Batticaloa and the east coast offer lagoons, a Dutch fort and calm beaches without the crowds. Here is how to plan a visit.
On a still night in Batticaloa, fishermen say you can hear the lagoon sing. Whether you believe it or not, it is a good reason to visit.
Batticaloa is one of the east coast's most overlooked towns. It suits travellers who want calm beaches, local life and a quieter side of Sri Lanka.
Most visitors head straight to the south coast. The east, by contrast, sees far fewer tourists, and its season runs from May to September, when the south and west are wetter. That makes Batticaloa and nearby beaches a smart choice for summer travellers.
The lagoon. Batticaloa sits on a large lagoon crossed by bridges. Take a boat ride at dawn to see fishermen at work and wading birds in the shallows.
The singing fish. The famous "singing fish" sound is said to be heard from the lagoon near Kallady Bridge on full moon nights between April and September. Local families will happily tell you their version of the story.
Batticaloa Fort. A small Dutch fort surrounded by the lagoon on three sides. It houses government offices, but you can walk the grounds and see the old walls.
Temples, churches and mosques. The town is a mix of Tamil, Muslim and Burgher communities. Colourful kovils and old churches sit within a few streets of each other.
About an hour north, Passikudah has a long, shallow bay where you can walk out a long way in calm, clear water. It is ideal for families. Neighbouring Kalkudah is wilder and emptier.
Try fresh lagoon prawns, crab and fish curry cooked with tamarind. Breakfast might be string hoppers with sothi, a mild coconut gravy. Look out for buffalo curd with kithul treacle sold along the roads.
Batticaloa fits well between Trincomalee in the north and Arugam Bay in the south. From the Cultural Triangle, it is about 3 hours by road.
Travelling from the east coast to the hill country, many routes can be adjusted to include Ratnapura, Sri Lanka's gem capital. A morning at a traditional gem pit adds depth to any tour. Our Classic Gem Journey shows how it works.
Dress modestly in town, especially near places of worship.
Tourist facilities are simpler than in the south. Carry cash.
Avoid swimming during the northeast monsoon, roughly November to January.
Sri Lanka Travel Tours plans east coast trips that link Batticaloa, Passikudah and Trincomalee with the Cultural Triangle, so you see the island's quieter side without the long, confusing transfers. Get in touch to plan your route.
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