Located along the East Coast of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee or Trinco for short is an idyllic coastal destination for those looking to getaway from it all. The area is blessed with a deep natural harbour that made it a popular port amongst colonizing naval forces and was later used by the country's own navy as well. Today, Trincomalee is famous for being a relaxed coastal retreat with pristine stretches of coastline such as the popular Nilaveli beach that attracts both locals and foreigners alike.Â
Apart from its great beaches, Trinco is also known for such other natural attractions as the Pigeon Island National Park. Established as a national park in 1963, the island is named after the blue rock pigeons that inhabit and use it as a breeding ground, while various other species of birds including migratory ones can also be found here.  Located around one kilometre from Nilaveli beach and accessible by boat, the park which covers an area of around 41.4 hectares is one of only two marine national parks in the country.
Pigeon Island is in actual fact made up of two islands, the larger of which is around 100 metres wide with a length of about 200 metres. Consisting of two small beaches, the island is surrounded by magnificent stretches of coral reef and is home to a rich marine biodiversity as well. A great number of Trincomalee's 300 or so coral reef fish can be found here as can Blacktip reef sharks. A variety of such turtle species as Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles are also known to frequent the area.
The island is also a great spot for those looking to do some swimming or indulge in some leisurely sunbathing. Due to the fascinating marine life that lies beneath the surrounding ocean surface, Pigeon Island is also popular with those interested in such water based activities as diving and snorkelling. Â
Those planning a Sri Lanka travel expedition will have much to see and do since the country is blessed with a wide variety of both cultural and natural attractions. Making use of such trusted Sri Lanka car rental services as Malkey Travel & Tours is a great way to get about and visit the many places of interest one will find here.
Apart from its great beaches, Trinco is also known for such other natural attractions as the Pigeon Island National Park. Established as a national park in 1963, the island is named after the blue rock pigeons that inhabit and use it as a breeding ground, while various other species of birds including migratory ones can also be found here.  Located around one kilometre from Nilaveli beach and accessible by boat, the park which covers an area of around 41.4 hectares is one of only two marine national parks in the country.
Pigeon Island is in actual fact made up of two islands, the larger of which is around 100 metres wide with a length of about 200 metres. Consisting of two small beaches, the island is surrounded by magnificent stretches of coral reef and is home to a rich marine biodiversity as well. A great number of Trincomalee's 300 or so coral reef fish can be found here as can Blacktip reef sharks. A variety of such turtle species as Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles are also known to frequent the area.
The island is also a great spot for those looking to do some swimming or indulge in some leisurely sunbathing. Due to the fascinating marine life that lies beneath the surrounding ocean surface, Pigeon Island is also popular with those interested in such water based activities as diving and snorkelling. Â
Those planning a Sri Lanka travel expedition will have much to see and do since the country is blessed with a wide variety of both cultural and natural attractions. Making use of such trusted Sri Lanka car rental services as Malkey Travel & Tours is a great way to get about and visit the many places of interest one will find here.
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