Batticaloa, known fondly by the locals as simply ‘Batti’ refers to a coastal town that sits on the narrow strip of land in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. It has the Indian Ocean to the east and the mighty Batticaloa Lagoon weaving in and around it. The town takes its name from Puliyanduwa, which is derived from the Sinhala name Mada Kalappua, meaning muddy swamp. It also lends its name to the district to which it belongs. The Batticaloa District has several other estuarine lagoons: the Valaichchenai Lagoon and the Vakari Lagoon but the Batticaloa Lagoon is the largest in the area.
To get to Batticaloa you need to travel a little over three hundred kilometres from the country’s capital, Colombo. Many visitors to the town enjoy the beaches in the area and a popular choice is to stay at hotels in Passikudah. A sleepy fishing village a few kilometres northwest of Batticaloa offers the Amethyst Resort Passikudah, which is set on a spectacular beach where the sea stretches on endlessly and is offset by an equally endless blue sky. The East Coast is accessible by car, train or plane should you wish to arrange a private charter.
The Batticaloa Lagoon is an estuarine lagoon, which is known for its extensive mangrove swamps and sea grass beds that appeal to a wide variety of water birds. To learn more about the local flora, fauna and the lagoon’s ecosystem head to the Batticaloa Lagoon Environmental Learning Centre. The centre also features a library, auditorium, works of art which depict the lagoon and a souvenir shop. You can use the centre’s lagoon viewing hall as an observation point or take a boat ride to explore the surroundings. There is a bird viewing tower for birdwatchers. The Muttuwaran Lighthouse, built by the British in 1913 is located where the Batticaloa Lagoon meets the Indian Ocean along the Bar Road.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.