Known as the City of Singing Fish, Batticaloa is a beach holiday hub brimming with possibilities. Occupying the pristine shorelines of Eastern Sri Lanka this one-stop diver’s haven is a beach paradise laden with white, powdery shores and shallow lagoons ideal for swimming. Travellers in search of a luxurious Pasikuda hotel from which to set out on their excursions will find no finer alternative to the stylish Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa.
Batticaloa’s most coveted asset is of course its crystal clear lagoon, the biodiversity of the Batticaloa Lagoon is further heightened by the size of its confines which stretches on for over 50km. Meeting the Indian Ocean at Kallar and Palameenmadu, the city’s infamous “Singing Fish” are the lagoon’s most famed inhabitants. Audible during the months through April to September, the mysterious sound resembling the plucking of guitar strings can be heard during full moons. Water bird gazing, fishing, snorkelling and birding activities are also available at the venue which is also home to the Batticaloa Lagoon Park where boating and kayaking activities are also organized.
Batticaloa’s most famous beaches are of course Kallady Beach and Passikudah with the former boasting more than 120km of pristine beaches. Surrounded by fishing villages the beauty of Kallady is only surpassed by sunrise scenes in Passikudah where glorious coral reefs dot the sea bed. Windsurfing activities are also available here.
Constructed in 1913 the Batticaloa Light House is the city’s most panoramic observation point. Located on Bar Road the venue affords picturesque views of the lagoon and Kallady Bridge. Hovering above the landscape at a height of 28m the circular tower also houses a red balcony from which visitors can look out over the city.
Built as far back as 1652 the Batticaloa Fort is another point of interest worthy of exploration. Towering above the city the fortress contains 4 bastions, surrounded by two moats and flanked by the ocean in two directions. Home to an ancient stupa the venue also contains a chatra that was built in 1st century B.C considered a relic in the Ruhuna Kingdom.
Just 15km from Batticaloa city centre lies the scenic Unnichchai Tank where swimming and fishing activities are a must. As an agrarian hamlet flanking one of the biggest dams in the eastern province this quaint area of Batticaloa is another must-visit attraction.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.