Where To Stay In Yala National Park? Know The Best Accommodations 

BY  Sibashree Jun 24, 2026

The first time I reached Batticaloa, a quaint town in eastern Sri Lanka, I did not expect to experience the slow but steady flame of human protest.  It was 9 AM in the morning, and I noticed a small group of people gathering near the Kallady Bridge. They held up placards written on old sarees, torn clothes, and newspapers.  In a single line, they walked for around 2 kilometers peacefully and ended their walk at the Gandhi Park.  Known as the Batticaloa Justice Walk, this has been continuing since 12th May 2022, the next day after the GotaGoGama (GGG) protest site faced the attack of mobs, followed by the resignation of the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.  This protest walk has been a movement demanding a fundamental change, and the participants demand accountability for the people who disappeared during the period of conflict.  While this protest walk won me over, as I come from the land of Satyagraha and a long history of protests for political, social, and humanitarian reasons, I felt more eager to know the town and explore the top attractions.  What Is The Location Of Batticaloa Town? The Batticaloa Town, the administrative capital of the Batticaloa district, is in the eastern province of Sri Lanka.  This coastal town on a flat island is surrounded by a large lagoon and the Indian Ocean.  Pasikudah, a popular beach destination of Sri Lanka, is just 35 km northwest of Batticaloa Town. Also, Trincomalee is the nearest major city to Batticaloa, and it is located 111 km south of Trincomalee.  How To Reach Batticaloa?  The Batticaloa Town is easy to reach as it is well-connected to Colombo by road, train, and air.  By Train  It has the Batticaloa Railway Station, which receives direct express trains such as Meenagaya from the Colombo Fort Railway Station.  The 6075 Batticaloa Special is the fastest train between these two stations. It left Colombo Fort at 3:15 PM and reached Batticaloa at 9:52 PM. Also, the third-class ticket price was LKR 1400.  By Bus Regular bus services are available from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal in Colombo to Batticaloa. Based on the traffic, the journey will take 6 to 7 hours. The ticket price is around LKR 1500. From this bus stop, you will also get buses to the cultural capital, Kandy, and the Tamil hub in Sri Lanka, Jaffna.  Furthermore, the Batticaloa International Airport (BTC) in SLAF Batticaloa is the main hub for regional air and chartered flights connectivity.  The travel time by air is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the ticket price will be around LKR 20000.  Transport Within Batticaloa You will get tuk-tuks for local transportation in this coastal town, and based on the distance covered, the charges will be between LKR 150 and LKR 400.  Also, if you want, you can rent a tuk-tuk for the entire day at a negotiated price.  What Is Batticaloa Famous For?  History, colonial heritage, and spirituality merge in the small town of Batticaloa.  So, next time you are in Sri Lanka, you must plan a visit to Batticaloa. Also, these are the top attractions in Batticaloa.  Top Historical And Cultural Attractions In Batticaloa  Batticaloa is a coastal town rich in colonial history and unique cultural landscapes.  These landmark attractions showcase the area's diverse heritage, ranging from ancient fortifications to cultural museums. 1. Batticaloa Gate This historic monument marks the official landing site where early British colonial officials first arrived in the region.  It features a grand statue of Mahatma Gandhi and serves as a peaceful, picturesque viewpoint overlooking the tranquil lagoon. 2. Batticaloa Fort Originally built by the Portuguese in 1628, this structure was later captured and expanded by the Dutch and British forces.  The well-preserved fort is surrounded by a scenic moat and currently houses local government administrative offices. 3. Batticaloa Lighthouse Standing 28 meters tall, this iconic red-and-white beacon was constructed by the British in 1913 to guide ships safely into the harbor.  Visitors flock to this coastal spot to enjoy panoramic views where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean. 4. Kattankudy Heritage Museum This specialized cultural museum documents the rich, centuries-old history and unique traditions of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.  