Joanna James
If you fancy fairytale lagoons, post-card idyllic fishing villages, and proud historic landmarks, Batticaloa should hold a foremost place in your travel itinerary. Here are some of the foremost enticements that you don't want to miss out.
Batticaloa is a seaside haven with the waters of its tranquil lagoon spanned by an alluring network of bridges, such as the Lady Manning Bridge, where one can hear the bewitching music of Singing Fish on a full moon night. There is plenty to see on the picturesque islands of the jewel-blue Batticaloa Lagoon, which can be accessed by boat, for instance, the Bone Island is an excellent spot for bird watching. The other two lagoons, Vakari and Valaichchenai, may be smaller but are dense in wildlife that lures in biologists and nature-lovers alike, with the promise of dazzling tropical sunsets, beautiful rice and coconut plantations, and captivating glimpses into local village tradition. The Batti Lagoon Park arranges mesmeric kayak and paddleboat excursions that enable through an exploration of this aquatic ecosystem, and also sports plenty of options from a trampoline park to picnic amenities, for a day of family fun. Other unique activities include helping the local fisherman reel in their daily catch and attending one of the many cooking classes that will yield mouthwatering seafood dishes.
Batticaloa endorses a sense of community like no other seaside settlement in Sri Lanka, despite hosting avant-garde amenities like the lovely Pasikuda beach hotels. Therefore, if you can bring yourself to venture out of your plush seaside resort facing gleaming ocean vistas, like Maalu Maalu, take the chance to tour the nature-kissed inland villages and rustically beautiful town. Some of the must-see attractions include the picture-perfect lighthouse, the Batticaloa Museum full of a potpourri of Colonial artefacts, and the fort itself with its formidable canons, and a medley of Portuguese, Dutch, and British monuments. You can also bike over to attractive hotspots like Unnichchai Tank with its gracious yet functional structure, and take in the sight of wild buffalos and elephants along the forested way. On the outskirts of this gem of a town is the Palameenmadu Eco-park and Sathrukonan sanctuary, where you can feast your binoculars on a thrilling assortment of migratory and endemic birds.
The distinctive velvety sands and multi-hued blue waters of Pasikuda beach and the opposite shoreline that is the turquoise, coral-rich Kalkudah cove are both wonderful for all manner of water sports, from jet skiing and windsurfing to sailing and snorkelling amidst the stunning reefs. Be prepared to revel in the best beach ambiance that the East Coast has to offer, complemented by world-class hospitality and rejuvenating tranquillity, untarnished by crowds.
Located near Kallady Bridge, this gathering of local vendors is the ideal place to procure authentic treasures; from sarees, sarongs and sustainable handicrafts, to traditional sweet treats like curd and treacle, delicious spices and fresh organic produce sold with eco-friendly bags.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
