If you visit Trincomalee area in North Eastern Sri Lanka you can find many tourist attractions to occupy your time. Some of them are the hot water springs in Kanniyayi, the Trincomalee Harbour, the Pigeon Island, the old Dutch Fort, the Nilaveli beach and other beaches for surfing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching, not to mention the town itself with its blend of people with their different cultures and traditions.
Out of these famous locations in Trincomalee, the old Dutch Fort is perhaps the most important tourist attraction. That is because it is not just a old fortress. This fort is a very diverse attraction for a tourist, because within it a curious tourist has got many things to see and experience.
Sadly many people don’t know about the things you got to see in this historic Fort. So I thought to photograph and document things of interest you find within the old Trincomalee Dutch fort which also happens to be the largest Dutch Fort in Sri Lanka. I took the photographs of the Fort I’m sharing here on a visit to the Trincomalee somewhere in the end of September 2011. So without further ado here is the largest Dutch fort in Sri Lanka at your perusal…
Trincomalee Fort Fredrick (1624-1948) As Seen From Trincomalee Town Dutch Bay Beach
The Dutch Fort as seen from the Trincomalee town beach. As you will see in the map below the Fort is built on a small north facing peninsular land mass that juts out of a larger peninsular in which the Trincomalee town is today located.
The Map of the Fort
The Entrance To the Fort
Backside of the Fort Entrance
Fort Fredrick Road leading to Trincomalee Town
Road within the Fort to Koneswaram Hindu Kovil
The Army Camp of Sri Lanka Army Gajaba Regiment
Koneswaram Kovil (Hindu Temple)
Monkeys Waiting for Food from Tourist & Pilgrims
Tourist shops and souvenir stands within Fort on the way to Koneswaram Kovil
Sweets and Food Products made primarily from Palmyra Tree
Souvenir stand selling Seashell And Shell-work Artifacts
View of Trincomalee Town And Fishing Harbour from a hill within the Fort
A hill within the fort
The Place called Lover’s Leap
Remains of World War II British Coastal Artillery Guns
Un-Preserved Ruins & Wilderness within the Fort
Hope you enjoyed these pictures and the little detail I could provide with it. Feel free to add your comments and any knowledge about Trincomalee Fort you like to share in the comments.
I really like the view over the ocean :)
This is the fort that was originally built by the Portuguese , right?
yes, the fort was originally built by the Portuguese and taken over by the Deuth/Netherlands somewhere in 1670s. The Dutch expanded and rebuilt the original fort over the years into what stands today. The British took over the Fort in 1896 and used it as a Military base until the 1950s.
Love historical places! Thank you for sharing the info and photos. I hope that I can visit some day.
Sally, Let me know if you are interested in visiting Sri Lanka. I’ll try to find out the best tour deals for you.
I love the pictures you shared. I looks like a very hostoric and beautiful place.
I’m glad to see you all enjoy my Sri Lanka pictures of these historical place. You should tour the Trincomalee Fort someday. Like many other things you can experience by visiting Sri Lanka this is a place you can enjoy and learn a lot if you are interested in History and nature.
I’m from Canada and we have a similar looking fort here in Nova Scotia. I’m wondering about the origins of ours. I’ll check it out for sure
Yes please let us know more about the fort in your area. You got me really curious about your fort in Nova Scotia. This Trinco Fort was built by Portuguese and then rebuilt by Dutch East India Company (VOC). So if they are similar did the Dutch or Portuguese occupy your area also?
I just did a brief search about fortresses in Nova Scotia, Canada. It seems you guys have several forts. In fact according to Wikipedia there are 8 military forts in Nova Scotia.
1. Fort Vieux Logis
2 Fort Lawrence
3 Fortress of Louisbourg
4 York Redoubt
5 Fort Anne
6 Citadel Hill (Fort George)
7 Fort Edward (Nova Scotia)
8 Fort Sainte Anne (Nova Scotia)
Is the fort you mentioned one of these?
I really enjoyed the gorgeous photography! How nice to vicariously visit the fort and learn about history too.
Glad you enjoyed them Penny. If you have any questions regarding this Fort or Sri Lanka let me know.
Im a student of Kelaniya uni. We have an assignment to do about a historical place. I have chosen The Fort Fedric to write. Can you plz send me more details to write on?