Activities and Adventures in Batticaloa
A district located on the eastern boundary of sunny Sri Lanka, Batticaloa is a coastal hideaway perfect for quick weekend getaways. The city plays host to a number of significant tourist sites and features the expansive Batticaloa Lagoon which winds its way throughout the town. Located on an island ripe with lush greenery and seaside treasures including the famous Kallady beach, Batticaloa is the place to hit up if you want to engage in a range of exciting activities, but also catch up on some serious RnR.
Occasionally referred to as the ‘Land of the Singing Fish’, Batticaloa town is the administrative capital of the district and where most tourist attractions of the area are concentrated. If you’re looking to get away from the highly populated and hyped beaches of the South, escaping to the East Coast for a quieter seaside experience is a great idea. You can visit the famous Kallady Beach, a long stretch of undisturbed coastline leading to the turquoise estuary in Navalady, where the Batticaloa Lagoon finds its way into the Indian Ocean. If you’re after more picturesque views and resort style relaxation, you can hit up the Pasikudah Beach instead, approximately 35 km away from Batticaloa town. Pasikudah is a popular tourist destination, not least due to its luxurious resorts and warm water shallow lagoons, a site of perfect tranquility and summery bliss.
If you’re a water sport enthusiast or just possess an affinity for water related activities, Batticaloa is the perfect place for you. Kalkudah and Pasikudah are popular sites for snorkelling and swimming. If you’re an experienced sea swimmer you can also catch the waves at the Kallady Beach, which is know to possess somewhat stronger waves than the other areas mentioned above. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous you can always schedule a dive into the ocean, and witness some breathtaking sights of the marine life and pastel shaded corals inhabiting the ocean bed. You can also explore the underwater wreckage of the historic HMS Hermes, which was the first purpose built aircraft carrier in the world, bombed by the Japanese during World War II. The Batticaloa Lagoon is another hotspot for other water sports and boat tours, including paddle boating, kayaking, swan boat and motor boat rides. These services are generally provided by the Lagoon Park and the Light House Sports Club in town, and can be arranged with relative ease. You can also take a serene ride at nighttime and hear the famous singing fish, who emit musical notes through vibration between the months of April and September.
The Kallady Bridge is another prominent feature of the city. Joining the land over the Batticaloa Lagoon, it forms a part of the A4 Colombo-Batticaloa Highway. The older Lady Manning Bridge was built in 1924 to honour the wife of British Governor of Ceylon, William Manning. A remnant of the colonial history and heritage of Sri Lanka, it was the oldest and longest iron bridge in the country at the time. The new bridge was proposed in 2006, built to run parallel to its older counterpart. While its construction was somewhat delayed, the new bridge was declared open in 2013.
If you’re also keen to experience some of Batticaloa’s biodiversity and natural wonders, simply head to its Eco-Park. Located in proximity to the town’s lighthouse, the park is the perfect spot for a family outing or a pleasant stroll on a cool evening. The park contains a children’s play area, an access path to the beach, as well as a 50 foot tower ideal for spotting some of the locality’s birds, in addition to witnessing some stunning views of the nearby beach, lagoon and sea. Enjoy a restful day with your family and get to cooking or organising a few games under the shady haven of the trees in the park.
If you’re looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or just want to spend a quiet and restful holiday, Batticaloa is growing to accommodate top notch hotels and rest houses to cater to your every need. Among these, the Riviera Resort is the most notable. With impeccable service and a delectable range of continental and local dishes, unwind to some breathtaking views of the lagoon at dusk over a glass of wine, at this little enclosure of comfort and indulgence.
Want more information on what you can do and see in Batticaloa? Get in touch with us and we’ll be sure to respond with more suggestions of fun activities to undertake on your holiday! Check out our sections below for some of the countless other things you can see and do in nearby areas.