It displays fascinating life-sized exhibits, traditional crafts, ancient weapons, and historical trade artifacts. The museum remains open from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday to Thursday, and it remains open till 7 PM on weekends. The ticket price is LKR 100 for local adult visitors, LKR 50 for local children, and LKR 500 for foreign visitors.  Top Religious And Spiritual Places In Batticaloa Batticaloa, despite being a small coastal town, has the inclusive religious nature of Sri Lanka.  1. St Mary's Cathedral St Mary's Cathedral is a 200 year old catholic church in Batticaloa, and despite being located in the middle of the town, it is a very quiet place.  It has a vibrant blue color, and its architecture exudes a quintessential colonial style you will find in Sri Lanka.  2. Hindu Temples  Like Jaffna Hindu temples, the temples in Batticaloa are also an extension of the local Tamil culture and religious beliefs.  Here are the temples that you cannot miss in Batticaloa. Temple NameMain DeityLocationSignificanceMajor Festival TimeSri Mamangeswarar Temple (Mamangapillayar)Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha3 Km from the Town CenterAssociated with the Ramayana (Prince Rama worshiped here)10 Days of Festivity in July/AugustKokkadicholai Thaanthonreeswarar TempleLord Shiva15 km southwest of Batticaloa TownIt has a Swayambhu or self-manifested Shiva lingam. SeptemberSri Pathirakali Amman TempleGoddess KaliPeriya UraniKnown for its vibrant ceremonies and festivalsMahotsavam, a 15-Day Festival in March, and NavratriAnaipanthy Sri Sithy Vigneswarar ThevalayamLord GaneshaHeart of Batticaloa town (Pulliyanthivu)Popular community templeDailySri Sithira Velayutha Swamy KoyilLord MuruganPulliyantivuPopular community templeDaily Natural Attractions In Batticaloa A serene coastal town, Batticaloa, has beautiful beaches and a beautiful lagoon.  1. Kallady Beach Kallady Beach is less trodden, and it still bears the signs of the devastation by the 2004 tsunami.  Due to fewer crowds, the beach with golden sands is an ideal place to relax. Also, it looks surreal during dusk.  2. Kalkudah And Passikudah Around 35 km north of Batticaloa, you will find the Kalkudah cliff. The twin bay shorelines of Kalkudah and Passikudah are located on either side of the cliff.  An ocean reef protects the twin bay from harsh monsoon winds. So, these are ideal spots for bathing, windsurfing, sailing, and water skiing.  3. Batticaloa Lagoon A boat ride in Batticaloa Lagoon is a must, and during the boat ride, you can explore the Buffalo Island, Bone Island, and Puliayantheevu Island. Also, I loved my time in the fishermen's boats.  Architectural Wonders In Batticaloa  The architectural attractions in Batticaloa show deep colonial and indigenous influence.  1. Kallady Bridge  The Kallady Bridge, crossing the Batticaloa Lagoon, connects Kallady with Batticaloa town.  Also known as the Lady Manning Bridge, it is more famous for a local myth.  Deep under the Batticaloa Lagoon, aquatic life produces rhythmic, humming, or musical vibrations that can sometimes be heard echoing into the night.  The best time to listen to the vibration is between April and September, especially on full moon nights.  Also, the trick is to take a boat ride and reach under the Kallady Bridge. Then, you need to plunge the oar vertically into the lagoon water and keep the dry end of the oar close to your ears to listen to the vibrations.  2. Unnichchai Tank I rented a bicycle for LKR 800 in Batticaloa. I came across the Unnichchai Tank as I proceeded toward the lagoon from Batticaloa.  The entire route is scenic with low forest extending over the serene lagoon.  Furthermore, the Unnichchai Tank is an important landmark as it supplies the water for the entire area.  Also, its modern concrete architecture emulates the ancient stone structure of the tank. The modern version of the tank was built in 1919, and it supplies irrigation water for 6,200 hectares of farmland.  What Are The Things To Do In Batticaloa? Batticaloa is a small town. However, the things to do in Batticaloa are diverse, from temple and museum visits to boat and bicycle rides.  