Trinco is the land of the rising sun, with graphic sunrises, golden beaches and an altogether slower pace of life. Coming here forces you to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. But there are other things about this harbor town, things that you ought to know if you’re planning on heading to Sri Lanka’s beautiful North East coastline.

1. The World War II Memorial Cemetery

You might miss it if you aren’t looking for it, but somewhere between Trinco town and Nilaveli beach sits this magnificent green lawn, strewn with gravestones of many brave men, of different nationalities who fought and fell in the Second World War. Falling under the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, this place in Trincomalee is one of 11 burial grounds strewn across the island and each with a similarity in terms of landscaping, headstone structure, layout and a significant cross that looms over each cemetery, known as the Cross of Sacrifice.

2. Sperm Whales & Spinner Dolphins

Scuba diving adventures and boat trips are a must when you’re in Trincomalee. Why? Because since of late, Trinco’s deep blue becomes the migratory home of one of the biggest pods of sperm whales in the world. Add to that the spectacular marine life including spinner dolphins and a vibrant shore reef and the world underwater might seem even better than the breathtaking sunrise.

3. Spotted Deer at Fort Fredrick

Trincomalee is home to the age old Fort Fredrick; built by the Portugese, reconstructed by the Dutch, claimed by the British and currently occupied by the Sri Lankan military – and a small herd of spotted deer! It is said that a couple of spotted deer were shipped here by the British as pets for their militia stationed here. Since the fort is opened to the public however, the incorrect disposal of waste and feeding the deer have caused the herd to get sick. If you are visiting the Fort, remember not to feed the animals and merely observe them from a distance.

4. Early Chinese Settlers

Something that’s not often known about Trinco is that it was once home to Chinese settlers brought here by the Dutch and Portugese during their colonial rule of the region. They were brought via the Trincomalee harbor into the island on the pretext of working on cinnamon plantations here. China Bay that sits a short drive away from Trincomalee town is thus named for those who stayed with the island long after the colonials left, having been away for too many generation with nowhere else but Ceylon to call home. Walk through the narrow streets of Trinco town and you just might find a family run Chinese restaurant serving the most authentic Chinese food in the region.

5. Multi-Ethnic Community

The many comings and goings, and the original settlements here combine to make Trincomalee a cornucopia of ethnic delights. Despite hundreds of years of occupation and a 30 year war, Trinco’s many faiths and cultures thrive here. On some days the church bells, temple chants, the Islamic call to prayer and kovil sounds emanate simultaneously in a glorious spiritual cacophony that could rival most other countries in the world. Trinco is a shining example of how people from different walks of life can live in harmony.

Photo Credits: Wikiepedia, Lucy Calder

Those enjoying their days in the sun could be oblivious to the exposition happening just a couple of miles away towards the center of the ocean. The cerulean waters that lure in the adventure-driven surfers and the laid-back tourists, also hide a giant secret within its ripples and dunes; only the largest creature to ever exist.

Anywhere else in the world, these 40 feet long Blue Whales stay hidden deep within the waters, away from their predators, feasting on shrill. But here on the eastern coast of a tiny teardrop-shaped island, these gentle giants take leaps of faith, plunging out of the waters putting on a show to locals and travellers who’ve voyaged to see them dance.

Buddhika Dayaratne, also known as Daya, is an environmentalist working with Cinnamon Nature Trails (CNT). As a whale watching expert, Daya has spent years to accumulate a sea of knowledge on these giant mammals. Along the way, he’s had the opportunity to draw inspiration and expertise from the likes of famous Marine Biologist Dr Charles Anderson. His mastery on the topic has awarded him with many golden opportunities; one of which, being featured on BBC’s Blue Planet II program to share his experience with whales, the importance of conservation and his passion to study these gentle giants.

Daya first observed these cetaceans swimming through our waters in 2010. Despite a handful of Blue Whale sightings, the conflict in the north and eastern parts of the island restricted any commercial whale watching operations. Post-war, the CNT Team headed out deep into the Indian Ocean in search of Blue Whales; they were blessed with not just several blue whale spotting, but also a larger number of sperm whales!

Here at the coastal enclave of Trincomalee, the discovery of Whale Watching has brought forth many opportunities for the local community but has also heightened concerns for life below water. Daya understands the responsibility he carries on his shoulders as a learned and experienced environmentalist. “Whales are acoustic animals”. Even the biggest creature to ever swim in our waters is sensitive to the roaring motors of the local fishermen. The two-stroke engines of the motorboats commonly used locally for whale watching frighten and alarm the whales to hide deep within their oceanic habitat.

Against such a backdrop, Daya can’t emphasize the importance of imposing regulations to protect these mammals from harm in their habitat any better. Cinnamon Nature Trails’ 4-stroke engines sail silently against the waves conscious to be sensitive to the marine mammals in their own home while also giving you front row seats to an oceanic masquerade starring our very own Blue Whales. With thoughtfully curated experiences, the Cinnamon Nature Trails team has made meaningful investments to practice conscious and responsible whale watching excursions.

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, based right along the coastal strip of Uppuvelli, will host you for a picturesque and a memorable holiday with fun in the sun. Here, you will fight the urge to sleep in, waking up with the sun to claim your best seats to the Whale dances at the crack of dawn. Once in the waters, settle in and let these gentle giants take your breath away with each plunge before swimming along the boat beside you.

Experience the best of Sri Lankan hospitality paired with the endless charm of natural artistry, here at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon. Bask in the goodness of the coastal sun as the soft tunes of the Indian Ocean serenade you. Listen to the legends of the region and bear witness to the greatness that hides within our corner in Trincomalee. Discover a different kind of beauty in this historic North-eastern coastal enclave of Sri Lanka.