Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts hosted Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan(Merry) who visited Sri Lanka last year. 

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with their eco-tourism arm Nature Trails brought yet another celebrity to Sri Lanka to explore and present Sri Lanka’s natural world to the world by facilitating a feature on Sri Lanka’s nature and biodiversity on the high profile ‘Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan’ show.

Well known for his character as Merry the Hobbit in the famous movie ‘Lord of the Rings’, the actor and wildlife enthusiast Dominic Monaghan’s  show features on Travel Channel and is one of the most watched wildlife television shows around the world. Sri Lanka will be featured on the 6^th episode of the all new third season.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has yet again sustained its commitment to putting Sri Lankan on the global tourist map by bringing down yet another celebrity to Sri Lanka who will popularize Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna through his wildlife show. During his stay in Sri Lanka, the celebrity experienced signature Cinnamon hospitality at Sri Lanka’s biodiversity hotspots.

Dominic Monaghan explores some of the most remote corners of far-flung countries across the globe such as Brazil, Zambia, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand and Australia, in search of dangerous and elusive creatures of the planet. In Sri Lanka, the celebrity came in search of the Spectacled Cobra, while also focusing on other creatures such as the Russell’s Viper, Indian Rock Python and the Giant Scorpion.

Nature Trails had chalked up an exciting itinerary for Monaghan which included stilt fishing and a visit to the turtle hatchery, Kandy, Sigiriya and the Hyare and Udawathtakale forest reserves. He also spent time on a farm in Habarana and experienced how local farmers tend to their crops. His highly rated wildlife show ‘Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan’ takes the viewer deep into the country the episode is shot in, offering insights into the flora, fauna and biodiversity of the land.

Cinnamon has kept up a steady momentum of creating significant value for Sri Lanka, and Dominic’s shoot in Sri Lanka is yet another landmark event for Cinnamon.

Let’s first get the curiosity of the name out of the way. Yes, the island did derive its name because of a pigeon population residing happily there. These pigeons are similar to the feral pigeon and are called rock pigeons; it is a rocky island after all.

In addition to being the home to these wild bird Pigeon Island is also a marine national park. It is best known for diving (Ahoy all you snorkelers out there!) and is not far from the shore of Trincomalee, with only a 20 minute journey from Chaaya Blu Trincomalee.

It also has a healthy coral reef. A word of importance through, if you are going on a snorkelling or scuba diving expedition DO NOT stand on the coral reef since it will destroy them. The island also has a healthy marine population with marine eels and fish of vibrant colours.

Here’s 4 interesting facts about Pigeon Islands that you should know!

1. Pigeon Islands is one of two only marine national parks in Sri Lanka which contains some of the best coral reefs in the island. The other is in Hikkaduwa on the Southern Coastal belt.

2. It was used as a shooting range during the colonial era

3. It is home to over 100 species of corals and 300 types of coral reef fishes

4. The Black Tip Reef Shark is popular siting around the island’s rich marine life along with the many colourful coral fish species and turtles around.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours – 7am – 5.30pm
• Entrance Fees – $15 Approximately

• Cinnamon Nature Trails offers an accompanying naturalist, snorkelling gear and boat ride from Chaaya Blu Trincomalee for $40 per person (2-3pax) and $30 per person (4-5pax).
  *This excludes entrance fees mentioned above.