population: 0.11 million

extension: 162.71 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Batticaloa and interested in visiting museums, one place you might enjoy is the Kallady Bridge Museum. It's located in a historic bridge that played an important role in Sri Lanka's civil war and features exhibits on local history and culture. If you're looking for similar types of museums in the area, you might also want to check out the Batticaloa Heritage Museum or the Archaeological Museum in nearby Polonnaruwa.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to try in Batticaloa (Sri Lanka) according to local people are:

1. Batticaloa Lagoon Crab Curry - a spicy crab curry made with fresh crabs caught from the nearby lagoon.

2. Kottu Roti – a dish made with shredded roti bread mixed with vegetables, egg, and meat or seafood.

3. Idiyappam - a type of steamed rice noodle served with coconut milk and curry.

4. Paruthi Paal - a sweet drink made from cottonseed extract, jaggery, and coconut milk.

5. Pittu - a mixture of rice flour and coconut that’s steamed and usually eaten for breakfast.

6. Vattalappam - a Sri Lankan-style pudding made with coconut milk, eggs, jaggery, and spices.

7. Cuttlefish Curry - a spicy curry made with cuttlefish and a blend of local spices.

8. Wadai - deep-fried savory lentil balls often served as a snack.

9. String Hoppers - another type of steamed rice noodle served with coconut milk and curry.

10. Pol Sambol - a spicy condiment made with grated coconut, chili, onion, and lime juice, usually served with bread or rice.

Activities

In Batticaloa, some fun activities that locals enjoy include:

1. Visiting the Kallady Beach: This beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

2. Exploring the Batticaloa Lagoon: Take a boat ride or go kayaking to explore the beautiful lagoon and see its diverse wildlife.

3. Attending cultural events: Sri Lanka has a rich culture, and there are often festivals, ceremonies, and other events happening in Batticaloa that you can attend to experience this firsthand.

4. Shopping at local markets: The Batticaloa Market is a bustling place where locals sell fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and other goods.

5. Cycling around town: Rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace, visiting local neighborhoods, parks, and landmarks.

6. Trying local cuisine: Sri Lankan food is delicious and unique, and there are many restaurants and street vendors in Batticaloa where you can try traditional dishes like curry, hoppers, and kottu roti.