Batticaloa Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Facts and practical information

Batticaloa, located on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, is a city that boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Known for its pristine beaches, lagoons, and historical sites, Batticaloa is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

One of the main attractions in Batticaloa is its beautiful beaches. With crystal clear waters and soft golden sands, the beaches here offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can relax under the shade of palm trees, soak up the sun, or take a refreshing dip in the ocean. The beaches are also a popular spot for water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing, providing plenty of excitement for adventure enthusiasts.

In addition to its beaches, Batticaloa is famous for its picturesque lagoons. The Batticaloa Lagoon, one of the largest lagoons in Sri Lanka, is a stunning natural wonder that stretches for miles. Visitors can take a boat ride along the lagoon, explore its mangrove forests, and spot a variety of bird species that call this place home. The lagoon is also a great spot for fishing, and visitors can witness the traditional fishing techniques employed by the locals.

For history buffs, Batticaloa offers a glimpse into the past with its historical sites. The Dutch Fort, built during the colonial era, is a well-preserved structure that stands as a testament to the city's colonial heritage. The Kallady Bridge, another historical landmark, is a picturesque bridge that connects Batticaloa to the mainland. Walking across the bridge provides panoramic views of the lagoon and is a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.

Batticaloa is also known for its vibrant culture, which is a blend of Tamil, Sinhalese, and Muslim influences. Visitors can explore the colorful Hindu temples, experience traditional Tamil cuisine, and witness cultural festivals that are celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor. The city is also home to a bustling market where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts, spices, and fresh produce.

Local name: මඩකලපුව නගරය Population: 86.7 thous. (2019)Elevation: 33 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 7°43'5"N, 81°42'4"E

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Region: BatticaloaSri Lanka

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Batticaloa Top Attractions

Batticaloa Attractions - What to See and Explore

Batticaloa offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Batticaloa Lighthouse, Batticaloa fort, Kallady Bridge, Batticaloa Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse
Batticaloa Lighthouse
Batticaloa Lighthouse is a lighthouse in Sri Lanka, situated near the estuary in Palameenmadu. It was built in 1913 and is 28 meters high.
Ruins of a waterside fort built in 1628
Batticaloa fort
The Batticaloa Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1628 and was captured by the Dutch on 18 May 1638. From 1795, the fort was used by the British.
Bridge
Kallady Bridge
Kallady Bridge is a road bridge in eastern Sri Lanka. It crosses the Batticaloa Lagoon at Batticaloa. The bridge is part of the A4 Colombo-Batticaloa highway.

Museum
Batticaloa Museum
Batticaloa Museum is a small museum, which is located in inside of Batticaloa Fort, Batticaloa. It was founded in 1999. The museum has rare stuff such as Palm-leaf manuscripts, British era government items, tools and utensils.
Church
Church of Our Lady of Presentation
Church of Our Lady of Presentation is a church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Batticaloa in Thandavanveli. The church is one of a landmarks and catholic historical places in the district of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. According to the recorded documents, it is known as the first and oldest church in the district.
Bridge
Batticaloa Gate
Batticaloa Gate is monument, which was used as port to connect Puliyanthivu with the mainland of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. The place believed as landing site of Rev. William Ault, who was the first Methodist missionary to Batticaloa, in 1814. His statue can be seen closer to the Batticaloa Gate.
7°42'30"N • 81°41'38"E
Anaipanthi Pillaiyar Kovil
Temple

Day trips

Batticaloa – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Batticaloa, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Manampitiya Bridge (Flood Plains National Park), Peace Pagoda (Ampara), Somawathiya Chaitya (Somawathiya National Park).

44 milesW
Bridge
Manampitiya Bridge, Flood Plains National Park
Manampitiya Bridge is the second longest bridge in Sri Lanka with a length of 302 metres. It comprises 2 bridges, an early-twentieth-century steel bridge which is used for railway and a newly built bridge carrying 2 lanes of highway. Before the Kinniya Bridge was declared open in 2009, it was the longest bridge in Sri Lanka.
30 milesS
Memorial
Peace Pagoda, Ampara
Ampara Peace Pagoda is one of a number of Peace Pagodas in the world, built since World War II and designed to promote the non-violence in the community and unite them in their search for world peace. It is located in Ampara, a small town located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and is one of the Ampara's most prominent landmarks.
46 milesNW
Sacred and religious sites, Temple
Somawathiya Chaitya, Somawathiya National Park
The Somawathiya Chaitya is a Buddhist Stupa situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Chaitya premises is called the Somawathiya Rajamaha Viharaya.
32 milesS
Lighthouse
Oluvil Lighthouse
Oluvil Lighthouse is a lighthouse situated on the southern east coast of Sri Lanka at Oluvil, which is located approximately 12 km south of Kalmunai. The lighthouse is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
19 milesNW
Bridge
Oddamavadi Bridge
Oddamavadi Bridge is a road bridge in Oddamavadi, Sri Lanka a length of 250 meters. It crosses the Valaichchenai Lagoon at Batticaloa. The bridge is part of the A15 Batticaloa-Trincomallee highway.