Batticaloa

• • Batticaloa Fort — This fort was built by the Portuguese in 1628 and was the first to be captured by the Dutch in 1638. Later, the fort was used by the British from 1745. It now contains government administration offices.
• • Kallady Bridge — This bridge was built in 1924 during British colonial rule. The bridge was named Lady Manning Bridge in honour of the wife of William Manning, the British Governor of Ceylon. It was the oldest and longest iron bridge in Sri Lanka.
• • Batticaloa Lighthouse — This lighthouse near the estuary in Palameenmadu was built in 1913 and is 28 metres high. It's around 5 km from Batticaloa city, on Bar Road.
• • Gandhi Park & Batticaloa Gate — The Batticaloa Gate is a monument which was used as port to connect the town called Puliyanthivu (island) with the mainland of Batticaloa. This is believed to have been the landing site of Rev William Ault, who was the first Methodist missionary to Batticaloa, in 1814. Batticaloa Gate is a part of Gandhi Park. Within the closest area, public library and fountain park can be accessible.
• • Pasikudah beach — This is a coastal resort town located about 35 km northwest of Batticaloa town. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for its calm water body and resorts & hotels
• • Heritage Museum

• 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.

• 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.
• • RN Buffet & Take Away — Small place with authentic Italian food — Address: 3rd Street Covington's Rd — Directions: Old Batti
• • Sunshine Bakery — Sri Lankan, Indian & Western food and snack — Address: 136,Trinco Road — Phone: +94 65 492 7927

• 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.

• 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”.
• • Cargill Food City (1) — Address: 67, St. Anthony's Street, Batticaloa — Phone: +94 65 2227680 — Email: fc.batticaloa@cargillsceylon.com — Website: http://www.cargillsceylon.com
• • Cargill Food City (2) — Address: No.03, Gnanasooriyam Square, Trinco Road, Batticaloa — Phone: +94 65 2228819 — Email: fc.batticaloa2@cargillsceylon.com — Website: http://www.cargillsceylon.com

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

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.

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