Batticaloa Travel Guide, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is blessed with natural beauty, culture, and history. While destinations like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle remain on on the top spot as the country’s popular destinations, there are numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Among them is the charming city of Batticaloa, located on the eastern coast of the island.

Batticaloa may not be on the mainstream tourist map, but it offers everything. Whether you’re exploring its colonial heritage, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Batticaloa has every reason to be proud.

The name Batticaloa is derived from Portuguese. However, the original name was Matakkalappu (Tamil word). The simple meaning is Flat Lagoon. it also goes by the nickname – “Land of the Singing Fish.”

Batticaloa is linked to the mainland by causeway, bridge, and ferry and by road and railway connections. It is the trading centre for rice, coconuts and other agricultural products from nearby plantations. The town was captured by the Portuguese in 1622, by the Dutch in 1638, and later by the British in 1796. The region was the centre of Tamil separatist activity, and during the 1980s the town was held by Tamil rebels until it was retaken in 1991 by government troops. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).