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

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.