The Batticaloa Fort is the old portuguese fort in the center of Batticaloa city, Sri Lanka.

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Dutch Fort

Top choice in Batticaloa


This once-mighty fort is now home to administrative offices, and though large sections of the structure are crumbling, it's still an evocative sight. It was built by the Portuguese in 1628, but the Dutch took over after just 10 years, followed by the British. Inside the courtyard are some dishevelled, yet colonnaded, old colonial buildings. Look for English cannons, surviving watchtowers and a ruined bell tower. Views across the lagoon are magnificent.

There's a tiny museum with several intriguing items labelled, alas, only in Tamil and you can glimpse the old jail (now a store).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Batticaloa attractions

1. Auliya Mosque

0.21 MILES

The tiny Auliya Mosque has a curious green minaret. It's a great place to observe the Dutch Fort over the water.

2. Mahatma Gandhi Park

0.23 MILES

This lovely modern park along Old Batti's waterfront is popular with strolling couples and includes features such as the Batticaloa Gate, which was a 19th…

3. Methodist Church

0.29 MILES

This sturdy 1838 Methodist church is an atmospheric part of Batti's colonial heritage.

5. St Michael’s College

0.38 MILES

An old colonial survivor that's so drenched in vines and creepers that the brickwork is starting to break away.

6. St Anthony’s

0.41 MILES

The vaguely Mexican-looking, earth-toned St Anthony’s is one of Puliyanthivu's most striking churches.

7. St Mary’s Cathedral

0.41 MILES

The grand, turquoise-coloured St Mary’s Cathedral stands out among the many churches in Batti. St Mary’s was rebuilt in 1994 following its partial…

8. Imperial Saloon

0.49 MILES

Consider a haircut and head massage (Rs 400) at this utterly bizarre salon, a monument to kitsch. Every centimetre is covered in decorative painting, fake…