Batticaloa

Batticaloa (Tamil: மட்டக்களப்பு, Sinhala: මඩකලපුව) is a city in Northeastern Sri Lanka, 301 km away from the country's capital, Colombo.

Understand
It is the administrative capital of the Batticaloa District. On the east coast, it shares borders with Trincomalee, Ampara and Polonnaruwa. The city and the district suffered due to civil war and natural disasters, such as tsunami, cyclone, and flood.

Rice and coconuts are the two staples of the district, and steamers trading round the island call regularly at the port. The lagoon is famous for its "singing fish," supposed to be shell-fish which give forth musical notes.

Hinduism is the major religion of Batticaloa. Batticaloa has historically been a centre of Portuguese Burgher culture, supported in the modern era by the Catholic Burgher Union. In the 1980s, despite Burger emigration to Australia, the Union still numbered some 2,000 speakers of Sri Lankan Portuguese, making them the largest community still speaking the dialect

Climate
Batticaloa has a tropical wet and dry climate that is temperate throughout the year. From March to May, the warmest time of the year, the maximum temperature averages around 32 °C (88 °F). During the monsoon season from November to February heavy rains are recorded, with average temperature of 25 °C.

By bus
The bus station is in the centre of city, known as "Puluyanthivu" and buses travel from major cities of Sri Lanka to Batticaloa.

By rail
The train station is about 1 km from town. One sleeper train per day leaves Colombo at 7pm and arrives at Batticaloa at 4am. A 2nd class seat costs 3340 and a 1st class sleeper costs LKR 4350. Tickets can be booked in advance from 12go. There is also one day-time train each direction each day.

By plane
Cinnamon Air provides daily scheduled flights that leave Colombo City (Waters Edge) and reach Batticaloa in 45 minutes. One-way fare per person is US$230 plus tax.

Get around
Batticaloa is a very compact town, so is easily walkable. Tuk-tuks are available for, but agree on a price before departing. A rule of thumb is LKR 50 per kilometre. Also, Sri Lankan Transport Board buses and private bus/van service are available.

Do

 * Swimming, especially at Pasikudah beach, which has calm water.
 * Boat travel from Batticaloa lighthouse to Batticaloa Fort (about 3 km) is recommended.
 * Bird watching could possible if you arrange a local guide. Seasonal/migrating birds visit during particular months. Kudumbimalai (literal translation "Hair-knot-rock") is a recommended place for bird watching.
 * The traditional folk dance called “kuthu” is performed during Hindu festivals or other special events.

Buy

 * Batticaloa shops have local souvenirs, which represent Batticaloa, with drawings of “singing fish” – a mythical image of a mermaid. Batticaloa known as “Land of Singing Fish”.

Eat

 * Prawn, crab curd and cashew nuts are famous in Batticaloa. Seafood is common. Sri Lankan and Indian cuisines are available, including Western food at hotels.
 * Tropical fruits would available in particular seasons.

Drink

 * Tap water is mostly from wells, and its quality has declined as of 2020, mainly due to contamination by agricultural run-off. Stick to Bottled water. Coconut water is also common and beer and toddy are available.

Hospitals
List of major hospitals and health care centres in Batticaloa town:



Pharmacies
List of pharmacies in Batticaloa town:



Stay safe
On 21 April 2019 the Zion Church was targeted by militant Islamic suicide bombers. At least 28 people were reported dead.

Go next

 * Arugam Bay, about 85 km south from Batticaloa, is situated on the Indian Ocean in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Two daily direct buses at 6AM and 10AM. Rs.135, 5-6 hours. Stops for 1 hour in the town of Akuraivili. Tuk-tuks offer to take travellers directly from there to Arugam Bay for Rs.1500, but you could just wait for an hour for the bus to continue and not spend any additional money. The bus ride ends in town of Putuveli, which is about 3-5 km to most guesthouses in Arugam Bay. Tuk-tuks ask for Rs.200-300, but Rs.150 is fair price. Or you could walk if no luggage; it's pleasant and flat.
 * Pasikudah is a popular tourist destination, 35 km north, with beaches and flat year-round warm-water shallow-lagoons. There are inexpensive hotels and food.
 * Polonnaruwa, west of Batticaloa, is an ancient capital city of Sri Lanka and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has ruins and bird- and elephant-watching places. Also, it connects with popular sites of Sigiriya amd Dambulla.
 * Trincomalee