Trincomalee or Trɪŋkoʊməˈli or Tirukōṇamalai OR Trikuṇāmaḷaya also known as Gokanna/Gokarna, is the administrative headquarters of the Trincomalee District and the major seaport city of Eastern Province in SriLanka. Located on the east coast of the island overlooking the Trincomalee Harbour, 237 kilometres northeast of Colombo. Trincomalee is the main centre of Sri Lankan Tamil language speaking culture on the island. The city is built on a peninsula of the same name, which divides its inner and outer harbours. People from Trincomalee are known as Trincomalians.
Trincomalee city is home to the famous Koneswaram temple from where it developed and earned its historic Tamil name Thirukonamalai. The town is home to many historical monuments such as the Bhadrakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee Hindu Cultural Hall and Trincomalee Hindu College. Trincomalee is also the site of the Trincomalee railway station and an ancient ferry service to JaffnaThe history of Trincomalee spans more than 25000 years and is one of the oldest cities in Asia. The city has served as a major maritime transit point in the international trade connecting South East Asia with India, Arab countries and Africa.
The city played important role in the spread of Tamil culture and language on the island. The capital of eastern kingdoms of the country, developing into part of Anuradhapura Kingdom, Pallava Dynasty, Chola Dynasty, Pandyan DynastyTrincomalee was developed into a fortified port town after Portuguese conquest of the Jaffna kingdom. The city kept changing hands till the British captured it in 1795, making it part of British Ceylon in 1815. The city’s architecture is a mix between native and European styles and is home to the largest Dutch fort on the island. It was attacked by Japan during WorldWar II in 1942. It is home to major naval and air force bases.
Trincomalee is a Pancha Ishwaram, a Paadal Petra Sthalam, a Maha Shakti Peetha and Murugan Tiruppadai of Sri Lanka; its sacred status to the Hindus has led to it being declared “Dakshina-Then Kailasam” or “Mount Kailash of the South”.The city has many tourist destinations that are worth visiting including beaches and temple. the city is important destination for adventure seekers interested in surfing, scubadiving, fishing and dolphine and whale watching. The waters off the city are known for their coral reef and submerged ancient ruins.
The Kanniya Hot Springs is another destination. Trincomalee has attracted seafarers, traders and pilgrims from Europe, MiddleEast, Africa, China, and Australia since ancient times. A historic city has been witness to several changes over the centuries including mass scale destruction by occupiers. Open to visitors all the year round the city is well connected by rail, sea, road and air with other major towns on the island, however, the summer season between April and October is generally best to visit. The city is home to numerous schools and colleges. Aside from seaport business, fishing, tourism are important contributors to the local economy.
There are numerous places worth visiting in and around the city including Kandasamy Kovil, Fort Frederick, Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya, Maritime & Naval History Museum, Manayaweli Cove, Swami Rock, Marble Beach, Dutch Bay Beach, St Mary’s Cathedral, Kali Kovil, Gokana Temple, Buddha Statue, and Fish Market. The city is home to several hotels and resorts that provide luxurious, mid-range and budget accommodation. Restaurants especially beach shack restaurants serve delicious seafood as well as Indian, Chinese, Sinhala and international cuisine. The city is slowly developing its shopping scene since the end of the civil war in 2009
