Batticaloa is a coastal town which sits at the eastern edge of the island, just south of Pasikudah, and is one of the best places in the island to get a taste of the ‘real’ Sri Lanka. It is still largely orientated around many of the industries that are traditional in this area, such as fishing and handloom weaving.

The most popular way to get around here is by bicycle: join the locals and go on a cycling tour of the backroads of Batticaloa, absorbing the sounds, sights and smells of the town, and along the way visit a Shiva temple and a handloom factory. Another way to immerse yourself in local life is to go out on the lagoon at dusk with a local fisherman in a traditional catamaran and try your hand at fishing whilst admiring your beautiful and tranquil surroundings.

Sri Lanka’s northern areas and eastern coastline are influenced by South Indian traditions, particularly regarding religion and cuisine. The food in Batticaloa is markedly different to that found across the larger part of the island – explore the culinary differences through a cooking class, or by joining a local family for a delicious authentic lunch.