So, here I am presenting a 4-day itinerary in Barricaloa for you. Day 1: Colonial History And Sunset Views Time of the DayAttractionKey HighlightsActivityMorningBatticaloa Fort1628 Portuguese fortifications and scenic moat wallsExplore colonial buildings and walk the historic ramparts.Mid-DayBatticaloa Gate and Town CenterIconic British landing monument and Mahatma Gandhi statueVisit the monument and stop for a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch.Late AfternoonBatticaloa Lighthouse1913 British beacon where the lagoon meets the seaEnjoy panoramic coastal views and take photographs of the landmark.Evening Kallady BeachGolden sands and the historic Kallady BridgeRelax by the ocean and learn about the legendary "singing fish" folklore. Day 2: Cultural Heritage And Sacred Temples Time of the DayAttractionKey HighlightsActivityMorningSri Mamangeswarar TempleAncient site linked to the RamayanaPerform morning prayers and soak in the spiritual vibeLate MorningKattankudy Heritage MuseumTravel south from the town centerExplore exhibits, traditional crafts, and Muslim community history.AfternoonTown ExplorationPulliyantivu district templesVisit Anaipanthy Sri Sithy Vigneswarar and Sri Sithira Velayutha Swamy Koyil.EveningLagoon Boat RideLagoon Park AreaHire a local boat for a relaxing sunset cruise on calm waters. Day 3: Spiritual Journey And Southern Coast  Take a scenic drive across the lagoon and move southwest to visit the Kokkadicholai Thaanthonreeswarar Temple.  It is one of the oldest and most revered Shaivaite temples in Sri Lanka, and it has a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam.  In the afternoon, visit the Sri Pathirakali Amman Temple in Periya Urani.  Then, head to the Pasikudah Beach in the late afternoon. It has crystal clear turquoise waters and calm waves.  Day 4: Nature And Hidden Gems Visit the Unnichchai Tank in the morning. The ambiance surrounding this massive irrigation reservoir is peaceful, and it is an ideal destination for birdwatching.  Do some souvenir shopping in the afternoon. Explore the local markets to buy traditional handloom textiles, palmyra palm handicrafts, and local snacks like Aluwa. Where To Stay In Batticaloa? The Batticaloa Municipal Council has many listed accommodations if you want to stay in this coastal town.  The most affordable option among them is the Vishna Guest in Batticaloa Town. The tariff per night will be around 3500 LKR, and you can contact them at +94 71 658 8779.  Also, Sunrise Villa Batticaloa in Kattankudy is another delightful option, despite being a little expensive. The tariff will be around LKR 11000 per night, and the contact number is  +94 76 890 1234.  Important Phone Numbers You Must Keep Handy  When you are in Batticaloa, you must keep the following phone numbers handy. Contact the Batticaloa Police Station at +94 65 2224422. Also, you can reach out to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital at +94 65 222 2261.  Falling In Love With The Resilient Spirit Of Batticaloa Batticaloa is beyond a coastal town with sun-drenched beaches, colonial remnants, and architectural landmarks. It is a town where history is actively lived. Furthermore, the quiet dignity of people here complements the serene beauty of the landscape.  Also, on one hand, you can listen to the haunting, melodic mysteries echoing beneath the Kallady Bridge here.  On the other hand, the unyielding footsteps of the Batticaloa Justice Walk at Gandhi Park, this coastal enclave, leave an indelible mark on anyone who visits. Overall, it reminded me that travel is not just about visiting places. It is about connecting with the enduring human spirit that defines them.

BY  Sibashree Jul 25, 2026

With Pasikudah getting its first floating dining platform thanks to Sun Siyam, this coastal town around 35 km away from Batticaloa is going to offer a more luxurious experience.  While this is a delightful upgrade, the first thing I noticed in Pasikudah was the silence.  With the sands and turquoise waters that almost looked surreal, it was away from the crowds.  Also, the absence of crashing surf and urgent pull made exploring the shoreline easier for me. There was no need for reminders to stay close to the shore.  Furthermore, in the south, at Unawatuna Beach and Mirissa Beach, the Indian Ocean threw itself at land with real intent.  At Pasikudah on the eastern coast, it was just a gentle lapping, the kind of sound that makes you lower your voice without realizing it. The shore here waits for the Ocean to arrive! How To Reach Pasikudah? Pasikudah is at a distance of around 300 kilometers from Colombo.  So, if you are traveling from Colombo or straight from the Bandaranaike International Airport, it will be a road journey of five to six hours.  A little taxing it may sound, but it can be a wonderful opportunity for cultural exploration. The road takes you through the Cultural Triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. The key destinations on this circuit also include the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Royal Cave.  However, during my trip to Sri Lanka, I took the 6075 Batticaloa Special train from Colombo Fort to the Valaichchenai Railway Station.  