Connecting holidaymakers with the white, sandy beaches of Trincomalee in a mere hour, domestic flights from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, to the East Coast also provide some of the best views of the island’s key UNESCO Heritage Sites. Here’s what passengers can expect during a scenic flight from the island’s largest city to its top whale-watching hotspot.
A Swift Transfer to the East Coast
With some of the finest beaches and surfing hubs in Sri Lanka occupying its confines, Trincomalee is a popular holiday destination that’s not only reserved for honeymooners. Although the drive from Colombo to Trincomalee can take 6 to 8 hours, domestic flights can cover the same distance in no more than 60 minutes.
Bird’s Eye Views of Iconic Landmarks
One of the main advantages of embarking on a domestic flight from Colombo to Trincomalee via Cinnamon Air or any other carrier providing domestic flights in Sri Lanka is that the journey affords spectacular views of some of Sri Lanka’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The awe-inspiring views of the Lion Rock or Sigiriya Rock Fortress, as well as the captivating views of Dambulla, Giritale and the safari parks of Habarana, are what make these airborne expeditions truly unforgettable.
Baggage Allowance and Other Tips
Domestic flights allow up to 7kg of baggage as the smaller aircraft used for transfers within the island have a limited passenger and baggage capacity compared to commercial planes. Drinks and meals are also not typically served during domestic flights around the country unless one charters a private flight.
Airport Transfers 101
Travellers who are touching down at the Trincomalee Airport, which is also known as the China Bay Airport, must arrange airport transfer services with their base hotel in Trincomalee prior to their arrival. This is due to the fact that small domestic airports in Sri Lanka are located quite a distance away from main cities and public transport networks.