Joanna James
Lying approximately 81 miles Southeast of Trincomalee, Batticaloa is a slow-paced town that is on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It offers an array of distinct cultural aspects and a plethora of locations that brim with natural beauty, which never fails to enchant its visitors.
Nestled amidst lush greenery and sparkling lagoons is the historical Dutch Fort of Batticaloa. It has been built by the Portuguese during the 1620s only to be captured later by the Dutch on 18th May 1638. It was even used by the British when they were colonising Sri Lanka. Located less than an hour away from several Pasikuda hotels the likes of Uga Bay, this iconic structure features four bastions. It is protected on two sides by the Batticaloa lagoon while a canal surrounds the other sides. The Dutch Fort in Batticaloa, a coming together of charmingly beautiful architecture and history, remains in reasonable condition to this day, housing several administrative departments of the country's government.
In its three storeys, the Heritage Museum of Kattankudy speaks of a culture that has evolved over the centuries. It primarily exhibits the rich cultural heritage of the Muslim community in the region, and also of the local Arab traders through fascinating models, displays, recreations, and artefacts. These exhibits provide a thorough understanding of the culture of early Muslim settlers who were granted refuge in these parts that are now known as Kattankudy.
St. Mary's Cathedral is a historical and religious landmark in the Batticaloa district in Sri Lanka. It is the cathedral church belonging to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Batticaloa in Puliyanthivu. Someone by the name of Paschal Mudaliyar has taken the initial steps to build this iconic building that is the namesake of the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the saviour in the Catholic Faith. With a façade that is one shade lighter than the blue sky that is sprawled above, this quaint architectural property can be accessed within a short time from the main bus stand in Batticaloa.
A long beautiful beach strip where tourists can enjoy some uninterrupted few hours by themselves, the Kallady Beach is a must-visit attraction in Batticaloa. It is a great location where early-risers can enjoy a stunningly beautiful sunrise. The beach also carries sombre reminders of the Boxing Day Tsunami that wreaked havoc in the country in 2004. One can even witness some debris that is encompassed by short picket fences to commemorate this disastrous event. On the way to the Kallady Beach, one may observe the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, which is another remnant of the tsunami. It is peculiar to see the two split halves of this Hindu temple lying on the ground. The sheer force of the tsunami waves has located them at an odd angle.
A vast body of water that is an absolute feast to the eyes, Batticalao Lagoon is an enrapturing natural attraction in Sri Lanka, out of which many flora and fauna draw their lifeblood. From bird species that rule the green vegetation to the schools of marine lives that dwell beneath its waters, there are many things to explore when touring around this place. A glimpse into the local livelihood can be experienced at this lagoon as the fishermen cast their nets from their canoes to find their daily catch. It is said that the best of lagoon crab and shrimp in Sri Lanka are caught from this lagoon.
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.
