Joanna James
Out of many cities and towns in the vicinity of Passikuda, Batticaloa is prominent due to its diversity. This is a list of places you can visit during your stay in Passikuda.
Puliyanthivu area is a relaxed, laid back town of sorts that gives off strong vibes of its colonial past. You can explore the area by simply walking through the streets, and observing the colonial architecture that is present even today. Iconic places to visit in Puliyanthivu are the St. Michael's College, the Methodist Church, St. Anthony's Church, St. Mary's Cathedral, Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar Hindu temple, Jami-Us-Salem Jummah Masjid, and the Batticaloa Gate. The Methodist Church was built in 1838 and still, stands strong in its original glory. There is a sense of serenity that prevails inside the Church as if its air is untainted by the conflicts that went on about it. St. Anthony's Church has Mexican undertones in its earthly built while St. Mary's Cathedral is more of a recent built, having being reconstructed in 1994. The gopuram of Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar temple is magnificent, while the mosque is visually pleasing.
There are many a Dutch Fort in Sri Lanka. Having been under the rule of three different nationalities for over two centuries, each has left their lasting impression on the island, the Forts being one of the Dutch. As is the case with all the Dutch Forts in Sri Lanka, the one on Batticaloa is also a great architectural feat, bordering the sea on one side, and having gutters to prevent unwanted entry in all the others. You can still see the ramparts, the bastions, and even some of the original statues within the Fort. However, the condition of the Dutch Fort in Batticaloa is not as great as that of the one in Galle. Although many tourists do visit this Fort, it is not the tourist hub that is its Galle sibling. The thirty-year war, sea erosion, and neglect of many years have done irrevocable damage to the artefact. However, it is now preserved under the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka.
Located 4km from the Batticaloa town, the Batti Lagoon Park is the first lagoon park to be established in Eastern Sri Lanka. It is a fun place for the entire family. There are swan boat rides, kayaking, various water sports, and even cycle rentals so that you can explore the area to your heart's content. Many a tourist board approved Sri Lanka resort is also found within the Batti Lagoon Park premises, if you are looking for simple accommodation for a night.
The market in Batticaloa is the place to go when you want to buy something authentic to take home with you. You have palmyra palm jaggery, wooden spoons, and housewares, coconut shell souvenirs, as well as a number of fresh tropical fruit. It is best that you come with someone who speaks the local language, though, to avoid the hassle. If you are staying at a high-end hotel like Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, you can always ask them for advice on approaching a translator as finding a guide on your own might be difficult.
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