Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kandy
Rs 265, 5½ hours, hourly, plus three air-con (Rs 430) buses daily
Uppuveli/Nilaveli
Rs 14/26, 20/30 minutes, every 20 minutes
TRAIN
There are two trains daily between Trincomalee and Colombo Fort, including a direct
overnight sleeper service. Reserve at
Trincomalee station
( 222 2271; bookings 8am-
noon)
. You can also travel to Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa via a change in Gal Oya.
Colombo sleeper
3rd-/2nd-/1st-class sleeper Rs 270/450/750, 8½ hours, 7.30pm
Colombo unreserved (transfer in Gal Oya)
3rd/2nd class Rs 205/370, 8½ hours, 7am
Uppuveli & Nilaveli
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North of Trinco, the indented coastline is blessed with fine beaches. Development is re-
stricted to two villages at the moment: the pretty palm-lined sands of Uppuveli, and the
more expansive, more exposed beach of Nilaveli. The ambience is very mellow at both
places, but in season a sociable backpacking scene is developing at Uppuveli.
This poor region of fishing communities was hit hard in wartime and by the 2004
tsunami, but the coastal scenery more than compensates. The ocean is the main attraction:
there's some surf, and the snorkelling and scuba diving around Pigeon Island (a pretty is-
land ringed by coral reef just offshore from Nilaveli) is an increasing draw.
Uppuveli
Uppuveli, 6km from Trincomalee, is an engaging little coastal community consisting of a
fine beach of golden sand, a few hundred locals, a dozen or so places to stay and a seem-
ingly unlimited supply of fresh seafood.
Uppuveli's not exactly drop-dead gorgeous, but it does have a distinctly local charm, an
intimate feel and some good-value accommodation. It's many travellers' favourite hangout
in the East.
Sights & Activities
