Batticaloa, or “Batti” as it is fondly known to the locals, is a vibrant seaside town on Sri Lanka’s scenic eastern coastline. Synonymous with pristine beaches, singing fish and vibrant attractions, Batticaloa is a world of experiences waiting to be discovered and explored. The town is most famous for its close proximity to Pasikudah beach, which allows visitors to walk up to mile out to sea through the crystal-clear shallow waters that are knee-deep. An ideal place to kick up your heels and soak in the sun and surf, you will enjoy staying in a hotel in Pasikuda such as the Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. An intriguing Sri Lanka resort, this property promises to spoil its guest with the best of Sri Lankan island hospitality. When you’re in the area, venture into Batticaloa town to sample a unique range of cultural attractions. The 17th century Dutch Fort is one of the finest trademarks of Dutch colonial influence and this unique locale is located in the heart of Batti’s town in the Puliyanthivu area, which is home to many of the city’s historic landmarks. Some key attractions full of historical allure for the curious tourist are the Batticaloa Gate, St. Michael’s, the grand St. Mary’s Cathedral and the impressive Jami-Us-Salam Jummah Masjid. Venture to the top of Batticaloa’s iconic lighthouse for a beautiful panorama of the town’s skyline. If you fancy a bout of shopping, head over to Koddamunai, where you can experience the exotic sights, sounds and scents of the famous Batticaloa Market. Pick up some local spices and herbs to enhance your next cooking adventure, or purchase a few handicrafts and knick-knacks as souvenirs for yourself, or for the folks back home. Remember to also visit the Handloom & Handicraft Sales Centre, which features a vibrant array of sarongs, shirts, table cloths and other items to add a splash of tropical colour to your décor. Walk along Lady Manning Drive and take a breather whilst you sip a refreshing lassi or juice at Café Chill to round off a successful round of sightseeing. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, take a bike ride and explore the breathtaking beauty of Sino Uppodai Lagoon, a haven for nature lovers, and bird watchers will enjoy visiting the small islands off-shore to witness the colourful avian life. Whatever floats your experiential boat, Batticaloa will transport you to a world of adventure like none other!
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.
