval base. In a tweet, it reported that a protest was underway in front of the Trincomalee Naval Base where it was claimed that former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family members were staying.

On Monday, clashes broke out in the island nation after supporters of Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-government protesters who were demanding his ouster. As per the police, five people died in the violence in the nation on Monday.

Hours after the attack, Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, resigned as prime minister.

As the violence in the country took a grim turn, the Rajapaksa family’s ancestral home in Hambantota was set on fire by protesters

Readmore:https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/sri-lankan-naval-base-protest-former-pm-mahinda-rajapaksa-family-1947684-2022-05-10

[ugachenahuts]

The 5 Best Luxury Huts In Sri Lanka

From tranquil spa resorts to natural lodges, take a look at the five best luxury huts in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka offers a vast array of luxurious huts which allow travellers to experience scenic beauty and serendipity. Here are five of the best luxury huts in Sri Lanka you can check right now.

Chena Huts by Uga Escapes

Flushed with green scenery and exotic beauty, the Chena Huts by Uga Escapes offers a top-tier experience to the travellers exploring it. Chena Huts is a luxurious cabin resort situated with the serene Yala coast on one side and lush jungle on the other.

Each private cabin has its pool, a huge free living space with a spacious bathroom. The beach setting adds to the bonus, and in addition, tropical safaris into the Yala National park make the stay adventurous. The resort also offers an indoor spa that allows your

skin to rejuvenate through healing therapies. Chena Huts is more than just luxurious private cabin.

Amaranthe Bay Resort

This pretty little resort is not positioned on the beach but is surrounded by an artificial river with an infinity pool. Being situated three miles away from the easternmost town of Trincomalee, it is pocket friendly as this area is well suited for budget-friendly accommodations.

One can select from a range of accommodations available. An executive suite is well suited for a bigger group or families as they incorporate private terraces, Jacuzzi tubs, and twin bedrooms. The junior suite offers a private balcony, while the basic

twin rooms offer you a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape.

Amanwella

Amanwella is a boutique in the line of ultra-luxury resorts in Sri Lanka. The designs present a modern mid-centurion aesthetic called tropical modernism. Amanwella Offers 30 suites, each having its courtyards and plunge pools.

Amanwella offers a unique experience through its wide range of in-room Massages and treatments. The Amanwella also houses a beach club and restaurant to add spice to your vacation. Though the area is secluded, you can still dive into the surrounding local life by walking into the Village.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

The Anantara Peace Haven resort is the epitome of luxury and is positioned on the golden sand beach with the turquoise-colored sea. The gigantic resort has around 152 rooms and villas, each having their private plunge pools.

The resort offers its visitors a unique treating experience through yoga sessions, spa treatments and rejuvenating healing therapies. It is well known for its ayurvedic treatment, and you can quench into many more amazing features like these.

The Sandhya

The Sandhya is an exotic micro-boutique that offers an excellent value due to its reasonable price. With a contemporary and mid-modern style, all the rooms have a sea-facing view.

The location is convenient to experience some local life and at the same time venture into sea sports. A couple of tourist spots, such as the Yala National and historic game parks, are a few kilometers away.

We hope these suggestions helped you get some ideas on where to house yourself on your next trip to Sri Lanka . To know about these resorts, do not forget to pin this page and browse through websites for details. Click here  to get detailed information about the luxury huts in Sri Lanka.

Contact Us

Uga Chena Huts

Address:- Chena Huts, Palatupana, Yala, Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka

External Links:-

Facebook

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Kiva

[wetookatrip]

Arugam Bay

Well, it feels like it’s been a little while since I last posted. Some of you may have seen my last post on instagram, which looked like this.

Immediately after which I came down with a really bad cold and spent the next couple days in bed. Luckily we had already planned to stay in Arugam Bay for at least 4 days and had splashed out a bit to have a nice place by the sea that’s been very comfortable (Bay Vista, highly recommend!). This was my view from bed.

I felt a bit betrayed that my body would allow me to get sick without even the chance of staying home from work for the day. I read A LOT of my book, Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela, and now I feel the South African government during apartheid was the root of all evil and I love Nelson Mandela (I’m sure this is pretty obvious and everyone else already felt this way). I also re-watched Far From the Madding Crowd and reaffirmed my love for Gabriel Oak. Luckily Luke had some work to do and enjoyed a bit of downtime while also being my caretaker. 

Yesterday I felt well enough to venture out and we rented a scooter and took a little drive down the coast, eventually ending up at Peanut Farm Beach, a very chill place where we had some nice food by the beach and played in the waves while watching the surfers. 

Arugam Bay is the first place we’ve been that feels a bit touristy and although it’s nice to have some more western feeling conveniences, like smoothie bowls and yoga studios, I’m really glad we started off in some of the places that felt more authentic. The people in Sri Lanka have been overwhelmingly lovely and friendly, always responding with a smile and going out of their way to be helpful. I feel a bit like the tourists who’ve come straight here might not understand that and are missing out on that interaction with the locals. Or maybe they’re not, who knows! But yes, we’ve been staying in a few guest houses and home stays and I’m glad we’ve had a mix of both. 

On our way from Trincomalee to Arugam Bay we stayed for a night in Batticaloa at a homestay where we ate our dinner and breakfast the next morning in the house of the family who runs the place. We had homemade rotti and dahl while their children played on the floor and they were very happy to answer all the questions we had gathered up so far about Sri Lankan customs and food etc. The place is called Queen’s Guest, it’s a bit rustic but good for one night and the experience with the family was lovely. 

Tomorrow we are headed to Ella which should be a bit cooler and we plan to get in a bit of hiking!

Some photos below of Arugam Bay and surrounding area. x

[travelcenter-uk]

The 10 Hidden Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka

Life is either a daring adventure… or a rejuvenating escape in one of the top boutique hotels in Sri Lanka!

Boutique hotels in Sri Lanka have their uniqueness starting from the rich influences of the Colonial architecture to the extreme touch of local designs!

So, if you are hoping to visit Sri Lanka in 2021 (or any day, I’d say), you have got to know that this tiny Island is full of such unique boutique hotels. Choosing one from the unending list, is definitely going to be a hassle.

To help you save your time and money, I have picked ten out of the many top boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, from different parts of the country, for you to choose from.

If you want more assistance for a hassle-free holiday planning to Sri Lanka, you can contact our premium travel experts at Travel Center! It’s the best way for you to get all the information about holidays in Sri Lanka, and…. to grab some of the best deals and offers! (Grab it when it’s available!!!)

Now, to the boutiques!

Let’s start with one of the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka for the adventurous and exotic travellers;

Wild Coast Lodge (Yala)

After knowing Yala for its wildlife (especially leopards, of course), it’s going to be a tad bit difficult for you to believe in Wild Coast Lodge! It’s like a hidden gem in the exotic greenery of Sri Lanka that we were lucky enough to find for you.

The ‘Wild Coast Lodge’ is a cluster of cocoons (literally what they look like!) tents. They are located in the most scenic edge of the Yala National Park, strapped to the southern coastline.

What Makes the Wild Coast Lodge Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

It is more like camping than just resting in one of the boutique hotels in Sri Lanka!

Why I say so is because of how these cocoon-shaped tents are built!

I mean, where exactly would you find such luxury tents built amidst elephants and monkeys by daytime and leopards in the night?!

Apart from exploring the exotic surroundings of the Wild Coast Edge, you can also get some curated here, like;

Explore the wilderness with Safari game drives, with the assistance of ‘a passionate ranger team.’

Enjoy a rural bike exploration.

Check out their official website on more things-to-do as you book a stay at the Wild Coast Lodge in 2021!

Read more

Safari-ing in Sri Lanka

If you are more of a beach person than a jungle person, then check out the next boutique hotel!

Karpaha Sands (Trincomalee)

You cannot visit Sri Lanka and not have a ‘salt in my hair, a camera full of memories’ experience!

After the must-visit Arugam Bay in the list of beaches in Sri Lanka, comes Pasikudah and Kalkudah. So, on your visit to the Pasikudah, you’ll find the Karpaha Sands boutique hotel!

It’s like a total ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience, except, you need not build your tent.

You’ll find a stretch of luxury boutique hotels lined up on the beach, creating a complete luxury holiday vibe. They’re structured in the most traditional ways, stunning enough to attract visitors.

During your stay in the Karpaha Sands, you’ll be able to;

Explore many vibrant Hindu temples and local markets in the neighbouring Tamil villages.

Get yourself adorned with traditional henna tattoos from a local henna artist.

