Batticaloa

城市概覽

Batticaloa is the capital of the district of the same name. The town itself began on Puliyanthivu, an island in the lagoon, which is now linked to the mainland by three road bridges. This island contains the old town and many of the historical attractions. Today, Batticaloa is a regional trading hub, especially for local crops of rice and coconuts. This strategically-located town has been fought over many times, and was first captured the Portuguese in 1622. The Dutch took it in 1638, and were ousted by the British in 1796. The LTTE (Tamil separatists) controlled the area during the 1980s until it was retaken in 1991 by government troops. The area suffered immensely from the December 2004 tsunami. The lagoon is famous for its "singing fish", thought thought to be a type of fish releases air from a swim-bladder, which creates different "songs". This phenomenon has been documented since the colonial era but the details remain hazy. Research into the phenomenon was suspended during the civil war, at first because the government was no longer in control of the area, and later when the lagoon was made off-limits after a nightly curfew. If you go on a tour of the lagoon late at night, the boatman will cut the motor and hand you an oar. You dip the oar in the water, press your ear to the handle end, and listen. Traditionally, local fishermen have navigated the lagoon at night by the different sounds they hear in the water. 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. Now, only around 100 families still speak it, as the community has struggled to retain its identity and English and Sinhala have largely replaced the creole. Although it is the second-most populo

如何抵達

By bus The main bus station is in the old town, on the north shore of Puluyanthivu island. Route 48 public buses to/from Colombo (Bastian Mwatha) can be found at the Arsadi Clock Tower south of the railway station. Buses depart regularly between 05:30 and midnight. A semi-luxury daytime bus travels from Colombo to Batticaloa (Rs. 1500), as does a super luxury night bus (Rs. 2500), both taking 8 hours. Both can be booked on Bus Seat.

By rail The train station is on the mainland, a little over 1 km north of the old town. One sleeper train per day leaves Colombo at 19:00 and arrives at Batticaloa at 04:00. A 2nd class seat costs Rs. 3340 and a 1st class sleeper costs Rs. 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 (Bandaranaike International Airport) and reach Batticaloa in 45 minutes. One-way fares per person are in the range US$120-157 depending on season.

當地交通

The old town is very compact, so is easily walkable. Tuk-tuks are available, but agree on a price before departing. A rule of thumb is Rs. 100 per kilometre. Also, public Sri Lankan Transport Board buses and private bus/van service are available.

必看景點

1 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. 2 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. 3 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.

4 Gandhi Park & Batticaloa Gate. The Batticaloa Gate is a monument commemmorating the former port which connected the old town on the island of Puliyanthivu (island) with the mainland. 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. (updated Aug 2025) 5 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. (updated Jul 2017)

Religious places 6 Mamanga Pillaiyar Temple. This is a popular Hindu shrine, where an annual pilgrimage occurs during July/August. 7 St Mary's Cathedral. This neo-Gothic cathedral is the main Catholic church in Batticaloa diocese. (updated Jun 2025)

體驗活動

Hotels and travel agents can organise singing fish tours. Around Rs. 1500 pp, minimum 2, maximum 8 per boat. After 22:00, duration around 1 hour. The singing fish are best heard when skies are clear, although hearing them cannot be guaranteed. Swimming, especially at Pasikudah beach, which has calm water. Boat travel from Batticaloa lighthouse to Batticaloa Fort (about 3 km) is recommended. Bird watching with local guide. Seasonal & migrating birds visit the area. Kudumbimalai (literally "Hair-knot-rock") is a recommended place for bird watching. Watch the traditional folk dance kuthu being performed during Hindu festivals or other special events.

購物

Batticaloa shops have local souvenirs, which represent Batticaloa, with drawings of “singing fish” – a mythical image of a mermaid. Cargill Food City (1), 67, St. Anthony's Street, Batticaloa, ☏ +94 65 2227680, [email protected]. Cargill Food City (2), No.03, Gnanasooriyam Square, Trinco Road, Batticaloa, ☏ +94 65 2228819, [email protected].

美食

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. 1 RN Buffet & Take Away, 3rd Street Covington's Rd (Old Batti). Small place with authentic Italian food 2 Sunshine Restaurant, 136 Trinco Road, ☏ +94 65 492 7927. 10:30-22:30 daily. Sri Lankan, Indian & Western food and snack (updated Nov 2025)

飲品與夜生活

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.

住宿

Budget

1 YMCA, 26/4 Boundary Road South, ☏ +94 65 2222495, [email protected]. Check-out: 11:00. Cheapest option in town. Just north of the lagoon in a lovely area. No mosquito net. Book well in advance. Rs 6270 for 4 bed A/C room. (updated Nov 2025)

Mid-range 2 Riviera Resort, New Dutch Bar Road, Kallady, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka., ☏ +94 652222165, [email protected]. An idyllic, eco-friendly family-run guest house in Batticaloa. 3 Hotel Bridge View, No.63/24,New Dutch Bar Road, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka., ☏ +94 65 222 2339. 4 Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, Pasikudah B