Fort Frederick and Koneswaram temple in Trincomalee

Description and is it worth a visit

In the center of the city on a small peninsula is the ancient Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese in 1623, and later rebuilt by the Dutch. It is still used by the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka, but the historical part is open to all comers, and free of charge. This is one of the most interesting sights of Trincomalee, a must-visit.

The fort itself is of little interest, except perhaps the main entrance gate, the European cemetery and the preserved walls, which can be seen from the outside at the entrance to the peninsula. A much more important and interesting place on its territory is the Hindu temple Koneswaram (Koneswarm Kovil, also Koneswaram), also known as the temple of a Thousand Pillars. It is one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka, its age is more than 2500 years. Of course, during this time it was destroyed, and in its place another temple was completely built. Later, the original temple was rebuilt from ruins discovered in the ground.

Therefore, Fort Frederick and Koneswaram temple are more cult attractions than historical ones. There are always a lot of pilgrims and believers, local tourists, and during religious holidays there is a real pandemonium. Foreign tourists can also visit this place without restrictions, go inside the temple, participate in ceremonies. The people here are very friendly, and if you show interest, you will immediately become a participant in a Religious Action, and as a thank you you can leave a few tens or hundreds of thousands of rupees in donations.

In addition, there are several other notable places on the territory of the fort, including:

• lover's Leap observation deck and Cliff, which can be translated as Lovers ' Leap. This place got its name because the daughter of a Dutch officer committed suicide from this cliff because of unrequited love. It is located on the territory of Koneswaram temple.
• Rawana Abyss Observation Deck. According to legend, King Rawana built this platform in order to observe the ocean after arguing with the God. It is located on the territory of Koneswaram temple.
• Deer. The fort is home to many small spotted deer. They live in freedom, without cages.
• Gokanna Rajamaha Viharaya Temple. It is a Buddhist temple with a large statue of Buddha facing west. Located outside the walls of the fort on the peninsula.

Upon entering the temple grounds, you will need to take off your shoes and leave your shoes in the storage room for a fee (20,000 rupees). Then you have to walk around the territory only Barefoot, which is very difficult in extreme heat, because the concrete is just hot. But you can wear socks, it is not forbidden.