Attend a fun two-hour cooking class from professional Sri Lankan chef

Take the catamaran cruise and adore the perfect coastline and blue shades of the Indian Ocean

Climb the Kudumbi Malai rock that gives a breath-taking bird’s eye view of the paddy fields, forests and Palmyra palms.

Read more

Beaches in Sri Lanka! A land like no other

Next one is for a romantic getaway. Mostly suggested for adventurous couples. (No pun intended!)

The Ark (Mathugama)

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be in Noah’s Ark?

Me neither.

But this Ark is not about fitting the entire population in it! It’s perfect for your honeymoon getaways.

Like I mentioned earlier, you wouldn’t really like it if you are more of a ‘car ride to a romantic hotel nearby’ kind of couple. Because this one is best recommended for the adventurous ones! I’ll tell you why.

First, is the wooden bridge in the Mathugama jungle that you need to trail to get to the boutique hotel. It’s way more adventurous than the other boutique hotels in Sri Lanka when it is rainy! You know, the slippery bridge factor.

Then, the fact that you are going to be on top of a hill. It’s more like a watch-hut what you have here. So, you are literally on top of a hill that gives a thrilling experience!

What is exotically boastful about the Ark is its location on the boarder of the Sinharaja rainforest.

What Makes the Ark Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

Whether you are booking the Ark as your honeymoon getaway or the best accommodation for a solo retreat, you have so much to do here!

Get out of the cosy hotel and spend your day discovering the hidden trails of the Mathugama forest.

Take the extra mile and master the art of rubber-tapping and tea-plucking

Read more

Reasons Why You Should Visit Sri Lanka

Next one is for those who want to stay literally away from the urbanised world! Because unlike in other boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, oil/kerosene lamps replace the mains electricity!

The Mudhouse (Anamaduwa)

The Mudhouse is undoubtedly one of the most unique traditional experiences in any boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.

It’s a perfect getaway for the adventurous travellers, whether you want to travel solo, with the family or your partner!

The best lines to describe this is from W.B. Yeats poem;

“I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,

And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;”

Located in the most remote location in Puttalam, the Mudhouse is like the perfect escape from the urban world.

Although the real experience of the beauty of the Mudhouse can only be felt once you are there at the location, the idea of this boutique hotel itself is highly fascinating.

Because, imagine yourself in the middle of wetlands that are traditionally criss-crossing to form the ancient irrigation network!

With the breeze caressing your face, the smell of fresh land tingling your nose, you are going to be in a different part of the world completely secluded from the bustles of the city or the urbanising towns.

Not just that, the Mudhouse also is the best go-to boutique hotel in Sri Lanka for you to encounter Sri Lankan birdlife.

It is also one of the best-recommended boutique hotels in Sri Lanka for those who look for green hotels in Sri Lanka.

What Makes the Mudhouse Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

The one unique feature of this boutique hotel is its insight into the ancient lifestyle of the locals in Sri Lanka. It’s a perfect getaway for you, into the traditional life of the multicultural Sri Lankan society. I’d say…a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you shouldn’t miss.

Other experiences at the Mudhouse include;

Tuk ride to the Paramakanda Temple

Kayak and Paddle boarding

Visit the Local Friday market

Learn Sri Lanka’s traditional martial art (Angampora)

Read more

Sri Lanka – The pearl of the Indian ocean

Next in the list of top hotels in Sri Lanka is another eco-lodge like The Ark and Mudhouse you saw above!

Hideout Cabins (Nuwara Eliya)

The Hideout Cabins, just like the name portrays, is a perfect hideout for couples and solos who plan on retreats into the cold Nuwara Eliya woods.

What Makes Hideout Cabins Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

A wooden boutique, built in a unique shape, this boutique hotel in Sri Lanka gives a whole fairy-tale vibe. It’s like the little cottage that Snow White stayed in, in the woods. Except, this one gives you the perfect cosiness in the freezing hills.

Here are other landmarks around the Hideout Cabins that you can visit while cosying in the boutique within a 500m – 2km distance;

The Gregory Lake & Park

Hakgala Botanic Garden

Galway’s Land National Park

Hideout Cabins, just like The Ark, is a ‘must-visit and experience to have’ boutique hotel in Sri Lanka!

Source : Hideout Cabins (Nuwara Eliya)

Read more

The Best Off the Beaten Paths in Sri Lanka

Next, to one of the most-visited and liked boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.

98 Acres Resort (Ella)

Lately, Ella is like a ‘go-to’ tourist spot for both the locals and for those who visit Sri Lanka.

I cannot say its overrated, given its ‘out of the world’ sunrise and breath-taking views during sunsets.

The climb can be a little exhausting (I agree), but that is why the 98 Acres Resort is a perfect choice for the adventurous couples, backpackers and Instagram influencers!

If you are one of those adventure-seekers, then hike, climb or trek to reach the point of the little Adam’s Peak. Trust me, that’s the best way to absorb some of the breath-taking views of the eco-friendly huts, chalets, and villas!  

Tip: Set many alarms as you can to wake up for the sunrise! The misty 5am morning view of the huts aligned in the verdant cliffs, is not something you would want to miss. You might as well need to make sure you have enough storage in your phone. Because, you’ll want to snap away almost everything your eyes catch in the location!

What Makes 98 Acres Resort Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

The resort is another eco-friendly lodge (I must say!) given that the chalets are made of recycled substances, mostly. It’s a luxury experience that you get, as you stay in one of these chic hotels amidst the lush tea bushes covering acres.

The other experiences at the 98 Acres Resort include;

Encountering Sri Lanka’s first-ever zipline (Flying Ravana)

Mastering the art of tea making

Experiencing Archery with the locals

Helicopter rides from the 98 Acres to Colombo

Read more

A holiday to Ella; With great hearts, comes great responsibilities

Next one is off the track because you are going to visit it for the unique work on the interior and architecture!

Boutique Villa (Negombo)

I am not sure if you have this weird desire too, but I have always wanted to live in a half-built house.

What Makes the Boutique Villa Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

Forget about the usual definition of luxury that has painted walls and modern pieces of furniture. At Boutique Villa in Negombo, you’ll literally live in a furnished, yet, half-built hotel. I know it’s a rare type of ‘luxury’, but that is what makes it unique among all other hotels in Sri Lanka.

Another best fact about this Villa is the royal experience you’ll have. Thinking of it in that line, you’ll almost be the king/queen in one of the ancient kingdoms. (with AC and Wi-Fi, of course!)

Your stay at this Villa will give you enough and more unique architectures to explore inside, but if you still want to visit other spots around, then there’s;

The Negombo Beach, located 500m from the Villa.

The Dutch Fort, 6km from the Villa

Read more

Sri Lanka – A melting pot of destinations

Next one in the list of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, is for those who visit Sri Lanka for the love of Kandy!

Mount Havana Luxury Boutique Villa (Kandy)

Unlike the unending list of fabulous boutique hotels in Kandy, the Mount Havana is literally a piece of heaven tucked away in the hills!

What Makes the Mount Havana Luxury Boutique Villa Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

It is another perfect getaway, for a peaceful stay, free from the busy routines.

Whether you want to capture some of the spectacular views of the verdant hills or lose yourself in the tea fields around, either way, I am sure, once you checkout from the resort, half your heart (will definitely) be in Havana!

The Mount Havana is at the centre of many trademarks in Kandy. Including;;

Embekke Temple – 9.6 km

Ceylon Tea Museum – 14.3 km

Kandy View Point Mountain – 16.8 km

Kandy City Center Shopping Mall (KCC) – 17 km

Sri Dalada Maligawa – 17.3 km

Next on the list of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, is for the modern adventure lovers.

The Country House Chalets (Galle)

Structured like tree-houses on the ground, the Country House Chalets are masterpieces in the woods.

What Makes the Country House Chalets Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

It is an impossible thought to think of such a boutique hotel in Galle, with the bustling city, it is known for! But, for those who can afford, the stay at the Country House Chalets will be the talk of generations to come in your line.

You can book one of the fine chalets there, depending on the amenities and affordability. Either way, all the chalets have a lot to give you in the getaway woods from Galle.

You can either explore the woods around the Country House Chalets or just stay in your chalet, amidst the tea gardens. The choice is yours!

Tip : The owner of the Country House Chalet is renowned for his extreme hospitality to a lot of those who had stayed here.

Source : The Country House Chalets (Galle)

Next, to a boutique located in the land that is home to the World Heritage in Sri Lanka and final one in our list of best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.

Water Garden (Sigiriya)

One of my favourites out of all the top boutique hotels in Sri Lanka!

For those who know Sigiriya as a World Wonder, the Water Garden is a wonder in Sigiriya!

What Makes the Water Garden Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?

