Beautiful vacation at beautiful Nilaveli
Sri Lanka allowed domestic traveling after a couple of months of lockdown due to the COVID 19 pandemic. While thinking of traveling, we were more cared to be at less crowded places as well as wear face masks, maintain social distance with outsiders, use sanitizers & obey COVID 19 safety rules.
None of us cared it was off-season to Trincomalee- Sri Lanka hence we suddenly decided to travel to Nilaveli during the chance we got to travel on the Christmas holiday.
We started our travel at about 8.00 am from Colombo passing the ancient city of Dambulla, the wildlife area of Habarana & the fascinating Kothmale Lake. It was really a comfortable road trip we gone with no hurry which took about almost six & half hours’ drive to reach the Nilaveli.
What to see on the way to Nilaveli?
Dambulla
Can explore Rangiri Dambulla Golden temple, world-famous UNESCO heritage- the Royal Curve temple, Popham’s Arboretum & Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs on the way to Trincomalee.
Habarana Jungle
Colombo – Trincomalee highway is located through the Habarana jungle which is an amazing experience to see the sudden passing of wild elephants. It feel like we were going through the jungle. This scenic really reduces the tiredness of the long drive.
Kanthale Lake
This was my first visit to Trinco & I never thought Kanthale lake is that fascinating.
No words to express the serenity & the feel I experienced by spending little time on the lake bank.
There is a statue of King Agbo II which was on Lake Bank in respect of building up such a wonderful lake.
It is really beautiful to see the Lake on one side & the other side with greeny paddy fields which show the rich routine of cultivation.
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Why we choose Nilaveli?
Nilaveli is located in East coast of Sri Lanka in Trincomalee (Trinco).
Trinco has two spectacular beaches well known as Uppaveli beach & Nilaveli beach which are relatively close to one another. June to September is the ideal season to visit these areas.
Uppaveli beach
Located just 10 minutes outside of Trincomalee which is a long sandy beach with clear water & less waves. More crowd attracts here because of its chilled atmosphere & better vibes.
Nilaveli beach
Rather than Uppaveli beach, Nilaveli beach is more likely well scheduled.
The picturesque long beach with fine white sand, clear blue water with corals & marine life, it is incredible with natural beauty. This is really a combination of “3S”s Sea, Sun & Swim.
You can wade couple of hundred meters in to the sea, have a nice sea bath & enjoy the quietness & be well relaxed. This is an extravagantly ideal place for shell seekers. Nilaveli sun sets are only outdone by Nilaveli sunrise.
We always wanted quite, calm & safety vacation so we chose Nilaveli.
We stayed at beautiful Anilana Hotel – Nilaveli. The hotel was fully facilitated with all the COVID 19 safety protocols which made our stay more comfortable & safe. We stayed there two nights full board basis & really enjoyed their huge variety of super tasty food & warm hospitality.
What to do while staying at Nilaveli?
Visit Pigeon Island
It is one of largest marine national sanctuary in Sri Lanka, just nearly 2Km boat ride from Nilaveli beach. It is facilitated with snorkeling to explore the marine life.
Anilana Nilaveli is located in line with Pigeon Island where we were able to see the Island while being on the bed of the room.
Visit War Cemetery
This is the cemetery where tombs set for service men & service women from several countries as well as merchant seamen who were far away from home land engaged in 2nd World War. It is very well landscaped & maintained so far.
Trincomalee harbor
It is one of the largest natural harbors in the world still highly functioning where several sea battles with Portuguese, Dutch, French & English were took place in recent history. If possible worth visiting there.
Koneshwarm Kovil
Ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Hindi God “Shiva”. This is located in a very attractive place on the Swami rock overlooking the natural harbor headed to Trincomalee bay.
Fort Fedrick
Access given to the Koneshwarm temple though this Fort gates which was originally constructed by the Portuguese, added by Dutch & taken over by the British when ancient Ceylon was on their custody.
Now a day’s one of Sri Lanka’s military camps based inside of this & very clean & well maintained. Spot deer running around this premises is a regular eye-catching scenery.
Sri Lanka is a country that there is bit of something for everyone. I obviously never thought Trincomalee – Nilaveli is that much of gorgeous with natural beauty, culture & people.
This was an unplanned trip we suddenly thought & traveled but was simply awesome.
