Have a visit to the Land of the Singing Fish – Batticaloa
Batticaloa is the capital of the eastern province and also the administrative capital of the Batticaloa district of Sri Lanka. Further, Batticaloa is an island that is situated on a flat coastal plain boarded by the Indian Ocean with a nice beach. The name Batticaloa is derived from Portuguese. However, the original name of this region is in Tamil “Matakkalappu”. However, the simple meaning of them is Flat Lagoon.
Batticaloa City has a nickname called “Land of the Singing Fish”. Because some musical sounds that related to an aquatic creature had been heard near the Kallady Bridge in the Batticaloa lagoon on a full moon day. Batticaloa city had caught the Second World War in 1942 and had vandalized its port. Again in 2004 the worst damage that ever occurred due to the Tsunami in the Indian Ocean.
What kind of climate
Batticaloa features always high temperatures. The average temperature of the year is 28c. That can be seen in the months of January, February, March, November, and December. In these periods, it’s neither too hot nor cool, it takes a cloudy nice mood with the sea breeze. But June and July are considered the warmest months in the year, which takes the average temperature around 31c. Also, January is considered the coolest month, which takes an average temperature of 25c. When considering the rainfall, December is the wettest month.
The best time to visit Batticaloa
From November to March is considered as monsoon season. So tourists are a little bit low this season and will be more relaxed. The famous and busiest time is from April to September. That is neither monsoon season nor too warm and hot.
What to explore in Batticaloa
1. Batticaloa Fort
Fort takes the eyes of the tourist who visits Batticaloa. It was built by the Portuguese in 1628. Again in 1638, it was captured by the Dutch and the fort was used by the British from 1745. The fort has four ramparts with impressive thick walls. That is protected by the lagoon on two sides and a canal on the other two sides. Currently, there are several local administrative departments of the Sri Lankan government have been constructed inside the fort due to its reasonable condition until now.
2. Batticaloa Lagoon
One of the long and narrow lagoons situated on the east coast of Sri Lanka is Lagoon. It is a huge estuarine lagoon situated in the Batticaloa district. One side is covered by the lagoon, while the other side is covered by the Indian Ocean. Especially the people surrounding the lagoon used for cultivating rice, coconut, and other crops and also for shrimp farming. The lagoon attracts visitors with its wide variety of water birds.
3. Kallady Bridge
The longest bridge in Sri Lanka is the Kallady Bridge, which crosses the lagoon. This bridge was built during British colonial rule by the British Governor of Ceylon, William Manning in 1924. He named this bridge Lady Manning Bridge in honor of his wife. And this is the bridge that is associated with the legend of Batticaloa’s singing fish. In 2013 a new bridge parallel to the old bridge was opened to the public. Then at present, it is a part of the A4 Colombo-Batticaloa highway.
4. Lighthouse
The place where you can see the nice scenery around the Lighthouse. That was built in 1913 and it’s 28 meters high. The lighthouse is located near the estuary in Palameenmadu. From the top, you can visit marvelous surroundings, Estuary, Beach, Eco park, Lagoons, and small Islands. It is a nice area for cycling and walking too.
5. Amazing Beaches Around Batticaloa
Enjoy a nice long walk on Kallady Beach, which is situated outside of Batticaloa city. In addition to the Kallady beach, you can visit the Thiruchentoor Hindu temple. It was damaged by the tsunami and then it was rebuilt.
An amazing sight to see with the sea and palm trees and a nice natural beach with soft sand. That is situated 40 minutes away from Batticaloa is Kalkudah and Passikudah. The best beach for windsurfing, bathing, water skiing, and sailing is near Batticaloa.
Have a Tour Around Batticaloa Sri Lanka
When you are driving from Trincomalee to Arugam Bay. You will find the Batticaloa. it is in vain to do only a day tour to Batticaloa. You have a good chance to visit many other beautiful and historic places on your way to visit Batticaloa. We can offer you some best tour packages that we have including Batticaloa.
Where to Stay in Batticaloa
Luxury: Experience true paradise on the east coast of Sri Lanka at the luxurious and intimate. Anantaya Resort and Spa Passikudah, Anilana Passikuda, Sunrise by Jetwing, Amaya Beach Passikudah.
Medium: Good availability and great rates. Read hotel reviews and choose the best hotel deal for your stay. Like Beach House Resort, city lagoon guest house, and Naval beach villa.
Budget: Best budget accommodation. Nice areas to relax, Riviera resort, hotel Chathuna.
Batticaloa Travel Guide Summary
Stop your vehicle for a few moments at the land of the singing fish named Batticaloa Island during your tour in Sri Lanka. You may not leave without staying even one night at the flat coastal plain that is boarded by the Indian Ocean. That is called Batticaloa due to its beauty, which consists of an Estuary, beach, Eco park, Lagoons, Batticaloa nice city, and small Islands.