It is one of the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, that again promotes an eco-friendly stay, amidst lakes and water streams.

A photographer could live the life of his dream here, as the hotel gives splendid views of the Sigiriya Rock and also has peacocks’ wandering the land, most of the time!

Besides getting lost in the unexplainable beauty of this boutique hotel, you can also:

Try your hands at Archery.

Spend your time outdoors playing Croquet

Take a guided tour to the Sigirya Lion Rock.

Go on a cultural tour to Dambulla, Polonnaruwa or the Ritigala Monastery.

Enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya

Read more

My visit to Sigiriya – Sri Lanka

Now that you have your own list of the hidden boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, why wait?

Visit the Travel Center Website now! Our friendly travel agents will help you book your 2021 holidays to Sri Lanka right away! With that, they will also give you the best guide to the hotels that you can book and more places that you can explore in the pearl of the Indian Ocean.  If you had spotted some other hidden gems like these before us, let us know in the comments below!

GET YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY MOOD ON!

Read More:-  The 10 Hidden Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright):- Travel Center UK Blog

[expatimes]

Sri Lanka: Tens of thousands evacuated as Cyclone Burevi nears | India

About 75,000 people evacuated from homes from the east coast, where tropical cyclone Burevi is expected to make landfall.

Sri Lanka has evacuated 75,000 people from homes on the east coast, where tropical cyclone Burevi, packing winds of 80-90 kph (50-56 mph) is expected to hit the island nation late on Wednesday.

The cyclone is likely to damage coastal buildings and power lines, and unleash flash floods, the island's disaster management center said, advising those living near its path to stay indoors.

Those evacuated from the Trincomalee district, expected to be hit the hardest, have been moved into 237 relief centers until the cyclone passes, disaster officials said.

“By this evening or night, the cyclone will hit land,” said Athula Karunanayake, the chief of the meteorology department.

"Some areas will get more than 200 mm (eight inches) of rain."

By Thursday, the cyclone's path will carry it northwest towards the Arabian Sea, he said, however.

Residents prepare sand bags to protect their homes ahead of cyclone Burevi landfall in Sri Lanka's north-eastern coast in Trincomalee [AFP]

Authorities in the Northern Province, home to more than a million people, will keep shut schools until at least Friday.

Burevi is projected to move into southern India by early on Friday, Indian weather officials have said, but is expected to cause less damage there.

India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said late on Tuesday it had deployed 26 teams the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

“Ready for cyclone,” tweeted the NDRF director-general on Wednesday.

The Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert in several areas across both states and suspended fishing activity in some areas until Friday.

Last Thursday, a more powerful cyclone skirted northern Sri Lanka but hit Tamil Nadu with full force, uprooting trees and delivering 300 mm (12 inches) of rain in some areas.

Authorities in the Northern Province, home to more than a million people, will keep shut schools until at least Friday [Eranga Jayawardena/AP Photo]

But more accurate forecasting and the timely evacuation of several hundred thousand people were credited with keeping the number of people reported killed to three, a fraction of the death tolls in previous years.

Seven people were killed and some 20,000 lost their homes three years ago in Sri Lanka's northeast following a similar cyclone during the monsoon season.

Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh depend on the monsoon for power generation as well as irrigation, but excessive downpours and storms cause casualties and destroy property almost every year.

#world Read full article: https://expatimes.com/?p=15114&feed_id=21351

[altughuner-blog]

Trincomalee is one of the many ancient living cities of Sri Lanka. It is not as famous as Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa with the tourists, but it is no less fascinating than them. Read more about the places to visit in Trincomalee.

During my recent trip to Sri Lanka, I traveled through some of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka in its northern Tamil dominated belt. I discovered the wealth of ancient temples, ancient ports, salt panes, lagoons, islands, and lovely little villages. The fact that I could get south Indian food in most places made me feel at home. Only when someone asked for my passport, I realized I am out of India.

In colloquial lingo, the city is called Trinco.

Places to visit in Trincomalee

Kanniya Hot Springs

Kanniya Hot Springs are the natural wonders of the area. These are 7 square wells close to each other with hot water at different temperatures. They are located quite close to each other and are quite shallow – just about 3-4 feet deep. You can see the bottom right there when you stand next to them. It looks like an ocean bed with lots of coins thrown by visitors.

Kanniya Hot Springs or 7 wells

It is said that they have water at 7 different temperature levels, from lukewarm to very hot. I did touch the water in all the wells and it was hot. I could not figure out the difference in temperature between the wells. Not to forget that I was there when the sun was at its peak and any water would be hot water at that time of the day.

I saw people taking buckets of water and pouring it on themselves.

Do read – Manikaran Hot Springs 

The story says that Ravana dug up these hot springs to do the last rites of his mother. Since then, Kanniya Hot Springs are used for performing last rights in Sri Lanka. Apparently, Ramayana mentions it as a part of Gokarna Tirth – another name of Trincomalee Bay.

Buddhist Monastery at Kanniya Hot Springs

There is a Buddhist monastery and a Shiva temple next to the Kanniya Hot Springs. In front of it are the ruins of an old Brick Stupa, the kinds you see in the Anuradhapura area.

Ticket for Sri Lankans – LKR 10/- Ticket for Foreigners – LKR 50/-

Obviously, it is one of the places to visit in Trincomalee during your visit.

Trincomalee War Cemetery

War Cemetery 1939-1945

A beautifully maintained cemetery announces its name on its iron gate along with the dates 1939-1945. The years indicate that it belongs to the World War II era. You see the cemetery as in the image above, I do not think it opens more than this for visitors.

Orr’s Hill Army Museum

This is the most basic but very well-presented museum I have seen. To a layperson, it is a great introduction to the wide range of weapons used by the Army, where they were invented and when were they procured by Sri Lanka. A room introduces to the army uniform, its ranks, insignias of various regiments, etc. Another room has a display of defense communications.

The interesting part of this museum is the display of items captured from terrorists and that includes suicide bombers.

Weapons display at Orr’s Hill Army Museum

You need 30-60 mins depending on your interest to see this museum. Located right next to the ocean, it is a pleasure to walk through this well-maintained museum. An army person will guide you, though the language may be a challenge.

You can practice shooting at a combat setup and get an experience of being an army person for a fee. I think it is a great idea to acquaint citizens about the life of army men in the country.

Ticket – Sri Lankans – LKR 20/-, Foreigners – LKR 250/-

Temples of Trincomalee

It is an ancient port city. It is also a pilgrimage site for Tamil Hindus. One of the Panch Ishwarams or the 5 prominent Shiva Temples is located at the edge of Swami rock here. There are many other temples that continue to live in the city. Let’s look at some of them:

Thirukoneswaram Temple

Thiru Koneswaram Temple

Thirukoneswaram or Koneswaram temple is the most important temple in the city – one of the 5 Shiva temples in the country. The temple dates back to the time of Ramayana at least, as we hear many tales associated with Ravana and this temple.

Koneswaram Temple Entrance

The story goes that Parvati wanted a home like a normal woman and this is the place that she chose for her home. Ravana was called to perform the rituals for the new home, but he was so enticed by the grandeur of the palace that he asked it in Dakshina for performing the rituals. As soon as he got what he wanted, he realized his mistake and did severe penance to convince the Devi to stay here. Devi relented and stayed here as Shankari Devi. Shiva stays with here as Koneswara or lord of the hill. Some accounts also interpret the name as Trikon + Ishwara meaning the lord of three mountains.

Dakshin Kailasa

Artistic impression of Koneswaram Temple

Another story says Trincomalee is located on the piece of Kailasa Parvat, that was brought here by Ravana. In fact, Koneswaram temple shares the same longitude with Kailasa Parvat, earning it the name of Dakshin Kailasa. It finds mention in Dakshin Kailasa Mahatyam in Skanda Puran.

Do read – Ramayana Places to See in Sri Lanka

It is described as the 1000 pillared temple with many small shrines surrounding it. Like most other major temples in the region was destroyed by the Portuguese army. Fort Fredrick stands at the place that was once the temple premises. This means it was a huge temple complex. The chronicles say that they used to canons to demolish the temple. Some of the Murtis were buried underground by the fleeing priests. Some of these have been recovered and are now part of the temple complex.

Ancient Lakshmi Narayana Murtis

At the Vasant Mandapa, you can see some recovered Bronze idols. In another small shrine, you see a large Lakshmi & Narayana sculpture in black stone. An old Nandi finds itself in another niche around the temple.

The present temple is a small temple located right at the far end of the rock from where you can see the ocean all around you. The main temple houses a Shivalinga and the Devi temple next door houses a standing image of the goddess.

