Arisimale Beach

Arisimale Beach is one of hidden beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, Situated in Trincomalee to Pulmudei 52 Km away from the Trincomalee town. This beach got its name due to the sand of this beach being different from the sand on the other shores. Sand is just like rice and has a curious sensation when you walk on it. In Tamil Language “arisi” means rice and “malai” means mountain. Thus this is the ‘Mountain of Rice’ in Tamil. Here a small hill crosses the beach and approaches the beach. It is also a beautiful piece of decorative floral design. The beach is clean and the water is crystal clear but due to extreme heat in this region, the ideal time to visit the beach may be morning or evening.

The beach is related with many historical event in Sri Lankan history. Tapassu Palluka, the two merchants who received locks of hair from Buddha is said to have landed at Arisimale Beach where they traveled up to Tiriyaya to deposit it in a shrine. Due to this reason, there had been a large number of archaeological artifacts in this region and in the early 1980’s. The Arisimale Raja Maha Viharaya lying close to this beach has been granted 500 acres of surrounding land. There is a vihara on top of the hill that is exceptionally lovely. There are rocks within the center of the ocean and you'll be able to appreciate the sightseeing. And it is a very beautiful place for beach lovers. And a very nice place for the tourists as well.

Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island is one of the three marine national parks in Sri Lanka which is an eye catching site filled with powder-like white sands and shimmering coral gardens. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province. This natural marvel is spread to area of 471.429 hectares containing some of the best coral reefs of Sri Lanka. This island was designated as a sanctuary in 1963 and declared as a 17th national park of Sri Lanka in 2003. There are two islands in pigeon islands. One is large pigeon island, edged with a huge coral reef which is 200m long and 100m wide. Another one is small pigeon island surrounded by several rocky islets. 

The national park is situated within the dry zone of Sri Lanka, so the mean annual temperature is around 27.0 °C (80.6 °F). The most of the rain received in this area is during the North-eastern monsoon season from October to March which makes the annual rainfall ranges between 1,000–1,700 mm (39–67 in).

There are around 100 species of corals and 300 coral reef fishes recorded around the Trincomalee area are found in the national park. Blacktip reef sharks, Hawksbill turtle, green turtle and olive Ridley turtle are seen around this national park. Pigeon island national park gives satisfaction of diving and joy of watching pleasant coral reefs and amazing creatures.

Nilaveli beach

Nilaveli beach, that hosts the most renowned marine National parks of Sri Lanka. Nilaveli beach, with an astounding view of blushed sandy shore with a blend of corals and seashells gives hostage for a large number of resorts and hotels. Standing alone from other beaches, morning sun rise here is a unique experience with the presence of these little islets. Watching whales and dolphins from this beach is another fantastic experience gained by most of the visitors during a specific season.

 This beach is famous for sun baths, boat rides and swimming. It attracts many local and foreign tourists annually and most of them visit frequently to enjoy the serenity and tranquility of the peaceful atmosphere and to enjoy the water sports. Near the beach a few Kilometers away there lies this Coral Sea bed Island called Pigeon Island. Nilaveli Beach is being quoted as the best beach in Sri Lanka for a few decades now. As it is true that its name has a meaning in tamil, the wide sandy beach at Nilaveli glows in both the moon and sunlight alike.

Kanniya hot Spring

Kanniya hot water springs are very famous hot wells in Sri Lanka. To reach the springs, we need to travel 8 Km from the center of Trincomalee. We can get there by taxi or by rented vehicle. For transport, there is huge free parking. There are seven wells in square shape. These wells are only 3-4 feet deep, and we can see the bottom. The temperature of the wells is considerably high, but it varies from one spring to another. And the water level of the well is also low, if we take out 10-15 buckets of water out, the wells run out of water. And for locals, this is a sacred place and almost like a temple. Besides the fact that it is a religious object, it is also a historical landmark protected by the state.

The wells were built in the heyday of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, and were in the territory of a Buddhist monastery, the ruins of which are in the territory near the wells. These wells are related to many historical events too. Inscriptions reveal that these hot springs were previously used by Buddhist Monks who were residing in the area during the period of Anuradhapura kingdom in Sri Lanka. Several residues of ancient ruins can still be seen surrounding this destination. 

 Read more about the Hotsprings of the Eastern Sri Lanka at http://maps.gatewaytoeast.com/.

Koneswaram

Thirukoneshwaram, is one of the famous and most visited Shiva temples in Sri Lanka. Climbing along the mountain to reach the temple is a  different experience compared to other Shiva temples in Sri Lanka. When entering the premises, through the Dutch  fort, vehicles are permitted only up to a certain distance. Beyond that, the visitors will have to walk climbing the mountain. Along the path, there are several boutiques with local handcrafts and street food.  This temple bears a history of over the three millennia with its records indicating roots in 1580 BC. The beautiful, religious and historical monument is what remains of what once was a sprawling temple city equal to the ancient city of Madurai, India. Tour Operators link Koneswaram Temple with the Ramayana Yatra, where it is believed that this temple is related to Ravana. There’s also a split in the mountain range that is said to be cut by Ravana of Ramayana. A huge statue of shiva is established in front of the temple. The beautiful view of the mountain surrounded by the sea, gives more value to its beauty and brings in peace to everyone who visits. There are a few archeological monuments seen behind the mountain towards the sea side that can either be seen if travelled on a boat or through flying a drone. This place is known to be the oldest temple that was  demolished by Portuguese when acquiring the premises to build the dutch fort. 
 

Dutch Bay Beach

Dutch bay is a beautiful alluring crescent of white sand in Trincomalee city. The suburb’s tree lined lanes are cluttered with crumbling colonial working men’s cottager from the days of the Dutch occupation of srilanka.  The historic fort Fredrick flanks one end of Dutch bay and a bushy head land on the other side.

It is situated at the heart of Trincomalee. It is a picturesque are which is ideal for swimming and other aqua related activities. Such as diving and snorkeling fort Fredrick is also a nearby site as popular as Dutch bay. There are some biased historical views of this place also exits. After the three colonial ruling of srilanka this bay also liberated after the 1948 freedom. This sea area was used for war turned period and the war sings are left behind. However this site is an attracting destination for the tourist now a day.

Three sides are covered with mountains. On one side there is a mouthpiece which can be accessed by ships. There is a naval camp known as the 22nd Brigade. There is a museum. It is closed temporarily.  It is untouched in all museums. It is made of wood like the gateway to the Trincomalee Bay.

 It is a great place to take photos and see the ships standing there.