From Jaffna we have travelled down the East coast to reach Nilaveli and the great harbour of Trincomalee. For the first section to Elephant Pass we travelled by train. We were starting from the far north but no doubt it would be packed by the time it reached Colombo 24 hours later. Our train was over an hour late departing but was an interesting ride. Each time it started after a stop there was a bone jarring shudder
View from the train
We had another 6 hours on the bus before we reached our beach side retreat at Nilaveli. On the way we had a stop at the Hot Springs of Kanniyal. Referred to as The Seven Wonders Of Sri Lanka. They did not live up to their name!
If you enlarge this you can read the rules for the springs...and then judge if Gail complied!
We are right on the coast opposite Pigeon Island. The weather and season were not good for diving but the waters of The Indian Ocean were very, very pleasant and relaxing.
This was the end of a long day of driving so we qualify for a sunset photo.
It was on sunset as we arrived but still time to check out the beach.
We had a drive into the harbour city of Trincomalee. It is the worlds 5th largest natural harbour and where the Indian Ocean fleet was based during WWII. We climbed up past the old Fort Frederick and up to a Hindu temple. Koneswaram Temple is one of the three principal temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. There was another ceremony taking place with very interesting religious rituals.
Each place has it's special rules. These were for the Hindu Temple.
The entrance to the temple.
Lord Shiva, the Principal God at this temple.
A sculpture of Nanthi Theivar that dates from the 11th century. There are other statues found in recent times that had been hidden underground before the Portuegese destroyed the temple in the early 1600's
Back to the view!
These are placed in position by infertile women and 9 months later!!!
You are not allowed to take photos inside the temple. I was outside!
By the time we were back to our hotel it was dark so put on our mosquito protection and out again.
We dined at a local home under the stars.
View from the train
We had another 6 hours on the bus before we reached our beach side retreat at Nilaveli. On the way we had a stop at the Hot Springs of Kanniyal. Referred to as The Seven Wonders Of Sri Lanka. They did not live up to their name!
If you enlarge this you can read the rules for the springs...and then judge if Gail complied!
We are right on the coast opposite Pigeon Island. The weather and season were not good for diving but the waters of The Indian Ocean were very, very pleasant and relaxing.
This was the end of a long day of driving so we qualify for a sunset photo.
It was on sunset as we arrived but still time to check out the beach.
We had a drive into the harbour city of Trincomalee. It is the worlds 5th largest natural harbour and where the Indian Ocean fleet was based during WWII. We climbed up past the old Fort Frederick and up to a Hindu temple. Koneswaram Temple is one of the three principal temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. There was another ceremony taking place with very interesting religious rituals.
Each place has it's special rules. These were for the Hindu Temple.
The entrance to the temple.
Lord Shiva, the Principal God at this temple.
A sculpture of Nanthi Theivar that dates from the 11th century. There are other statues found in recent times that had been hidden underground before the Portuegese destroyed the temple in the early 1600's
Back to the view!
These are placed in position by infertile women and 9 months later!!!
You are not allowed to take photos inside the temple. I was outside!
By the time we were back to our hotel it was dark so put on our mosquito protection and out again.
We dined at a local home under the stars.
2 comments:
How long do you have to wait after eating a non-vegetarian meal before you can visit?
Do they cut open your stomach to check?
Don't think they check a few of the other restrictions!!
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