Batticaloa

Discover Batticaloa – The University Town of the East Coast

Batticaloa is a scenic coastal city located on Sri Lanka’s eastern shore, about 111 kilometers from Trincomalee via the Trincomalee Highway and 314 kilometers from Colombo. Known as a university town, Batticaloa is also renowned for its proximity to idyllic beach destinations like Pasikudah and Arugam Bay.

The name Batticaloa is derived from a Portuguese mispronunciation of the original Tamil term "Matakkalappu", meaning muddy swamp.

Tours to Batticaloa

Batticaloa can easily be visited as a day excursion or overnight trip from Trincomalee. Travel & Culture Services offers various tour options and hotel packages in the region.

Hotels in Batticaloa

The city is known for its affordable accommodations and welcoming hospitality. Some recommended hotels include:

• Hotel East Lagoon
  Located along the beautiful Batticaloa Lagoon, this hotel offers peaceful lodging just 10 minutes from the city center. Guests rave about its large pool and excellent food.

• Sea View Resort
  Offering air-conditioned rooms and 24-hour front desk service, this resort includes flat-screen TVs in every room.

• Hotel Chathuna
  A centrally located hotel with comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an in-house restaurant.

• Pooja Lake Queen Inn
  A serene guesthouse in a peaceful area near the lake.

• White Doe Hotel
  Budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Batticaloa.

• NTB Green House Star
  This hotel includes a bar and cocktail service, and is popular with both local and international travelers.

Batticaloa Lagoon & Islands

Batticaloa is famous for its picturesque lagoon, which includes several islands such as Puliayantheevu, Buffaloa Island, and Bone Island. These islands are connected by numerous bridges, the most prominent being the Lady Manning Bridge at Kallady.

Kallady is also known for the mystical "singing fish" phenomenon—musical sounds that can be heard from the lagoon during full moon nights. This unique natural occurrence was recorded by Father Lang and broadcast in the 1960s on the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

Beaches of Batticaloa

The city boasts a 4-kilometer stretch of sandy beaches, including the tranquil Kallady Beach, which draws large crowds. Nearby, the pristine beaches of Pasikudah and Kalkudah remain largely unspoiled.

Pasikudah Bay, protected from the ocean, is especially safe for swimming, with a flat, sandy seabed extending 150–200 meters from the shore. It's an ideal destination for beginner swimmers and those seeking peace and rejuvenation amidst natural beauty.

Climate

Batticaloa experiences a tropical wet and dry (monsoonal) climate. Temperatures stay moderate year-round, averaging 32°C (88°F) during the warmer months of March to May. The monsoon season, from November to February, brings heavy rainfall, and temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F). Annual rainfall averages 1,400 mm (55 in).

City Districts

Batticaloa is divided into four major areas:

• Pullianthivu – Home to government offices, banks, schools, the General Hospital, religious institutions, and NGOs such as UNICEF, ICRC, and World Vision.

• Koddamunai – Known for its telecom offices, schools, shops, and government departments.

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