Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

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Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Region: Eastern Province

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Geographic Coordinates: 7.716700, 81.700000

Climate: Tropical climate with monsoon season from October to January and dry season from May to September. Average temperature ranges from 26-32°C.

Population: 129222

Language: Tamil

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Batticaloa is a beautiful coastal town situated on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, Known for its peaceful lagoon, Unspoiled beaches, And cultural heritage. It is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and historical significance. The Batticaloa Lagoon covers an area of approximately 56 square kilometers and is one of the largest lagoons in Sri Lanka. The lagoon is home to diverse flora and fauna, Including over 200 bird species and several fish species. Visitors can take boat rides or go kayaking while enjoying the scenic views. Batticaloa has stunning beaches perfect for swimming, Sunbathing or relaxing.

Pasikudah Beach has crystal clear shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and diving activities while Kalkudah Beach offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The city has a rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times. The Dutch Fort built-in 1665 by the Dutch East India Company still stands tall as a testament to this history. This fort was used as an administrative center during colonial times but now serves as an important tourist attraction with unique architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Another must-visit location in Batticaloa is the Kallady Bridge which spans across Batticaloa Lagoon connecting two parts of the city together. This bridge holds significant historical importance as it was constructed by British engineers during World War II to transport troops across this region. For those interested in learning more about local culture, Visiting places like St Mary’s Cathedral or Hindu temples like Koneswaram Temple will offer insights into how religion plays an essential role in everyday life here.

Overall, Batticaloa offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, Rich history, And cultural significance making it one of Sri Lanka’s most attractive destinations. With its stunning beaches, Serene lagoon, And ancient landmarks, Batticaloais amust-visit locationfor anyone travelingtoSri Lanka.’

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1. Batticaloa Lagoon
2. Kallady Bridge
3. Batticaloa Fort
4. St. Mary’s Cathedral
5. Dutch Fort, Passikudah
6. Kattankudy Heritage Museum
7. Thoppigala (Baron’s Cap) Mountain
8. Muhudu Maha Viharaya Temple
9. Puliyanthivu Island Park
10. Kirinda Beach

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• 1. Agriculture (mainly paddy cultivation)
• 2. Fishing
• 3. Tourism
• 4. Small-scale manufacturing
• 5. Brick-making
• 6. Handicrafts
• 7. Government sector

The city is known for its lagoon and beaches which attract tourists from around the world. Additionally, there are several small-scale industries such as brick-making and handicrafts that contribute to the local economy. The government sector also plays a significant role in providing employment opportunities in Batticaloa.

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1. The Dutch period: Batticaloa was under Dutch rule from 1638 to 1796. During this time, the Dutch built several forts and canals in the area.
2. The British period: Batticaloa came under British rule in 1796 when the Dutch ceded it to them. The British developed the town and its infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals, and churches.
3. The Sri Lankan civil war: Batticaloa was heavily affected by the Sri Lankan civil war that lasted from 1983 to 2009. It was a battleground between government forces and Tamil separatist rebels.
4. Dravidian culture: Batticaloa is known for its strong Dravidian cultural heritage that includes music, dance, literature, and art.
5. Notable people: Several notable people hail from Batticaloa or have lived there at some point in their lives including politician Sivagnanam Sritharan; cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya; musician M.S.Subbulakshmi; poet Kasi Ananthan; novelist Shobasakthi; actor Vijay Sethupathi.

Overall, Batticaloa’s history is diverse with influences ranging from colonial powers to ancient cultures like Dravidian culture – all contributing significantly to shaping its identity today as a unique part of Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape.

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1. Kallady Bridge
2. Batticaloa Fort
3. Batticaloa Lighthouse
4. Dutch Fort, Batticaloa
5. St Mary’s Cathedral, Batticaloa
6. Thiruchendur Murugan Alayam Temple
7. Kattankudy Mosque
8. Muttukrishna Swamy Kovil Temple
9. Batticaloa Market
10. The Museum of Folk Culture and Art
11. Batticaloa Beach

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1. Batticaloa District Cricket Association: Established in 1972 to promote cricket in the region, the Batticaloa District Cricket Association organizes various tournaments throughout the year for both men and women.
2. Batticaloa Bulls: A popular cricket team that represents the district in various tournaments across Sri Lanka, the Batticaloa Bulls have won several championships over the years.
3. Eastern Province Rugby Football Union: Rugby is also popular in Batticaloa with the Eastern Province Rugby Football Union established to promote the sport in this region.
4. Batticaloa Hockey Club: Founded in 1958 to promote hockey among young people within this district, the Batticaloa Hockey Club has won several championships over time.
5. Kalmunai Sports Club: One of Sri Lanka’s oldest sports clubs established back in 1917 by British planters who worked on tea estates around Kalmunai town near Batticoloa district. The club has produced many talented athletes over its long history including cricketers such as M.Sathasivam who represented Ceylon (Sri Lanka) from 1948-1959.

Overall there are many other sports teams and associations operating within this region apart from these five mentioned above such as volleyball clubs etc.

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1. Kataragama Festival is an important religious event in Sri Lanka that takes place annually in July/August. Devotees from all over the country come to participate.
2. Navam Full Moon Poya Day is celebrated every February as a time for Buddhists to reflect on their spiritual journey during the full moon day of the month of Navam.
3. Maha Shivaratri, held annually in February/March, is a Hindu festival that celebrates Lord Shiva, one of the most important deities in Hinduism.
4. Batticaloa Beach Festival is an annual event that takes place on Batticaloa’s beautiful beaches and features live music, dance performances, food stalls, and beach games.
5. Deepavali (Diwali) is celebrated by Hindus across Sri Lanka as a festival of lights symbolizing victory over evil.
6. Thaipongal is a Tamil harvest festival celebrated every January with traditional cooking competitions, cultural performances, and other festivities.
7. Vesak Full Moon Poya Day is observed by Buddhists across Sri Lanka to mark Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death (parinirvana).

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• Kottu Roti – a popular street food made with chopped roti bread, vegetables, eggs, and meat or seafood.
• Biryani – a flavorful rice dish cooked with spices and meat or vegetables.
• Seafood – Batticaloa is known for its fresh seafood such as prawns, crabs, fish curry and cuttlefish.
• Sambol – a spicy condiment made with coconut, chili peppers, onions and lime juice.
• Palmyrah Toddy – A locally brewed alcoholic beverage made from the sap of the Palmyrah tree.
• Eastern Lagoon Restaurant – offers traditional Sri Lankan dishes including seafood like prawn curry.
• The Mango Mango – serves fusion cuisine that combines Sri Lankan flavors with international dishes.
• The Rice & Curry Hut – offers authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry meals.
• The New Oceanic Restaurant- This restaurant is famous for its delicious crab curry.
• Cafe Chillax- Offers an array of traditional Sri Lankan dishes including kottu roti.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Kallady Beach Park
2. Batticaloa Lagoon
3. Dutch Fort Batticaloa
4. Batticaloa Public Library and Museum
5. St. Mary’s Cathedral, Batticaloa
6. Muthurajawela Marshland Nature Reserve
7. Puliyanthivu Island Park
8. Kudumbimalai Sanctuary
9. Thoppigala Heritage Park
10. Batticaloa Bird Sanctuary

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Experience Life

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