Forbidden land

Sri Lanka's conflict-ridden regions, newly freed after almost three decades, could be the next big tourist destinations.

There is a reason why the end of the LTTE brought a lot of cheer to ordinary Sri Lankans who have no particular interest in politics. Tourism is the biggest earner of hard foreign currency for this island nation, and the end of conflict promises to revitalise it. The rehabilitation of the conflict ravaged regions, therefore, could get a boost from tourists. Here are a few places to check out in the northern and eastern parts of Lanka, once they are thrown open for travel.

Trincomalee — This town on the north-eastern coast has never been in the eye of conflict, but has been partially restricted to travellers on account of being a major naval base. Trinco, as it is popularly called, is one of the deepest natural harbours in Asia, and is surrounded by some truly stunning white sand beaches and coral reefs. No wonder, then, it is expected that tourists will make a beeline for this town.

Anuradhapura — This town of religious importance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site faced similar trouble as in the case of Trinco, being too close to the conflict area. Archaeologists have found that settlements in this town date back to the Iron Age. If you have read the Ramayana, you would know this town served as the capital city for Ravana. But that is mythology. This town is a centre for Buddhist learning and has some magnificent stupas.You can also spot remnants of different civilisations that occupied this area in the ruins.

Jaffna — This is the town historically claimed by the Tamils of Sri Lanka as their capital. It is a town that was capital of the kingdom of Aryacakravarti from 1215 to 1619. As a consequence of that and being ruled by Tamil kings from India, the area is dotted with a number of temples. One of the biggest is the Nallur Kandasamy Kovil and all Tamil festivals are celebrated here, like in India. The Jaffna harbour has been a trading post for centuries and might get a big boost if India builds the Sethusamudram canal.

Mullaitivu and Wanni — These two areas were once LTTE strongholds. Mullaitivu was the region where the group made its last stand. Expect these regions to open up for conflict tourism soon, as we have seen in Vietnam, Cambodia and even in our very own Tamil Nadu where you now have a Veerappan trekking trail on offer.