Batticaloa

Located in the eastern coast of the island, the city of Batticaloa is one of the more multicultural cities in the island that also showcase the colonial heritage of the country. From the Portuguese to British, and to the many places of worship and amazing beaches, Batticaloa is an idyllic beach getaway that possesses many attractions.

Batticaloa Dutch Fort

Built in the year 1628 by the Portuguese, the Batticaloa Fort is one of the few remaining strongholds of what once was the result of rapid European expansionism that took place during the 17th century. Located on the island of Puliyanthivu, the Batticaloa Fort has switched hands between several colonial powers, namely from the Portuguese to the Dutch in the year 1638, and from the Dutch to the British in the year 1745. It was used as an important administrative complex during the British colonial era, and still houses many functional government buildings. Intriguingly, the Batticaloa Fort was destroyed at one point, after it was captured by the Dutch, as it was initially deemed unnecessary. The Dutch realising its importance decided to rebuild the fort in 1665, and included some new additions, such as fortified bastions.

Batticaloa Lagoon

One of the many natural attractions in Batticaloa, the Batticaloa Lagoon is a vast water body in which many florae and fauna thrive. From the many bird species to the marine species that dwell underwater, there is quite a lot to see and do when you explore the vastness of the lagoon. One of the highlights when you do take a tour around, is the local lifestyles that can be witnessed when the fishermen go about in their Oruwas (outrigger canoes) to find their fresh catch of the day. In fact, some of the best lagoon shrimp and lagoon crab are fished out of these very waters.

Batticaloa Gate

An Important Monument -
Located within the peaceful confines of the Mahatma Gandhi Park, the Batticaloa Gate is one of the few historic monuments in the island of Puliyanthivu. Although a recent addition in the city of Batticaloa, it commemorates the arrival of Methodism in the city of Batticaloa. It is believed that it is in the island of Puliyanthivu that the first Methodist missionary arrived at Batticaloa in the form of Rev. William Ault in 1814 to establish and preach the peaceful teachings. Due to the significant Methodist community that dwells within the city, the Batticaloa Gate was built in memory of the historic event.

Light house

The Lighthouse`s Significance -
The Batticaloa Lighthouse, located in the suburb of Paalameenmadu, is a vestige that reminds many visitors of the colonial heritage that still reverberates throughout the city. Built in 1913 by the British administration, the Batticaloa Lighthouse was made to guide many sailors coming from afar during the days of old. As it is built on the eastern-most point of the suburb, the lighthouse sits directly in the crossroads where the Batticaloa Lagoon meets the Indian Ocean, making the 28-metre-high structure visible to any and all ships coming in from the east. The complex also is a park for many families and friends to just relax, while basking in the picturesque views of the lagoon and the ocean.

Kallady Beach

Located a few kilometres away from the city centre, the Kallady Beach is an idyllic beach to just relax and bask in the serene views of the Indian Ocean. The beach is relatively calm and enticing to engage in many water sports activities.

Kallady Bridge

History of the Bridge –
The Kallady Bridge that connects the suburb of Kallady to the main city of Batticaloa, is a unique bridge that is shrouded in history and legend. Built in 1924, the bridge was officially called the Lady Manning Bridge in memory of the wife of William Manning, who was the Governor of Ceylon at the time, and was the longest iron bridge in Sri Lanka. The bridge was a major route for almost a hundred years in which an average of 10,000 vehicles would cross the narrow bridge daily. As a result, this bridge also became the island`s oldest iron bridge in operation. However, in 2013 the local authorities decided to make a newer and wider bridge that can accommodate more vehicles, thus leading the old bridge to be used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Market

Batticaloa`s market is on Lady Manning Drive, near the lagoon and the white bridge in Koddamunai. There is an outlet of the Palmyrah Development Board for you to buy locally made handicraft.