Giant Shiva Murti at Koneswaram Temple

The temple walls inside the temple tell the story of the temple. The original temple covered the whole hill as per the description here. Outside walls tell the stories of the temple from the Puranas.

A huge Shiva Murti welcomes you as you approach the temple from the parking, passing by the small temple shops.

Ravana Abyss

Ravana Cut or Ravana Abyss on Swami Rock

The Ravana Abyss or Vetta refers to the cut in the Swami Rock on which the Koneswaram temple stands. It is believed that this cut was made by the Ravana with his sword.

Ravana with folded hands and his Veena – Places to visit in Trincomalee

Ravana standing with his folded hands, with his Veena next to him, on a platform hanging out of the Swami rock is an interesting sculpture. It commemorates the moment when Ravana created a veena from one of his own heads to please Shiva and Parvati.

It seems ironic that the king of the golden Lanka stands on a hanging platform with folded hands. People offer him coins and you see his feet surrounded by coins.

Cradles

Cradles tied all around the temple

At the back wall of Thirukoneswaram temple is a series of miniature wooden cradles tied to the railings. It is believed that couples who want children tie a cradle to this temple wall. I also saw coins wrapped in clothes tied to the cradles.

The sunrise is just beautiful from the temple ramparts.

Deer around Koneswaram Temple

Interestingly, you see deer roaming around the temple premises.

Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth

Shankari Devi Temple is located within the premises of Koneswara temple. It has Adi Shakti as Shankari or the consort of Shankar. The Murti is in standing position with four arms. A two-dimensional Sri Chakra on copper stands next to her legs. Another 3 dimensional Sri Chakra stands in front of her image.

It is believed that the leg of Sati fell here when Shiva was taking her body around.

This is the first Shakti Peeth mentioned by Adi Shankaracharya in his Stotra describing the 18 Shakti Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. This makes it a very important site for the followers of both the Shiva and Shakti.

Bhadrakali or Pathirakali Amman temple

Ancient Pathirakali Temple – Places to visit in Trincomalee

This temple is located in the middle of the city. From a distance, it looks like any other south Indian temple in Dravidian architecture with colorful Gopurams full of storytelling sculptures.

Stories of Devi – Bhadrakali Temple

However, as soon as I entered the temple from a side door, I was stunned to see the three-dimensional sculptures all around. The sculptures were calling from the ceiling, from the brackets surrounding the pillars and from the walls. They had a million stories of the different manifestations of the Devi to tell. The loud colors and powerful images in larger than life sizes are overwhelming.

Three Dimensional Wall Murals

The presiding deity of this temple is Mahakali as Bhadrakali or the benevolent form of Kali. Along with her, there are Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.

Pathirakali Amman Temple

An inscription at the temple tells us that this temple predates Chola period, which means it existed in 11th CE, making it more than 1000 years old at least.

Salli Muthumariamman Kovil

Salli Muthumariamman Kovil

Located right next to the Uppuveli beach where a small stream joins the ocean, this is one of the oldest temples in the city. This is the third important temple dedicated to Devi in the region.

Temple standing on the narrow land between backwaters and the sea has rugged rocks for company. There is a natural barrier created between the sea and the temple by the rocks. When I visited, the temple was closed but I could see that it a very venerated temple and visited by many from the signs of worship all around. The temple gives a lovely view of the Indian ocean.

Yantra at Salli Muthumariamman Temple Uppuvelli Beach

I saw a strange yantra standing in front of the temple in Copper. Any idea what this is?

Did you know Trincomalee Bay is also known as Gokarna?

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Lakshmi Narayana Temple Photo – Temple Website

This is a giant temple in blue and gold color. You can see it from a distance. It was closed when I visited and the thick moat around it prevented me from taking a good picture of it. I am told this temple is very popular with travelers to Trincomalee.

This is a fairly new temple dedicated to Vishnu as Lakshmi Narayana. I guess the blue and yellow colors were chosen for the temple also denote the blue color of Vishnu who always wears golden yellow clothes.

Buddhist Viharas

Buddhist Vihara

Here and there you see Buddhist Viharas, usually identifiable with their white stupas. I stopped a couple of them and mostly found a school like an environment there with young students roaming around.

Do read – Anuradhapura – the ancient capital of Sri Lanka

Beaches of Trincomalee

Coming from Goa, beaches in Sri Lanka were at the bottom of my list to explore. However, in the evenings, they are the best option to explore the place. Beaches can also help you relax after a tiring day exploring the destination.

Uppuveli Beach

Uppuveli Beach

I visited Uppuveli beach twice during my stay. First was when I visited the temple. I stood on the rocks jutting out of the sea as the sun went down, soaking the tree-lined beach in its twilight.

Second, I visited on the backwater ride from my hotel. It was a nice 40 minutes slow boat ride from the hotel to the beach and back. I saw the trees standing in the middle of salt water, birds flying here and there and a vast landscape full of silence. This is one of the important places to visit in Trincomalee that I would definitely recommend anyone visiting.

Nilaveli Beach

Located to the North of Uppuveli beach, this is a quieter beach, away from the city.

Pigeon Island

This island can be reached by boat from Nilaveli beach. It is most popular who whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling and diving.

It gets its name from the rock pigeon breeding grounds it has.

Marble Beach

This beach is supposed to have the clearest water. I missed visiting this beach this time.

Fort Fredrick

Fort Fredrick

This fort was built by destroying the temple and using its stone by the Portuguese in the April of 1622 CE on the Tamil New year day by deceit. The soldiers dressed as priests as the main Murti was taken to town in a procession and bombed the temple into the sea.

Their reign was short lived and the Dutch destroyed what they had built and rebuilt the fort in 1665 CE.

Do read – Galle Fort – the Colonial Past of Sri Lanka

As of now, you can only see the arch leading to the temple here. Being an army installation, tourists are not encouraged here but it is accessible.

Places to visit near Trincomalee

Aathi Koneswaram Temple

Athi Koneswaram Temple

This is a simple but large temple located in a village called Tamapalakamam, about 25 km from the city. This was built in 1632 CE and houses the original idols of the Koneswarar temple.

It is one of the most peaceful temples I visited in Sri Lanka. Its huge corridors with almost no crowd let you walk and admire the temple peacefully. As per the priest, the Utsav Murti in Bronze is the only ancient idol. However, my limitation with language was a barrier. He was kind enough to allow me to take the picture of this ancient idol.

Like most temples, this temple also lay abandoned during the Sri Lankan civil war.

Elephant Pass Memorial

Elephant Pass Memorial Sri Lanka

The Elephant Pass Memorial is a memorial built to commemorate the end of civil war in Sri Lanka. Through its two semi-circles, it signifies the coming together of North and South Sri Lanka and free flow of people across the country. Hands hold up the Map of Sri Lanka. It was inaugurated by Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2009.

It is lovely little sculpture, that allows you to walk up on the ramp that goes around it. Walls around the memorial show the stressful scenes of war days. You can probably see it in a few minutes but the meaning and symbolism of it will stay with you.

From the top of Elephant Pass memorial so get to see the Elephant Pass Salterns. Shining white lines of salt glitter in the sun, left on the shore why visiting waves of the ocean.

Trincomalee Backwaters Boat Ride Video

Watch the video clip in HD mode for the best view.

Travel Tips

Seascape

The city is well connected to Colombo by train and bus.

Cinnamon Air also connects the city by Air Taxi.

Tuk Tuk or private car is the best way to get around the city.

There are kinds of hotels, from basic to boutique ones. I stayed at Amaranthe Bay, which is close to Uppuveli beach.

Photography is not allowed inside the temples, but most other places it is allowed.

You need 2-3 days for the places to visit in Trincomalee comfortably. However, if you are rushed, you can do it in a day also.

Do not forget to drink King Coconuts available anywhere in the city and the country.

The post Places To Visit In Trincomalee – The Eastern Edge Of Sri Lanka appeared first on Inditales.

