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  • 5/5 Kasun B. 1 year ago on Google
    Between the islands of Kites and Karaitivu in the Jaffna Peninsula is Hamanhill Island. This wonderful island, which does not inherit the appearance of an ordinary island, looks like a fortress surrounded by high, strong walls. Many people opt to spend their vacations and have fun at Hammanhill Fort, a popular tourist destination and resort. You might be unaware that numerous secrets of a very dark past are hidden beneath the fort's gloomy walls, even though the situation is the same now. I'm going to tell you about the history of this unusual fort. This fort was built in the middle of the 17th century by the order of the Portuguese governor named Antonio de Amaral de Menaces. It was first introduced as the Fortaleza Reel or the Royal Fort. After the Portuguese construction of the Jaffna fort, this fort has been used to strengthen the security of Jaffna city and its sea route. It was built on a rocky island by breaking coral reefs and tying them with cement. After the construction of the Hamanhill fort, the Portuguese will not be able to stay in control of Sri Lanka for a long time. As the Dutch spread their power, the Dutch attacked this fort in 1658. Although the Portuguese were strongly defending their power here, they had to surrender due to the lack of water caused by the attack on the water tank in the centre of the fort. After taking over the fort from the Portuguese, the Dutch, realising the importance of its location, began to restore it. By the year 1680, they succeeded in completing the construction here by remedying the weaknesses made by the Portuguese during its construction. They are also working to strengthen the security here with 30 security personnel. They call this rebuilt fort Hammenhiel. It is named so because of the shape of Ceylon, which appears in the shape of a pork leg (the heel of the ham), and because this fort is located at its foot (the heel). Inside this fort, which has an octagonal shape, there are nine large tunnels, or dungeons, made for storing ammunition. In 1795, Hamanhill fort fell under the British. They have used this as a hospital and a prison rather than a fort. It was also used as an air-sea rescue station during the Second World War. Hamenhill Castle, which has been quiet for a long time, is once again in the news due to the youth rebellion of '71. Hammanhill prison is being used to hold the suspects of the failed attack on Jaffna prison to free the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna leader, Rohana Wijeweera, who was imprisoned in Jaffna prison at that time. This prison has also housed many prominent figures from the 71st rebellion. Prisoners of the rebellion at that time give heart-wrenching accounts of their miserable lives in Hammanhill prison. The gunpowder storage dungeon we mentioned earlier was used to keep these prisoners in prison. About 70 prisoners are kept in the biggest cave. Many of the prisoners described life at Hamman Hill as hell on earth: half-naked, exposed to high temperatures, filth, harassment from animals, and suffering from various diseases. Some prisoners have even died due to injuries. However, according to a later protest, the rebels had received permission to break the locks of the cells and throw them outside. It was heard through various rumours and media that Rohana Wijeweera Hamanhil, who led it during the 71 rebellions, was in prison. However, we do not find any reliable evidence that Rohana Wijeweera was detained there. Amidst the struggles of hundreds of years brought about by the waves of time, Hammanhill Fort, which has hidden the echo of a thousand sufferings, is now a tourist place in a relaxing silence. The tourist hotel here, which is controlled by the Navy, will undoubtedly be a great event to relax your mind and body. Here you have the opportunity to relax in a comfortable hotel room in Hammanhill and get a different experience by staying in a prison cell and viewing memorabilia and paintings of the 71 rebellions.
    6 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Seevali De A. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious Meal and visit to Fort Hammenheil. Eighteen of us travelling as a group stopped at Fort Hammenheil for lunch. The resort, run by the Sri Lanka Navy on a commercial basis, operates two distinctly different units. The restaurant is in the mainland. Accommodation is in Himmenhiel Fort, in an islet situated about 500 metres out into the sea. The entrance to the resort and the reception are decorated with typical navy dΓ©cor. After our group leader ordered our lunch, the Navy boat took us on a ride out into the sea. On the return journey they docked at Fort Hammenheil. This fort originally built by the Dutch and later captured by the British had been used as a prison for notorious prisoners due to difficult access. The rooms are numbered Cell No 1, 2, 3 and so on. Four of these cells are now comfortable bedrooms still within a prison setting. They are offered to discerning clients seeking solitude associated with luxury and comfort. The gardens surrounding the rooms are beautifully maintained. Benches strategically placed in the shade provide privacy overlooking the vast seas beyond. Guests are taken by boat to the mainland restaurant for their meals. Our group leader had ordered fried rice with seafood, chicken and a Chinese style vegetable dish. The food was ready on our return from the boat trip. We had a tasty lunch. Though we had a group meal, visitors can order their meals from an a-la-carte menu. Though, the location is somewhat out of the way, many people come here for lunch, to enjoy the tasty food, solitude and the sea.
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Isuru G. 4 years ago on Google
    This is the place amazing view, friendly staff, delicious food & value for money.highly recomand. Reservation may be bit harder but believe me it worth to try. only 4 rooms available in this facility & each for 2 person. 5 min boat ride from main land. I have no words to explain sunset and sunrise. amazing experience for life.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Sudheera S. 1 year ago on Google
    The highlight and main interaction of the Fort Hammenhiel Resort, located at the nearby island. It's an old Dutch Fort used also as a prison converted to a hotel by Navy post-war. If you visit the Resort during the day and provided the weather is good, a visit to the fort is arranged via a Navy boat. The rooms can be booked by anyone but there's a special discount for Navy. It is said (unconfirmed) that the controversial founder of JVP (a communist party) was once imprisoned at this Fort. It's a must visit place for adventurous travellers with a military interest.

  • 4/5 Koculen V. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful little fort in the Indian Ocean, but both roads to Karainagar are quite similar to the landscape in Mars.

  • 5/5 Nuwan S. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s a nice place to visit. If you plan ahead there are few rooms also which maintained by Sri Lanka Navy πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Vyshnavi T. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an ancient building ..maintained well ... And very peaceful place to have meal and rest... Can have a boat ride as well.. f there is a place for swimming....much better ...but actually can have quite good time with family

  • 5/5 Aruna D. 1 year ago on Google
    Butyfull & Historical place

  • 5/5 Piyadi Gamage Roshani P. 1 year ago on Google
    This place had some hidden history which I didn't know. Restaurant had lovely food and great services provided.


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Fort Hammenheil
Hotel
πŸ‘πŸ‘ It's a great scenic place with good customer service and good and tasty food.... The boat trip to the fort cost you Rs. 3500/= and the Navy personals give you a good explanation and tour inside the fort. Truly worth the experience and the long journey there! Do visit it if you come to Jaffna!
4.40 (827 reviews)
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