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| Saturday, 21 June 2003 |
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Trinco Mania by Emma Knights and Kiran Bhamber
The tour is based at the charming Royal Lotus Hotel which overlooks the stunning Giritale reservoir. Its idyllic surroundings set the scene for the many beautiful locations included on this tour. Prior to visiting Trinco, we stopped off at some hot wells. Here we bathed our feet in anticipation for our long walk from Fort Frederick to Lover's Leap. In the hot sun this trek seemed to go on for an age and it was quite intimidating passing soldiers poised with their guns. However, we were rewarded with stunning views of Trincomalee harbour, one of the finest in the world. This, coupled with the ornate Koneswaran Temple and the breathtaking view of the ocean from Lover's Leap, made it all worthwhile. The next stop was Trincomalee but it was more of a fleeting glimpse than a visit. Trinco Mania is a slightly misleading name as the tour allows more time to explore the neighbouring Nilaweli beach. It was at the Nilaweli Beach Hotel that we enjoyed a buffet lunch of Sri Lankan cuisine and spent a pleasant afternoon, although it was not long enough. A refreshing swim in the hotel pool surrounded by exotic palm and banyan trees, a stroll along the glistening sand watching the crashing waves merge every shade of blue, a boat or snorkelling trip to enjoy the corals of pigeon island. It was very difficult deciding what to do and left us wishing we had more time to enjoy the resort's facilities. On the final day we made use of the hotel's close proximity to the cultural triangle and took an optional jeep tour of Polonnaruwa. Walking amidst the huge terrocotta ruins of ancient times and the lush green nature of today, we felt an inspiring sense of timelessness. To be able to walk along the same paths and within the same rooms as those 2000 years before was nothing short of amazing and something that shall be amongst the most memorable moments of our stay in Sri Lanka. Trinco Mania is a comprehensive if somewhat brief introduction to the East Coast. The tour enabled us to see many amazing sites but there was far too much travelling involved. Although the tour whets your appetite for the East coast it simultaneously leaves you wanting more. Trinco Mania is scheduled to take place every weekend until December 2003. The package price includes air conditioned transport for the whole tour, full board accommodation for two nights at the Royal Lotus and a buffet lunch and tea at the Nilaweli Beach Hotel. It costs Rs. 5,500 per person or Rs. 7,500 if you want to upgrade to the Deer Park Hotel. |
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Produced by Lake House |
The beautiful landscapes of Trincomalee and its surrounding area have
been hidden from tourists for the past 20 years. Thankfully sixteen months
ago this all began to change. Peace talks now mean that tourism can
reestablish itself within the area. The Trinco Mania Tour, organised by
Jinasena Management Services (Pvt) Ltd, was launched in early May this
year. It provides a welcome opportunity for the local tourist to
rediscover the East Coast's natural beauty.
