Northern Province:
Located in the north of Sri Lanka, the Northern
Province in Sri Lanka is famed for its natural treasures as well as for its
mythological history. Surrounded by the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay to the
west, Palk Strait to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east and the
Eastern, North Central and North Western provinces to the south, this
province has an area of 8,884 km. This province is divided into two distinct
geographic areas, Jaffna Peninsula and the Vanni.
Northern Province is also connected to India’s mainland by Adam’s
bridge (also known as Sethu Paalam or Rama’s Bridge). According to
Ramayana epic, Adam’s bridge or Ram Sethu was built by the Vanara
(monkey army) of Lord Rama toreach Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from demon
king Ravana.
Jaffna Peninsula:
Jaffna has it all from, friendly people to rich
culture to salubrious climate to scenic environment. It is the capital of
Northern Province and has a history of 2000 years. It suffered Portuguese
invasion in 16th century, Dutch attack in 17th century, the British rule in
18th century and then the Tamil fighting. Jaffna Peninsula is actually an
island which is connected to rest of Sri Lanka with only a narrow causeway
known as Elephant Pass. This area is dotted with several shallow lagoons and
number of interesting islands. Jaffna is also adorned with some fantastic
tourism spots such as Jaffna Fort, Jaffna Library, Jaffna Museum, Nallur
Kovil, Naga Viharaya and Jaffna Market.
Eastern Province:
As reflect by the name, Eastern Province is
located on the east side of island nation and surrounded by Northern
Province to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east, Southern Province to
the south, and the Uva, Central and North Central provinces to the west.
Eastern province is divided into three districts namely Trincomalee,
Batticaloa and Amapra.
This region is dominated by lagoons like Batticaloa Lagoon, Kokkilai lagoon,
Upaar Lagoon and Ullackalie Lagoon, unending beaches and great surf. Eastern
Province is less inhabited as compare to other parts of Sri Lanka. People
here are friendly and greet you warmly. May to September is considered as
the most suitable time to visit Eastern Province.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee or Trinco served as the capital of Eastern
province in Sri Lanka. This town is one of the important seaports of Sri
Lanka and famed as one of the largest deep water harbours in the world. It
is also the naval and military post of the country and was the headquarter
of the Allied South East Asia Command during the Second World War.
Trincomalle is also famous for its picturesque beaches and diving zones.
Some of the popular places to visit in the town are Koneswaram Kovil, Swami
Rock and Nilaveli Beach.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a tiny fishing village, positioned on the
eastern coast just 3km from Pottuvil Town. It can be easily reach from
Monaragala on A4 and from Batticaloa. Arugam Bay is said to be the best
surfing zone in Sri Lanka. Surfers from all across the globe brim this place
throughout the year all because of its beautiful beach. Even vacationers can
rent boats and go on boat trips. Crocodile rock, nearby to Arugam bay is
famous, as one can easily view herd of wild elephants at almost any given
time.
