Uppukkulam

First tour stop here in Sri Lanka. Mannar is located on an island just off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka. Being surrounded by water, first the Portuguese and the Dutch both had forts here to protect trade. The current fort, currently under restoration, is the Dutch fort built after they destroyed the Portuguese. The next 2 pictures are of a 17th century Hindu temple, also the under restoration. Next is a baobab tree brought by the Dutch and planted about the time as the fort was built. It is said to be the largest tree in Sri Lanka. The last 2 pics are of our Lady of Madhu church. Also founded in the 17th century by the Portuguese but destroyed by the Dutch. The current building is only a few years old.Read more