Tucked away in luscious surroundings, caved in by mountainous terrain, lays Batticaloa the provincial capital of the eastern province. A quick climb of one of the mountains early morning will assure you a glimpse of the glorious sunrise as the day dawns.
The weather in Batticaloa is moderate and remains constant most of the year, but it is one of the hottest places in the country, with a temperature varying between 30° C to 40° C. Nevertheless, a stay in Batticaloa Sri Lanka is a must, especially to experience the warm hospitality of the villagers who welcome every visitor with utmost generosity and kindness.
Things To Do
You will never be at a loss of things to do in Batticaloa, especially given the lovely beaches, being some of the best in the island. Going for a walk early morning at sunrise, along the Batticaloa beach, is a glorious experience. You can even join one of the fishermen on his catamaran and head towards the untouched waters of Passekudah bay. A snorkeling visit to the coral island nearby, infested with exotic corals and reef fish, is a must do.
The Batticaloa beach is also a hub of activity and you can always join in on a game of volley ball or badminton. If you enjoy water sports, you can be a little adventurous and go wind-surfing or kayaking.
Dining at some of the village restaurants has to be on your list of things to do in Batticaloa. Some of the best around the area include Aadavan Suvaiuzthu which is a bright and colourful snack bar and Lakshmi Diner, a local restaurant serving tasty vegetarian dishes. Though it does not by any means offer the most luxurious atmosphere, it is definitely an experience in itself.
Attractions
First on the list of Batticaloa attractions is certainly the glorious Batticaloa beach. The two most popular Batticaloa beaches are the Passekudah and Kalkudah beaches, each offering a unique experience.
Perhaps the most extraordinary and somewhat queer of the Batticaloa attractions is its singing fish. On a full moon night, you can be entertained by the subtle yet distinct humming of a school of ‘choristers’, supposedly emanated from a type of fish found exclusively in the Batticaloa lagoon.
Some of the other popular Batticaloa attractions are the historic lighthouse, known by the villagers as the Muttuwaran lighthouse and located exactly where the Batticaloa lagoon meets the Indian Ocean and the pre-historic rock art of Rajagala which is a mysterious rock jungle, most of it yet awaiting excavation.
