The city of Batticaloa lies on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. A lagoon area dotted by many small islands, the town is known as the land of singing fish. This unusual epithet is due to the fact that if visitors were to listen at the waters near the town bridge with the aid of a bamboo pole, a sound which can only be described as the singing of fish can be heard.
Additionally travellers looking for a Pasikuda Hotel need not look any further than the Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa which pays tribute to the traditional mode of fishing in the island and is designed and based in and around this theme.
The lagoon town was a relatively important trading point during the period of the Portuguese rule. Cinnamon, Chillie, Pepper and other items were regularly traded at this point, making Batticaloa an important administrative and trading centre.
Although the Fort is currently referred to as the Dutch Fort in Batticaloa, it was built at the hands of the Portuguese. The landing of the Dutch on the island angered the Portuguese that in 1628, they built the Batticaloa Fort. However 10 years later at the invitation of the Kandyan King of Sri Lanka, the Dutch invaded the island, driving away the Portuguese and assumed control over the Fort and other coastal areas. Despite 20 years of controlling the Fort, the Dutch were forced to handover to the British in 1772 at the time of cessation to Colonial Rule.
With four bastions and solid rock walls, the Fort is an impressive structure from which the city can be viewed. It is protected on two sides by the Lagoon and the other two by a moat. Vestiges of religious influences are obvious inside the Fort through the chatra and stupa which dates back to the 1st century BC.
Presently occupied and used as the offices of the District Secretary, plans are underway to develop the Fort as a museum and conference facility in the future. With its unique architecture, historical significance, remnants of artefacts, the Fort is a must visit for all those travelling through the city. The city’s close proximity to the vastly popular sea side town of Pasikuda is certainly an advantage in its favour.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.