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Gandhi Park
It is located in the center of the Batticaloa city. We can see the ‘Batticaloa Gate’, the identity of Batticaloa also there. We can see Batticaloa clock tower, Batticaloa market road, Dutch fort and the main bridge which leads into the city, altogether there from the park. A statue of Mahathma Gandhi also there in that park, as it is named as so. Along with that sir. William Ault’s, the founder of the St/ Methodist Central College also there. And an old crane, which used during the period of English ruling also there. It gives a rustic feel to the park as well. And the park has the authentic Palmyra tree (’seemai panai’), it is very rare to see nowadays. It is very beautiful to see the sunset during the evening time from the park. And the Batticaloa lagoon flows along the side of the park too. It adds extra natural beauty to the park. It is more appropriate place to spend the evening time with the family. And also a great tourist spot to be visited.
Kallady Beach
Kallady is a beautiful place, it is located in Batticaloa. Kallady is being connected with the Batticaloa town by the very famous bridge called ‘Kallady Bridge’ it is also known as the ‘Lady Manning Bridge’, is very ancient and the longest iron bridge, which was built during the British colonial rule. In Kallady another famous thing is its beach. It is also known as ‘Kallady Beach’. It is the place where the first ray of the sun reaches Srilanka. It is very beautiful to see the sunrise as well as the sunset too.
Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and can enjoy a long walk on the beach. And they can meet the fishermen and help them pull the net out of the water. If we move forward further for 4 km on the vast sandy beach to Navalady and reach the tip of the beach, to admire the estuary, where Batticaloa lagoon meets the sea. And there is a wooden walkway too. We can see the Thiruchendur Temple, which was damaged by the Tsunami and then rebuilt. It is very beautiful to visit the beach during full moon nights along with the family. Swimming is possible for good swimmers, as the sea can be a bit rough. It is a very beautiful place to be visited.
Kallady Bridge
The Batticaloa lagoon was obstructive to the traveling towards the southern part of Batticaloa in the ancient Batticaloa. People used small boats to cross over the lagoon to travel the south part of Batticaloa by paying one cent for boat fare during the early days. Later, one Mr.Maniyathar, the boat owner, used an engine boat to transport people and other commodities. In 1924 the construction work was started for a bridge, and it was completed in 1928. It was ceremonially inaugurated by the then governor of Sri Lanka Hon. Sir Manning and his wife Lady Manning. The bridge's lifetime was 1928-1985 as anticipated by the construction engineers, but the bridge was in use up to 2013. A new bridge along the old one was built by the government of Sri Lanka and was ceremonially opened by the then president Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksha on 13th March 2013.
Batticaloa Lighthouse
Batticaloa Lighthouse is one of the landmarks of British colonial heritage built in 1913. It is located in the area where the lagoon meets the ocean. Lighthouse is situated 5 km from Batticaloa city, on Bar Road, near the estuary in Palameenmadu. It can be accessed by taking Lake Road (Munich Victoria Friendship Road) near the Kallady Bridge. This area is amazing for cycling and walking.
This is 28 meters tall. Sequences of ladders are provided to reach the top to get an awe-inspiring view of magnifying surroundings. The view from the top is one of the most splendid panoramas of the endless sea and Thoppigala Mountain is a supplemental pleasure. However, the public are not permitted to climb through this monument.
The otherside of the lighthouse is surrounded by a sandbank, lagoon and a rich ecosystem of mangroves. Boat trips in the evenings are the best to enjoy the delightful view of the sunset. There are several boat services functioning from this end that take people a round trip through the lagoon and also to the nearby island park that is also known as bone island park. Swimming in the calm water, surrounded by islands and islets, is the big draw to this site.
The closest hotspots are a marine eco museum situated near this site, that hosts many valuable monuments from the history of Batticaloa.
Pasikudah
With beaches that rival Maldives, Pasikudha offers a more vibrant, affordable alternative to the traveler who seeks dreamy shores, coasts are bordering coral reefs and resort towns like experience. The ocean has its mossy color, which grabs its name Paasi- kudah, means moss and bay in Tamil language.
On a good day, you can venture out to the ocean and enjoy the coral reefs through many excursions available locally, or if you want to tickle your adventure fancy take a kayak and paddle your way through the shallow waters of the bay of Pasikudah. The relaxing experience is easily accessible via seaplane or a drive through the country's heart from the international airport. There are world-class 5-star resorts scattered around this resort town and cheaper, more accessible locations to fit ALL budgets. Make sure you stay at least a day or two to make sure you are able to absorb what the atmosphere has to offer fully.
Once you're there, make sure you take long walks along the beach during sunset and enjoy local cuisine while you're at it. If you're more of a morning person, you might witness the morning catch being brought to shore by the local fisherman and the beautiful sunrise of the eastern coast. The local crab curry is a hit, and you might come across a few locals who are nice enough to teach you the trade tips. You will find youngsters making use of the cold wind to fly kites.
Pasikudah is a mixed bag of adventure, Bliss, and serenity, and the only complaints people have are that they couldn't stay longer !!
Read more about Eastern coast - Where the first ray of sun kisses Sri Lanka! At http://maps.gatewaytoeast.com/.