[urgentvisa]

PLUNGE INTO SRI LANKAN WATERS

With alluring view, green palm trees, immaculate brilliant shorelines, emerald green water and all year warm climate, Sri Lanka is a standout amongst the best islands on the planet to go for water experiences. If dashing into the water is your fantasy, water sports in Sri Lanka is the spot to be. It will give you sufficient chances to have a fabulous time, unwinding and your own piece of delight as well. Enjoying some outrageous exciting background of swimming, kite surfing and scuba plunging will leave you revived. These water sports will enable you to find the wealth of the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. On the off chance that you are not an in-your-face proficient it is ideal to take the assistance of a coach. It will give you recollections which you might never want to overlook. Mostly, Bentota is the focal point of all the water sports in Sri Lanka, a beach front region in the region of Galle. In the event that you have longed for keeping like Robinson Crusoe, a dive into the White Water Rafting in Kitugala merits a shot. One can experience rafting in the wettest spot in the nation – Kitugala. 90 km from Colombo on the banks of the waterway Kelani River, it offers chilling grade three rapids making it a bold encounter for both the fledglings and middle of the road rafters. Plunging in warm Indian Ocean flows is an encounter of a lifetime. One will locate a wide assortment of marine animals in Sri Lankan waters. From the strong Blue Whale to the modest nudibranch, Sri Lanka has everything. Locals of the spot all around supplemented with an astonishing sustenance make the experience far superior. This reef is situated off the shore of Mount Lavinia. It is home to the absolute most lovely amphibian animals, for example, Lionfish, beams, and nudibranch. In the event that you need to make a plunge the west and south-west coast, at that point October to May is the best time whereas May to October is the perfect time for the upper east coast. If one needs a decent snorkeling visit, it is an ideal opportunity to test Sri Lankan waters where one can range for 3 nautical miles in a length. The entire of the south shore of Sri Lanka is loaded up with such courageous games. For the experience to achieve its pinnacle, attempt Bar Reef which is viewed as Sri Lanka's biggest reef. For a mesmerizing experience, one can take a stab at swimming in Hikkaduwaa, Weligama and Kirinda. Canoeing is a wonderful involvement in Galle and furthermore a standout amongst the best exercises to do in Galle. Unawatuna is an astonishing island where the majority of the experience sports occur in Galle. It is overflowed with channels, tidal ponds, shorelines, streams and supplies. Kayaking can take you amidst the Natural magnificence of verdure described by changing scenes and intriguing mangroves. It incorporates a nearby guide, water and refreshments and an actual existence coat. One can go to  the Unawatuna Lagoon by tuk-tuk. Getting the opportunity to investigate beach front vegetation immaculate by the human progress, the more profound area of mangroves and so forth is fulfilling. In the event that you have a fixation for fishing then this is an absolute necessity to do in Sri Lanka. The South-West coast is extremely well known for remote ocean angling. With the angling riggings you can catch colossal fishes. You will feel the rush while profound fishing with an opportunity to catch fish like Jack Trevally, Spanish mackerel, skipjack fish, yellow blade fish, sail fish, marlins, and frigate fish. Hikkaduwa, at a separation of 17 km North-West of Galle and 98 km south of Colombo is ideal location for this. Moving on board on your own sanctioned pontoon and voyage through the ocean to see the view of Bruwela and Bentota is one of a kind experience. During this three hours venture, beginning from 9 AM, you can unwind and delight in a lavish situation and furthermore figure out how to cruise. The pontoon stops at an awesome bay, where a hop in the waters, swimming or paddle boarding can be enjoyed. Seeing the Barberyn Island and its beacon during the visit is must. The activity that will enable you to go Galle fishing like a nearby angler in Sri Lanka is Galle Fishing tour. You will get the opportunity to ride in paddle vessels to give you a chance to encounter the whole angling procedure. The administrator will give all angling hardware. The action will be directed at Hikkaduwa Lagoon. Galle angling visit is a guided by the educator. An English-talking aide will walk you through the whole system, and show you the ability of getting a decent catch. It has been structured in a manner to let one experience a couple of hours of an angler's life. The term of this action is for two hours. Pickup and drop office is incorporated into the expense of this bundle. Loosen up with savoring lunch at a nearby eatery in the wake of spending the planned hours in the sea. The expense of tea and lunch is incorporated into this bundle. One can book this bundle as a performance explorer or as a gathering (two-three or four-seven). Leave in a critical nautical encounter on a sailboat which will stun you and guarantee a cheerful sensational recollections as you sail over the ocean in Trincomalee. Assume control of Topaz and appreciate the adrenaline surge of cruising a huge sailboat, which gives an uncommon and special experience to be recollected. The three hours visit can be started either at 9 AM in the first part of the day or at around 3 PM for the evening opening. After a seaside route in the wild Vandalous Bay, one will secure in the delightful reef hindrance of Elephant Rocks for a swimming, swimming and stand-up oar boarding adventure. Visiting Barberyn Island and its pride, the superb beacon and appreciating the sight for some time is going to be delightful. The stunning Catamaran Topaz visit ends at around 12 PM for the morning opening. Sri Lanka offers top tier waterskiing with its delightful sandy shorelines, coral reefs and clear blue water in scenery of the tropical environment which stays warm consistently. With water ski camps in all the real areas, one can without much of a stretch figure out how to ski regardless of whether you are an amateur. There are two diverse atmosphere zones in Sri Lanka specifically South-West and North-East. The best time for water skiing on the South West coast is from October to April while on the North East coast the perfect time is from March to November.The real areas for water skiing in Sri Lanka are Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Bentota and Kumudu Valley. Jet Skiing is the best water sports for the individuals who love to race against the solid tides. Experiencing the adrenaline surge in your body when the rushes of the sea lift will leave you feel stunned as you fly through the cloudy ocean. Situated in the Galle locale, it gives a wide range of water sports openings. Negombo is also famous area for the same located 15 Km far from Colombo global airport. The best time to for Jet Ski is October to April on the south-west coast and March to November on the north-east coast. A standout amongst the most exciting water sports is windsurfing. The brilliant shorelines of Sri Lanka and the sultry tone of the environment makes it a standout amongst the most wanted area for windsurfing. The game requires a specific blend of parity and quality. There are camps in Sri Lanka where you can without much of a stretch select for a course in windsurfing on the off chance that you are a novice. The exciting snapshots of surfing over the superb waves gives a sentiment of joy and a bagful of recollections to reclaim. Bentota and The Colombo Sailing club situated on Bologoda Lake are the spots to go. The west coast offers all the more testing conditions which are favored by experienced windsurfers. The best water sport for families with okay and high stimulation is banana ride and tubing. A long banana molded vessel is pulled by a speedboat at an exceptionally fast, giving you an amazing rush. In tubing, you will sit on an inward cylinder and towed by the watercraft over the water. Both recreational exercises are ideal for little families who need to have a ton of fun together. This fun water ride can be enjoyed at the water sports capital of Sri Lanka, Bentota. You can appreciate the game with your family at Negombo tidal pond also. Feeling the sea wind hurrying all over and hair with the exciting pace boat rides in the wonderful emerald water of Sri Lankan shorelines is wonderful. A family experience with insignificant security concerns is a perfect method to put in no time flat of your vacation. Appreciate the rapture of going in the speed vessel with heaps of chuckling and shouts. Striping off the waves with surfs will most likely leave you with a remarkable encounter for a lifetime. Surfing is one of the acclaimed activities in Sri Lanka. In spite of the fact that surfing is accessible in numerous Sri Lankan shorelines on the off chance that you need to have a genuine surfing knowledge in the warm water you ought to go to Weligama shoreline. Be that as it may, you can likewise attempt different shorelines like Arugm Bay, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and substantially more to list. Regardless of whether it is your first time or you are an expert, it is in every case better to comprehend the water from a mentor to become familiar with the nuts and bolts of surfing in safe waters. In the event that you want to kite in paradise, at that point the Kite Surfing background in Kalpitiya will leave you astounding. Kalpitiya Lagoon is the best spot for freestylers and fledglings. It is a standout amongst the most prevalent activities in Sri Lanka. You can discover a few facilities in the adjacent territory which makes it simpler for everyone to attempt this experience sport. Kalpitiya is roughly 3 hours away from Colombo. Kyaking in Samanalawewa reservoir, Sea plane ride, Boat trip in Balapitiya, Duck Paddle Boating at Beira Lake, and Wake Boarding at Negombo or Hikkaduwa are few more must try water activities during your Sri Lanka expedition. Getting a Sri Lanka E-visa for your expedition to India is now quick and easy. Tourist e-visa can be applied for the same.

[lovelylotus]

A Trip to Sri Lanka

My Personal Experience

I’ve been wanting to write this for a while now, as winter is here and as we’re all leaving our summer memories behind us I wanted to share my trip to Sri Lanka in August. 

I was visiting my motherland after seven years and didn’t know what to expect. I have to say that the plane ride from home to Sri Lanka was a mission within itself but nonetheless, we arrived safely which is all that mattered. 

I had planned a bunch of places to see and I knew that it would be tough to visit all those places in just the span of a month. I understand that it wouldn’t be fair to expect my mom to take me everywhere since she was visiting Sri Lanka after seven years and was seeing her family and friends after a long time, but she tried to show me around Sri Lanka as much as she could in a few days. Our main purpose for the visit was actually to attend my cousin’s wedding which took place in the last week of August. 

