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Trincomalee is famed for its natural
harbour. Described by adniral Lord Nelson as the finest harbour in the
world when he visited aboard HMS Seashore in 1770. It is ranked as the
world's 5th largest natural harbour. During the second world war the
harbour became the base for the combined East Asian Fleet of the
Allied Powers. It is the ideal beach resort for beach addicts between
April & November when the sea is at its best.
Located at the mouth of Sri Lanka's longest river Mahaweli Ganga,
Trinco's most famous landmark is Fort Federick, a centaury and a half
of british fortifications can be found here. The cliff known as Swami
Rock on the tip of Fort Federick promontory is associated with a
tragic romantic tale woven around a Dutch maiden who is beleived to
have jumped to her death from this spot seeing her fickle lover
sailing away.
The Thirukoneswaram Kovil which stands on
the top most pinnacle of the Swamy Rock is a high venerated Hindu
shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most famous and beautiful beach on
the East Cost is Nilaveli, situated at the centre of the 30 km strand
of beach which runs uninterrupted from north to Trinco. Close to
Nilaveli is Red Rock Beach - an estuary perch and pinkish colour
boulders. A shot boat - ride off the beach and you may visit Pigeon
Island.
About 11 km from west of Trinco are the
Kanniyai Hot - Sping, scared to hindus who believe them to be a
creation of God Vishnu.
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