This is the closest to Pasikudah, and you can reach the coastal town in 15-20 minutes in a tuk-tuk.  The train started at 3:15 PM and reached Valaichchenai Railway Station at 10:50 PM. I was traveling in a third-class compartment, and the ticket price was LKR 1400.  There are two other train options from Colombo Fort to Pasikudah. The first one leaves at 6 AM and reaches Valachchenei at 2:40 PM. Also, the last train for the day departs the Colombo Fort Station at 7 PM and reaches Valachchenei at 3:23 AM. Pasikudah: A Place With A Multilayered History Pasikudah shows Tamil influence in its naming, and it is roughly translated to “Green Algae Bay.” The name is, of course, not flattering for a place that looks this beautiful. However, it ties the link perfectly to the past when Pasikudah was a working fishing settlement. It became a resort town much later.  Furthermore, Pasikudah is the place where the Dutch first landed in Sri Lanka in 1602. I could see the traces of that Colonial period scattered everywhere.  There were old buildings, a slender lighthouse, and a fort dating to 1628 with sweeping views over the coastline, about 20 minutes away near Kalkudah. 2004 And 2009: Two Landmark Years For The History Of Pasikudah And Sri Lanka  The history of Pasikudah got erased twice in recent years.  The Tsunami in 2004 hit this stretch of coast hard.  Also, decades of Civil War kept Pasikudah off the tourist map entirely until the war ended in 2009, like Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.  Standing on the beach, I watched families wade out into water that barely reached their knees even 400 meters from shore. It was hard to picture how quiet and forgotten this coastline was less than two decades ago.  The recovery of this resort town has been consistent and in places quite luxurious.  However, the bones of an old fishing village are still there. What Are The Things To Do In Pasikudah?  Pasikudah is not a beach that you visit for drama or some out-of-the-box adventure.  You can chase that in the moody coastline I found in Mannar or the raw remoteness of Vavuniya.  Here the water is the whole point, and the things to do in Pasikudah revolve around that.  1. Exploring The Shallow Reef Coastline  Pasikudah has one of the longest stretches of shallow reef coastline in the world.  I walked out nearly 500 meters from the shore one morning, and the water still sat at my waist. It was dreamy, and it felt like the ocean had turned into a very warm and large swimming pool.  Also, the shallow gradient makes it an ideal snorkeling spot.  I spent an afternoon drifting over coral patches just offshore. I watched for the reef fish that dart in and out of the structures close to the resort strip.  Diving operators here also run trips further out for anyone wanting more depth than the bay itself provides. Moreover, if you are traveling with kids, it is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka. So, you will usually notice families visiting this beach and not the usual surf crowd.  2. Experiencing The Rawness Of Kalkudah The tuk-tuk ride to Kalkudah in the north was a brilliant decision as it impressed me with its quieter and rawer feel.  Kalkudah had fewer sun loungers and resorts and more fishermen.  I spent half a day in a coastline that was not fully smoothed out yet. 3. Exploring Beyond The Beach I wanted to get inland for at least one day.  So, I took a drive south and reached Batticaloa town. Batticaloa had its own Dutch fort and a slower, more local rhythm than the resort strip. I loved wandering its lagoon-side streets in the afternoon and talked to fishermen whose families had been working in the same waters for generations.   Then I explored the lagoon system of Batticaloa by bicycle and saw rice paddies, water buffalo, and small fishing communities up close.  I rented the bicycle from a local operator, and they charged me 300 LKR per hour.  4. A Visit To The Somawathiya National Park The Somawathiya National Park is at a distance of around 68 km from Pasikudah. It is a protected site known for its biodiversity.  It has leopards, elephants, water buffalo and various species of birds,  Also, it is a prominent pilgrimage site with the stupa housing the relic (the right canine tooth) of Lord Buddha.  The experience at Somawathiya National Park was very different from the time at the beach, and the Somawathiya Chaitya reminded me of the Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, India.  Overall, Pasikudah rewarded me as a place to slow down. However, with enough history and the spiritual vibe of the Stupa, my time here was more rewarding.