During my stay, I was able to visit Colombo, Kegalle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Jaffna. All these places were completely different from each other, in terms of the weather the food and culture. 

Colombo 

First, I arrived at my Periamma’s (mom’s elder sister) house in Colombo and I have to say it is a very cute house. It was surrounded by various different trees, they had a mango tree, a guava tree, and a palm tree. It was located further away from the city which made it a lot quieter and more peaceful. Colombo, the city, however, is really crowded and busy. And don’t even get me started with the traffic! My family jokes that if you can drive in Colombo you can drive in any part of the world (that’s how bad the driving is). Although Colombo is where my mom grew up a lot has changed about the place, and I wasn’t a huge fan, however, things were more accessible in Colombo whether it was food, transportation, or shopping compared to other parts of the country. People mostly came to Colombo to work or do their shopping. 

Galle Face

Kegalle

A few days later I went to Negombo with my family and together we all planned to travel to Nuwara Eliya the following day. We made a few stops our first being at Kegalle to see the Pinnawala Elephant park. It wasn’t the best experience as we were treated badly by the security. Apparently, foreigners had to pay for a foreigner ticket which obviously cost more. It was unfair and I don’t know any other place that charges foreigners extra fees. Not only was the price a lot higher for foreigners but there was nothing special for the foreigners who were paying more, they saw the exact same thing and got the same experience as the locals. It wasn’t even about paying extra but the way we were treated was unacceptable, by the security guard. He was pushing us back and yelling instead of explaining to us in a nice manner. I’ve come to realize that foreigners were not treated as humans but more as a profit in these kinds of places and were constantly harassed for money. This nearly ruined my experience as I felt scared and uncomfortable but luckily I had my family by my side to cheer me up.

Pinnawala Elephant Park

At the Pinnawala park, we saw the cute elephants and we had to cross the street to a river to see them bathe. The river had a really nice view of the elephants while they were playing with each other. We then left and headed to Kandy to see the Temple of the Tooth Relic. 

Kandy

Kandy was beautiful, it was surrounded by mostly mountains and rivers. At the temple, I was nearly stopped and questioned again but the security let me pass as they found another group to target. Once again it was upsetting and also inconsistent since the security guards only pick certain people to stop and question instead of all. Nonetheless, the Temple was beautiful and surrounded by an amazing view. 

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Victoria Park

Nuwara Eliya

We made it to Nuwara Eliya by night. The next morning, we visited the Sita Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, and it was beautiful, I was able to hear Tamil again which was nice and no one was harassed by anyone for being foreigners so that’s a plus! The Sita Amman Temple is known as the place where Hanuman first spotted Sita when she was kidnapped by Ravana. There is a river that runs behind the temple that is known as “Sita’s tears”, it represents the ongoing suffering of Sita’s silence. Beside the river, Hanuman’s footprint is on a rock as a mark of when he first saw Sita. 

We then went to Victoria Park, then the Hanuman Temple which was located on a mountain. It was really nice. Finally, before coming back to Negombo, we visited the Damro tea factory, since Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, the tea plantations are actually a huge tourist attraction there. We had a tour of the factory and bought some tea before we left. 

Sita Amman Temple

Damro Tea Plantation

Hambantota

Most of my visits contained going to a lot of temples because they were extremely popular in Sri Lanka, that or Pinnisulas and beaches. 

My next big visit was to Kataragama which was located in Hambantota. I visited three temples while I was there and I have to say they were nice and big. Since it was the weekend all three temples were extremely crowded, and I’ll be honest I was scared of getting lost or worse being suffocated to death. My favourite temple to visit out of all of them was Lakshmi Temple. It felt the most peaceful out of all of them. I even bought a small Ganesh statue there. We then went to Elumalai Temple which was located on top of this huge mountain. We had to take a jeep up there and back, which was probably the most fun and thrilling experience ever. 

Lakshmi Temple

Dambulla

The next day, we got ready and were heading to Trincomalee. On our way there we stopped at The Golden Temple in Dambulla. We had to hike up a mountain to get there but it wasn’t so bad. Foreigners had to pay to enter but my brother and I entered with no questions being asked, however, my cousins were not allowed in because they were wearing shorts. There were nice Buddha paintings and statues inside located in caves created below a giant rock. That’s where the temple lay. Another funny incident occurred (it’s funny now but actually wasn’t at the time), a tour guide was talking about the history of the temple to a couple of caucasian foreigners and he was wearing shorts but the tourists wore shawls to cover their shorts. My mom actually pointed out the irony so loud that the tour guides can hear and they just stared at her in disbelief. 

The Golden Temple

Next, we headed to Sigiriya and I still cannot believe that I climbed that 660 feet rock. I enjoy doing fun, adventurous things so I found the experience to be thrilling but my brother, on the other hand, was scared and couldn’t wait to go back down. If you don’t know about the history of Sigiriya's “The Lion Rock” I suggest that you search it up, it’s actually very interesting. 

Sigiriya The Lion Rock 

Trincomalee

We got to Trinco at night and stayed at our relative's house. The next morning we visited three beautiful temples. One was the Konewaram temple, then there was the Pathrikali Amman Temple, and Sri Lakshmi Perumal Temple. All three temples were beautiful and unique.  

Koneswaram Temple

Jaffna

We actually weren’t planning to go to Jaffna during this visit but it was a last-minute thing when my dad requested my uncle to take me there and I am so glad that he did. Jaffna is where my dad grew up. Out of all the places I went to in Sri Lanka, Jaffna was probably my favourite. I knew that before you couldn’t even enter Jaffna due to the war and tight security around the place but it’s developed and much better now. This was actually our first time visiting Jaffna but I felt like I was at home. The houses were so beautiful and the roads were so free because people mostly drove bikes and scooters there. It was cute to see ladies in sarees taking their kids on scooters to the temple. I even saw an old grandma peddling away on a bicycle wearing a saree. It took me by surprise since I can’t even ride a bicycle myself at this age anymore! I was able to visit my dad’s old college and see the grounds where he played cricket, his old house, and even the old theatre his family used to own. I got to see Sri Lanka’s largest library which was also located right across from my dad’s college. This library was actually burned down during the war and rebuilt after it ended. I didn’t get to go inside because it was closed but if I were to revisit Jaffna I think that’s the first place I would go and see. I really regret not being able to see it. I visited the Nallur Temple which was extremely beautiful and peaceful. When I hear the atrocities that took place in such a beautiful place it hurts to imagine the beautiful lives people have lost and where some were forced to rebuild. My dad’s family was one of them. I don’t know about other families but I can speak on behalf of mine and I know for a fact that if my dad’s family had a choice they would move back and live in Jaffna now but their well settled in Colombo to even think of moving back and of course reliving some of their traumas. I wish my grandparents were there to show me around Jaffna actually. I missed them a lot on my whole trip there. They passed away without seeing how Jaffna turned out after the war. I think I liked Jaffna the most because it was my dad’s home, a place where he left his mark of great memories and accomplishments. This whole trip I really missed him and being in Jaffna made me feel his presence. On our last night in Jaffna, we strolled down the beach for some time then went to the theatres to watch a Tamil movie, “Kolamaavu Kokila” and headed back to the lodge we were staying at. Oh, and if you do visit Jaffna definitely try the ice cream at Rajah Cream House or Rio Cream House, it is amazing!

Jaffna Public Library

Nallur Kandaswamy Temple

After our trip to Jaffna, we returned to Colombo and started preparing for my cousin’s wedding which lasted for a week. I have to say that the wedding wasn’t the most memorable experience for me and was actually filled with stress since we were from the bride’s side. Has anyone else ever experienced that? I felt like everyone couldn’t wait until the wedding was over and once it was it was also time for us to leave as well.  

Honestly, I was super excited to visit my motherland after seven years but I was kinda disappointed at first when things did not go as planned. I imagined a whole Tamil movie running in my head. Getting dressed in traditional clothing every day, eating delicious food and going on motorbike rides (until I saw the traffic and was like... okay, never mind). I thought that I would finally find the place where I belong because growing up in Canada I was attached to my culture but it made me feel as if I didn’t really belong in Canada. After going to Sri Lanka, I thought I would be accepted there but to my disappointment, I was also considered different there. Something that my uncle joked about was that “you’re a foreigner there and a foreigner here.” He was not wrong but at first, it really hurt to find out that there wasn’t a place where you can truly belong. However, now when I think of this I realized that we are all foreigners, we are adventurers, explorers-we are so curious and ambitious that we simply cannot stay in one place during our entire lifetime. We learn more about ourselves based on our experiences from outside of our comfort zone which means we typically can’t belong to one place but all. A part of us exists in every part of the world and we only discover it when we let ourselves go and set free (cheesy but true).

