Occupying pride of place close to one of Trincomalee’s most famous religious landmarks Lover’s Leap is no ordinary tourist hotspot near the Koneswaram Hindu Temple. Frequented by visitors based in Trincomalee hotels in the area including Trinco Blu by Cinnamon among others the iconic rock is connected with a legend which earned the venue its unique name. The story according to the inscriptions to a column on Swami Rock tells the harrowing love story of Francina van Reed. As the child of a Dutch civil administration, Francina was betrothed to a fellow Dutch officer. But her fiancé broke his engagement when his foreign service in the island ended and left Francina on a ship bound for Europe.
Disillusioned and heartbroken, Francina is believed to have thrown herself onto the sea from the rock now known as Lover’s Leap as her fiancé’s ship sailed on in the distance. The drop from the rock to the water is around 400 feet, making the leap a deadly one for any who attempt it. Although there are conflicting stories of the fate of Francina with some believing she later married another and did not commit suicide that fateful day, the inscription on Swami Rock states otherwise. Lovers who frequent the point of interest believe the legend as it speaks to romantic ideals as the mysterious beauty of the rock all at once.
The date on the inscription reads as 24th of April, 1687 and stands as a testament to the tragedy described in the ancient message. In spite of the tragedy connected with Lover’s Leap the rock and its location in the azure blue waters off the coast of Trincomalee make it a breathtaking lookout point for lovers and tourist alike. So the next time you’re holidaying in Trincomalee or paying a visit to the Koneswaram Hindu Temple, don’t forget to visit this romantic landmark and experience the captivating views.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
