Sri Lanka’s eastern town of Batticaloa is charming to discover on foot, as you can cover a lot of territory during a stroll and discover many historical attractions as well as quaint local markets, which present a unique glimpse into the vibrant livelihoods of the local people. Make a sightseeing excursion into the town part of your travel itinerary when you base yourself at a quality Sri Lanka resort such as the Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. A popular example of idyllic Sri Lanka honeymoon hotels, you will be pampered and spoiled at this luxury property. Make sure you bring your camera when you go walking into Batticaloa’s colourful interiors, as no sight encountered is ever the same. One popular draw is the local Batticaloa market, otherwise known as the Batticaloa Bazaar. Vibrant piles of vegetables adorn the stalls and you will be spoiled for choice as to where to head first. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available in ample amounts at cheap prices. You will also be able to find fresh fish caught directly from the Batticaloa Lagoon, home of the famous “singing fish”. If you are thirsty, a popular local beverage is Sherbert (a sweet and fruity drink with pieces of fruit and ice), and the stall is easily locatable through the brightly hued rows of bottles neatly arranged at the front, boasting hues from the deepest reds to the lightest yellows. The market is home to an array of spices, which is what makes Sri Lankan food the flavourful experience that it is, so ask about which combinations go into some of the more popular curry mixes, or experiment on your own. With an intriguing selection of handicrafts on offer as well, you can pick up a charming assortment of trinkets and other gifts to take home as souvenirs.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