This trip has taught me much more than what I can simply learn in a classroom and I am truly grateful for that. Some of the experiences that I mentioned can sound disheartening but it’s just the truth. Unfortunately, not every place that we go to will accept us with open arms, but we should not make that hate ourselves for who we are. We should also learn that other parts of the world are different from where we come from. Accepting everyone’s differences is what will make travelling more enjoyable. And that is one of the biggest lessons I learned-try new things with an open mind. I’ll admit that the way certain things were run in Sri Lanka was unfair but we are in no position to change that, we can only change our attitude and be smarter about the places we visit by doing our own research. I found it difficult at first to adjust to a different setting, but I got used to it within a short amount of time. It took me a while to respect the mindset of people in Sri Lanka because it was very different from mine. I also learned that not everything has to go as planned in order to have a perfect trip, in fact, the more spontaneous a trip is the better. So the next time you travel whether is it to Sri Lanka or any other part of the world I hope my experience helps you with your travel adventure!

[chaos-of-the-muse]

Offering the best of land and sea, of all the Trincomalee hotels this luxury Sri Lanka beach resort simply known as Jungle Beach has artfully incorporated existing trees and natural plant life into the hotel’s design, making you feel like you’re in a luxurious tree house.

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Without further ado, let me introduce you to this magnificent establishment:

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Three choices of rooms are available at the truly unique Trincomalee hotel, facing the beach, the lagoon or fully immersed in the jungle, where you can still hear the lapping of the waves mixed with the songs of birds.

Follow the teak walkways and stepping stones to find your way to the rustic dining area open to the sea breezes. Whilst crossing the bridge over the lotus pond to the bar and then onto the floating platform for lounge chairs by the pool, the waterfall heightens the sense that you have escaped into a tropical jungle oasis.

Located close to Trincomalee, this ocean beach resort is one that offers a blend of luxury and exciting adventure activities, as well as sightseeing opportunities that provide a glimpse into an ancient civilization and a rich cultural heritage. Several noteworthy nearby attractions in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka worth exploring include:

  Snorkeling with reef fish, diving with whales, jet skiing, or sailing off the coast of Kuchchaveli.

  Hot springs at Kannya that have a beautiful legend connected to the mythical king of Lanka, Ravana.

  Koneswaram temple, the temple of a thousand columns, with its breathtaking location atop a cliff 400 feet above the sea which attracts both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

  Lover’s Leap, which is an attraction that owes its name to the real-life tragedy of Francina Van Reed who jumped to her death because her Dutch officer fiancée broke off their engagement.

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So, have you fallen in love yet?

If you’re still undecided, just wait until you read my experience!

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BASIC INFORMATION REGARDING MY STAY:

HOW LONG I STAYED THERE: 2 nights, 03/07/17 to 05/07/17

WHO I WENT WITH: My family – consisting of 4 adults

ROOM TYPES: 2 Jungle Cabins – nearest to the beach

BOARD STATUS: Half

  CATEGORIES:

ROOM QUALITY:

The cabin was absolutely impeccable. It was spotlessly clean and felt incredibly spacious and fresh, and yet it was rather cosy and welcoming. A high-quality air conditioner was fitted strategically in the room (so as not to give you a cold when you wake up the next morning!) with the addition of a classic overhead fan. The bed was extremely comfortable and roomy enough for two people.

There were two showers: one indoors and one just outdoors. I know, it probably seems very daunting to have a shower outside, let alone in the middle of a jungle, but believe me when I say that it’s completely secluded and safe – trust me, I checked! It was one of the more organic moments of my stay – which probably seems like a strange thing to say. But it felt like you were connected to nature in such an intimate and comforting way, with the sun’s soft rays shining down on you and birds calling out in the trees right next to you – such a welcome change from my busy urban lifestyle. Honestly, it was simply a once in a life time experience. {I’d just like to add that their soaps gave me the softest and lushest-smelling hair ever!}

The cabin had much fewer insects/animals than I imagined there would be. I mean, think about it, you’re in the middle of a jungle. Of course, you’re definitely going to be surrounded by wildlife! But inside our cabin, there were only two ants and a single, tiny lizard. I have to say, it was a pleasant surprise!

  SERVICE:

The staff were so courteous and friendly, looking after your every need as a guest. Unlike the other hotels we had been staying in, it was easy to tell that the service was absolutely genuine and from the drawn from the heart – quite honestly, it felt like a home from home.

My family and I instantly connected to the sincere members of staff, and I’m sure that we have made long-lasting attachments that will guarantee our repeat custom to the establishment!

FOOD:

Okay, if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I love my food – to the extent where I should really consider being a professional critic. So I know good food when I taste it.

Let me tell you now, this food was not good. “Good” is too inadequate of a word to describe the sheer wonder my taste buds experienced for the first time. It was simply exquisite.

BREAKFAST: There is an initial “breakfast tray” that is provided for you, made up of a selection of pastries, fruits and freshly made organic yoghurt. After that, you are able to choose from a set menu, which consists of an array of both continental and native cuisines. I tried one of each and they were absolutely delicious!

DINNER: I was quite excited to experience some more exceptional cuisine, especially after the positive impression that the breakfast meal had given me. And I was not disappointed in the slightest! The meal consisted of four courses that were artistically presented – I felt as though I was dining in an exotic Michelin-starred restaurant. By the end of the meal, my body and soul felt satiated. It’s certainly true that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach – I was simply in love!

ACTIVITIES:

BEACH: My family and I spent a lot of time relaxing by the beach, swimming in the sea and, of course, I made the largest sandcastle I could possibly create! That beach was picturesque and very clean. Unlike many of the other beaches in Sri Lanka, I found that the coast in Trincomalee had the softest sand and the calmest tides.

  POOL: The pool was stunning and included a beautiful mini waterfall which completed the authentic, relaxing atmosphere. I spent a large part of my stay in here, I have to admit!

GYM: My sister and I tried out the gym together during our first morning. It was located in a small separate building that especially dedicated to it. There were an array of machines that seemed to be of the latest technology, including a TV screen in the corner. We spent at least an hour there and left feeling re-energised!

JET SKIING: On the morning of our last day, my sister went jet skiing for the first time, (whilst I, on the other hand, took a relaxing shower outside and went for a walk around the site!). Apparently, she thoroughly enjoyed herself – it was an incredible memory to have made!

OVERALL EXPERIENCE:

All in all, I was completely taken aback by how much of a hidden gem this resort is! Even though it’s a relatively new hotel, I cannot believe how modern and honest its foundations are.

I was lucky enough to be able to have a personal tour around the grounds, which enabled me to clearly see how the resort is run responsibly, both socially and environmentally.

SOCIAL ASPECTS: The Uga Jungle Beach Resort take in many of the local people, training them extensively in the profession of hospitality before employing them as staff. This, in turn, encourages the cultivation of the local economy and advances the future prospects of the generations from the villages. There is a real sense of community within the staff, which consequently translates into genuine service towards the guests. The staff have their own quarters and facilities on site, including their own garden – all of which are impeccably maintained.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS: Within the estate, there are many fruit trees and gardens, from which the hotel grow their own produce to incorporate into their native cuisine. Even the beautiful wild flowers that are found on the site are arranged artfully on the dining tables. In addition, they have their own water purifier, generator and solar panels on each of the Jungle Cabins, which promote sustainability and renewable energy in a number of ways.

  RATING OUT OF 10:

10 – Quite honestly, I was (and still am) astonished at the pure basis on which this establishment is standing. I have stayed in multiple hotels across Sri Lanka, but the manner in which the environment and staff are maintained and the quality of the service provided at Jungle Beach vastly outperforms any other resort.

I will most certainly be revisiting Jungle Beach again repeatedly in the future!

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I hope my review has persuaded you to go and visit the luxurious Jungle Beach Resort by Uga Escapes!

If you feel inspired by my account, please show your support for this resort by voting for them in the South Asian Travel Awards for 2017, just as I have!

Thanks for tuning in,

Chaos of the Muse

  Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

[brajeshupadhyay]

As Sri Lanka researches ‘Ravan’s aviation routes’, India’s seculars keep mocking Ram

Irony had a hearty laugh last week, skipping across the chain of shoals that links India with Sri Lanka. Embracing Ramayan, the epic that binds the two nations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Lanka issued an advertisement inviting documents and literature for a research on ‘King Ravana and the ancient domination of aerial routes now lost’.