BY  Sibashree May 18, 2026

Tranquility, raw energy of nature, and the thrill of standing on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka!  You get all of these when you are at Tangalle Beach. Also, with serenity and relaxation being two essential experiences here, you will get ample time to photograph the picture-perfect shoreline.  So, if you want to explore pristine beaches, have some fun spotting the turtles, and try some amazing local food, you must include a visit to Tangalle Beach in your Sri Lankan itinerary.  Why I Loved Tangalle Beach?  The quaint Tangalle Beach immediately impressed me with its stretches of golden beaches. Also, from the traditional fishing town of Ahangama to this small fishing village, it has been a lifetime experience for me to see how people here live in coexistence with nature.  Furthermore, the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project was the biggest highlight of my Tangalle Beach visit.  Also, I could soak in the paradisiacal feel of this coastal town, unlike more prominent places such as the Hiriketiya Beach or the Kandy to Ella train, the crowd was way fewer.  That undertourism is a blessing in disguise, as in this way, the nature and wildlife of Tangalle Beach remain untouched.  Furthermore, I found a small but warm homestay on the east side. On the west, there are more high-end accommodations.  So, from backpackers to luxury travelers, everyone will enjoy Tangalle Beach, and you just need to place your feet on warm and golden sand. What Are The Things To Do In Tangalle Beach? Tangalle Beach offers a Bali vibe. As I have mentioned, it is the ultimate place to relax, and along with that, you can indulge in various adventure activities here.  You can even have a delightful wildlife experience here.  A Visit To The Udawalawe National Park At a distance of around 71 km from Tangalle Beach, the Udawalawe National Park is a must-visit.  Furthermore, as a home to around 400 elephants, it is one of the top attractions near Ella.  I loved the jeep safari here, and unlike many other national parks, spotting an elephant here on a jungle safari is almost guaranteed.  The entry fee to the national park is LKR 13,420, and the jeep safari charged me LKR 10000 during the last visit.  I was impressed with the entire conversation process, and it operated around the Elephant Transit Home (ETH).  The Department of Wildlife Conservation established it in 1995, and it runs on a strict 3-tier process.  Rescue Rehabilitate Release  This process ensures very little human interaction, and it works for the release of the orphaned elephants back into the wild.  Also, the conservation job does not end with the release of the elephants. The conservationalists keep monitoring the movement of the reintroduced elephants in the wild.  Watching Turtles At Tangalle Beach  Like Dalawella Beach, Mirissa Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach, Tangalle is also a wonderful place for spotting endangered turtles.  The types of turtles you can see here are: Loggerheads Leatherbacks Hawksbills These turtles visit the beach when they want to lay eggs. Now, this is a huge advantage Tangalle enjoys as it is free from the impact of overtourism.  A Visit To The Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project Now, many tourists claim that if you visit the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project between April and July, you can see the turtles hatching eggs.  However, this is not entirely true. There is no guarantee that you will see a turtle laying eggs or hatching.  There is an official announcement from the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project. They have mentioned that there are high chances of seeing a turtle laying her eggs between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM.  Furthermore, the conservation center offers a guided tour to the beach for spotting turtles between 7 PM and 6 AM.  Moreover, you cannot use flashlights or flash photography at this conservation center.  Whale Watching At Tangalle  During my stay in Tangalle, I booked an early morning tour that took me west to Mirissa Harbour.  We set sail at 6:30 AM into the calm Indian Ocean. About an hour out, the captain cut the engine.  Suddenly, a massive blue whale breached just seventy meters away, spraying a giant plume of water before diving and flashing its enormous tail flukes. It was breathtaking. While Tangalle itself lacks a major boat harbor, it serves as an excellent base. Most local operators provide seamless hotel pickups for the 60-to-90-minute drive to the boats. December to April is the best time for spotting whales and spinner dolphins at Tangalle Beach.  Also, if you are planning a whale watching tour, you must take sea-sickness pills before boarding.  A Visit To The Mulkiligara Raja Maha Vihara  Sri Lanka is the place where you will find the gems associated with Buddhism in every nook. The Mulgirigala or Mulkiligara Raja Maha Vihara is one such place.  It is an ancient Buddhist rock temple complex, and if you have loved the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, you will also cherish this.  At a height of 205 meters, it also has the nickname of Little Sigiriya Rock or Punch Sigiriya.  Furthermore, this ancient rock temple complex is revered as an archaeological site. It harbors a religious history of around 2000 years.  King Saddhatissa of Anuradhapura built this Maha Vihara in the 3rd century BCE, and King Kawantissa and King Valagamba expanded it later.  Moreover, it is one of the designated temples in Anuradhapura to receive the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sapling.  After years of abandonment, it was finally reconstructed by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe in the 18th century.  Why I Loved Mulkiligara Raja Maha Vihara The temple complex spans across five different cave levels, and there are seven cave shrines.  The caves are home to brilliant frescoes, murals, and paintings depicting the stories of the Jataka, Lord Buddha, and other Hindu deities.  What is interesting here is that some of the artwork shows a prominent influence of the Dutch style.  Furthermore, after climbing 533 peaks, I reached the summit of the Stupa. At the summit, there is a small pagoda that houses sacred relics of Lord Buddha.  In addition, the unmarked dirt train behind the courtyard took me to a cliff ledge from where I enjoyed amazing views of the surrounding jungles and palm trees.