Welcome to Trincomalee
Trincomalee (Trinco) sits on one the world’s finest natural harbours. This historic city is old almost beyond reckoning: it’s possibly the site of historic Gokana in the Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle), and its Shiva temple the site of Trikuta Hill in the Hindu text Vayu Purana. Most people just pass through the city on their way to the nearby beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, but the town has some charm, plenty of... Read More
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Trincomalee activities
Private Tour: The Great Elephant Gathering Safari in Minneriya
You will begin your Great Elephant Gathering Safari at the entrance gates of Minneriya National Park at 2:30pm in the afternoon. If you are staying in a hotel within a 5km radius of the entrance gate of Minneriya, you will be receiving a complimentary pickup. Sri Lanka has a very high count of Asian elephants. It is believed that there are over 4000 elephants spread over many areas of the island, with over 2500 being in protected areas. The North Central Province has a fairly large concentration of the animals. Minneriya National Park, which is one of the main areas where elephants can be seen, was formed around the artificial reservoir created by King Mahasena in the third century AD. Over the ages, the area around the reservoir became a haven for wildlife and was later declared a wildlife sanctuary and national park. During the months from August to October the water levels of the reservoir goes down, allowing a fresh growth of plants to rise from the newly revealed ground. During this season elephants from the areas around Minneriya, such as Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Matale and Kaudulla, make their way to Minneriya National Park in order to feed on the fresh growth. This results in a large influx of elephants gathering on the banks of the reservoir. At the peak of the Great Elephant Gathering, it is believed that over 200 elephants gather at the same place, making it the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world. You will be visiting the banks of the reservoir in a jeep, and watching from a safe distance. As the sun sinks in the sky, you will see the awe-striking sight of large numbers of huge elephants flowing in from all directions. You can watch from mere feet away as whole families of the mammals feed and play. Watch the giant pool party where large glistening bodies roll in the water, and spray it into the air. See the most incredible sight that you can never see anywhere else in the world. In addition to the elephants, other wildlife such as various species of deer, monkeys, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, crocodiles and many different species of birds can also be seen in Minneriya National Park. You will be finishing your safari at 5:30pm at the entrance gates. If you stay in a hotel within a 5km radius of the entrance gates you will be entitled to a complimentary drop off right at your hotel.
The Giant Loop Cruise in Trincomalee
You will be starting your cruise from Trincomalee between April to September. At 0630 hrs you will be met by the captain at the piers and taken on board. Your ship, the Pearl, is a catamaran designed for the tropical climate of Sri Lanka. It comes equipped with devices such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, life rafts and inflatable boats. It also has a well-trained and certified crew and a lifeguard.The Pearl has two decks and was originally created for commercial fishing usage but later renovated for usage as a day charter boat. As such, it is now fitted very comfortably with good quality furnishings. The lower deck has a fully equipped kitchen, cozy padded benches and tables for a fairly large amount of passengers and a bathroom with a sink. The upper deck is used as a sundeck and has tanning beds and a large trampoline. Next to the stairs to the upper deck, is a spot to jump into the water from when the Pearl is anchored. The hull is only accessible by the crew and contains two cabins, engine rooms and storage space for drinks, safety equipment and water sports equipment such as a canoe, body boards and stand-up paddleboards. The catamaran also has a complete sound system, including six waterproof speakers for high-quality music. Guests have the option of plugging in their own devices via an auxiliary cable. As the catamaran gets on its way to the location where whales are usually sighted; you will be served a wonderfully refreshing breakfast that will properly energise you for your day. By the time you finish your meal at ease, watching the sun rise up the sky, you will have reached your destination.Whales and dolphins tend to travel together in pods. And the spot where you will be watching has a very high chance (over 90% according to some reports) of whale sightings. You may be catch sight of blue whales, Bryde whales, sperm whales, dolphins and an occasional orca. Your boat will be halted at a safe and responsible distance while you watch. Please maintain caution and respect to the animals, and avoid flashes during photography.After this awe-striking session, you will move the Back Bay and the catamaran will be an anchor for few hours in front of Koneswaram Temple in Back Bay. You will be able to have a lot of fun here with the snorkelling, swimming and floating. At approximately 1200 hrs a scrumptious lunch will be served. The meals are cooked on board the catamaran itself by the talented chef on board. You can take a shower and change from your salty suits before you dig into your meal. You will start sail back to Dutch Bay at about 1300 hrs.
Private Departure Transfer: Trincomalee to Colombo Bandaranayake International Airport CMB BIA
Once you have completed your holiday in Sri Lanka and are ready to head back home, your friendly driver will meet you at your hotel in Trincomalee and drive you directly to the Bandaranayake International Airport. Whether you’re traveling individually, with a partner or in a group, your ground transport needs will be covered by this private transfer service. Avoid the confusion of taxis or public transport and enjoy a hassle-free ride. Airport departure transfers have never been this easy! Travel in style and comfort with unparalleled safetyin your luxurious vehicle and get to your flight in good time and great order. Your English-speaking chauffeur is always at your service!