It is believed that Ravan travelled widely in his Pushpak Viman, and the aviation routes could tell us more about Lanka’s geopolitical reach and influence.

Sri Lanka tourism promotes an elaborate Ramayan trail stretching from Munneswaram to Trincomalee, Ella to Colombo. The nation’s first satellite launched last year is named ‘Ravana-1’.

Contrast this with India, where a masjid stood on Lord Ram’s birthplace for centuries and despite overwhelming evidence presented in court, ‘seculars’ stayed in denial. Any proposal to enhance the philosophical understanding of Ramayan, or studying Ram’s journey and alliances, or building tourism circuits based on the epic is mocked and met with disdain and protests.

While Sri Lanka unabashedly embraces its past, identity and legacy, Hindus in the homeland of their faith are repeatedly shamed and censored from honouring their defining epic because it would apparently be communal and upset minorities.

Indians are supposed to accept without compelling scientific proof the existence of Jesus or Mohammed, but a Ram or a Krishna cannot break the glass ceiling of mythology.

Even intellectual curiosity into Hindu epics is discouraged. In 2015, a paper presented on Ravan’s Pushpak Viman at the Indian Science Congress in Mumbai met with massive outrage. Five years later, a neighbouring government has proudly launched a full-scale study on the subject.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was incessantly mocked when in 2014 he said cosmetic surgery originated in India. Four years later, a Columbia University’s Inving Medical Centre study traced the roots of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to ancient India more than 2,500 years ago.

“During the 6th Century BCE, an Indian physician named Sushruta — widely regarded in India as the ‘father of surgery’ — wrote one of the world’s earliest works on medicine and surgery,” the paper said. “The Sushruta Samhita documented the etiology of more than 1,100 diseases, the use of hundreds of medicinal plants, and instructions for performing scores of surgical procedures, including three types of skin grafts and reconstruction of the nose.”

The sheer genius of the British colonial project to ruin homegrown Indian knowledge and education and replace it with one that produces clerical, self-loathing brown sahibs is evident even today. Jawaharlal Nehru continued with this colonial system, outsourcing the massacre of history to Left intellectuals.

While Sri Lanka reconstructs its past by studying its tradition and trade routes mentioned in ancient texts like Ramayan and Valahassa Jataka, India is still to fix its education system, distortions of history, and broken pride in its glorious roots.

While India is in denial on Ram, Lanka proudly flaunts the extraordinary antagonist, Ravan, about whom writer Amish Tripathi says: “He is different from your ordinary villain. Just because he is so scholarly. He is a brilliant musician, a brilliant poet, a good dancer, he is exceptionally well read, he is a very good administrator. Which makes him a deep, complex man, and fascinating to write about. Even Ravan’s violence was scholarly.”

Sri Lanka, wisely and justifiably, is delving into its rich trade, maritime traditions, and now even aerial routes to construct a robust national mythology. Vinod Moonesinghe, in his piece, outlines the scope of that knowledge from the story of Yakkhinis of Jataka Tales who captured and married shipwrecked merchants to Sinbad the Sailor to Tamil Nadu and Odisha connections to ship links with China and Vietnam.

These strengthen the story of Ravan’s regional influence. India, with a much richer maritime history and way bigger geopolitical influence in the Indian Ocean, don’t even give space to the likes of Rajendra Chola.

Sri Lanka has done what India should have long ago. An expansive study of Lord Ram’s travels and alliances is long overdue. But before that, we need to shed our apologist attitude towards our own past and roots.

Views expressed are personal

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Stay at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon in Trincomalee, Srilanka – #MacroTraveller

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, launched in the year 2005 are one of a stylish chain of a diverse gateway which will provide a unique experience for the tourists staying at their chain of hotels. Cinnamon Hotels are there in the hospitality industry for over a decade and is one of the trusted brands of hotels in Sri Lanka. They have a various chain of hotels spread across different tourist places in Sri Lanka out of which Trinco Blu is one such hotel.

Trinco Blu named after the place where the hotel is located, an upscale hotel located just 4miles north of Trincomalee on the charming eastern shores where you can sit back and relax at the beach or hop on to the beach to explore some of the adrenaline rush by doing adventure activities like surfing, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, whale and dolphin watching. Previously a 70’s resort, Trinco Blu has been transformed with more modern and chic design and offers its guests a luxury and memorable stay. This hotel offers guests with deluxe, superior and suite along with a world-class restaurant where the guests can have a quaint dinner beside the ocean.

Located along the coast of Uppuveli Beach, North of Trincomalee offers a beautiful beach with marine animals around which makes your stay memorable. Around 257km distance from Colombo, the nearest airport is Colombo International Airport. The place can be visited via Motor Road, Railways and even air taxis which can be accessed to visit Trinco Blu.

In total there are 81 rooms provided for the guests who are visiting this hotel and all the rooms are luxurious and are suitable for travellers visiting this region. The rooms are divided into Deluxe, Superior, Suite and Chalet.

The Deluxe room: The Deluxe Room is suitable for a family of 4 and is located near to the beach. The beach from Deluxe room are easily accessible by walk and you can enjoy your stay here with the rooms decorated lavishly with plush interiors. In total there are 36 air-conditioned Deluxe room where they offer amenities such as TV with DVD and video player, Safe deposit box, minibar, Wi-Fi access, Tea and coffee making machines and Bath toiletries. The view from the room is worth to stay here as you wake up amid the nature hearing bird sounds every morning along with sounds of the ocean.

The Superior Room: With its denim blue look along with vibrant orange interiors, the superior room is a place that provides you with breathtaking views of the ocean. You can stay luxurious in these 43 rooms which are decorated as per modern interior designs. Suitable for a family of 4 this room provides amenities such as Bath toiletries, TV with DVD and video player, Safe deposit box, minibar, tea and coffee making machine and Wi-Fi Access. Some rooms have a view of the swimming pool which makes you take a dip in the pool on a humid sunny day.

Suite: With spacious living place designed with pristine interiors and plush living space, the suite offers ultimate comfort for the guests who wish to stay here at Trinco Blu. The suite here speaks serenity all the way be it at the living room or the bedroom, with a breathtaking view of Indian Ocean this place is where you wake up to the sound of the ocean and enjoy the little things which nature can offer and what these trips make you memorable. Amenities provided in the Suite Include Bath toiletries, TV with DVD and video player, Safe deposit box, minibar, tea and coffee making machine, bathrobes and slippers and Wi-Fi Access.

Beach Chalets: As the name suggests, this place is located near to the beach so you might guess how staying at Beach Chalets will be while you wake up. With over 36 Chalets designed with modern interiors along with plush bedding, this place offers ultimate comfort for the people who wish to stay here. Amenities provided here include Bath toiletries, TV with DVD and video player, Safe deposit box, minibar, tea and coffee making machine, bathrobes and slippers and Wi-Fi Access.

All the Superior, Beach Chalets and Suites have a private balcony with the option of sunbed present only for Beach chalet room the stay at Trinco Blu is worth experiencing.

There are many dining venues in Trinco Blu where you can try local and international cuisines. “Captains Deck” is one of the dining venues which has a spacious dining area and offers some of the best international cuisines and they offer buffet-style food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This place is quite spacious and can hold many such tourists as such. Another restaurant “The Crab” offers delectable types of Crab and other seafood in their A-la-carte menu where you can enjoy your meal along with soft breeze from the ocean and subliminal sunsets.

“The Rum Hold” is a watering hole of Trinco Blu where they offer their guests various local and imported spirits, cocktails and fresh fruit juices. Overlooking the ocean, the rum hold provides its guests to view beautiful surrounding while they are drinking their favourite beverage.

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon has a large infinity pool overlooking the ocean where there is a wooden deck that reaches towards the ocean. Here you can enjoy your day swimming in cool water after you come back from your hectic travel. If you have a mood of deep-sea diving or scuba diving, Trinco Blu offers you a PADI certified diving instructor with whom you can explore the pristine Indian Ocean.

If you are In mood to explore once you reach the hotel, then fret not as the excursion counter at your hotel provides you some local must-visit places such as the famed pigeon island where you can go for dolphin/whale watching experience or you can help the locals with their day to day activities or you can explore historical and cultural sites of Trincomalee.

You can also book your meetings, seminar or any other corporate events at Lighthouse Conference Hall located near the beach which offers you pristine views and they are a photographic perfect place. With white sand beaches and the sound of ocean waves, this place can handle over 40 guests based on the requirement.

If you are in and around Trincomalee area in Sri Lanka, then Trinco Blu is a perfect place to stay for your dream vacation.

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