This fine new museum plunges deep into the history of Muslims and Arab traders locally. Spread over three floors, it tells a compelling story about centuries of culture through models, displays, recreations, artefacts and more. The English-speaking staff are very happy to show you around.
Heritage Museum of Kattankudy
Top choice in Batticaloa
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
18.55 MILES
Kalkudah Beach is the kind of fantasy that makes you want to chuck away your return air ticket and lounge forever under the palms. Good roads run inland…
3.09 MILES
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…
Kallady & Navalady Peninsula Beach
4.22 MILES
This long beach follows the peninsula all the way north to the end. The swimming is usually good. With a bike, you can explore the beach, which has access…
3.3 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…
27.27 MILES
According to legend, Deegawapi is the one place in southeastern Sri Lanka that the Buddha visited. The stupa was built during the reign of King…
23.8 MILES
Rising above the forest north of Ampara, this 150m-high hill offers panoramic views from its rocky summit (including, occasionally, of wild elephants at…
27.43 MILES
This pagoda, 4km west of town, is a graceful stupa with a twist or two, including a vaguely Roman-looking colonnade ringing its lower level. Niches…
6.18 MILES
At the end of a sandbar, surrounded by lagoons and mangroves, this 28m-tall lighthouse dates from 1913. The sheltered coastline around here is a popular…
Nearby Batticaloa attractions
3.09 MILES
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…
3.23 MILES
This sturdy 1838 Methodist church is an atmospheric part of Batti's colonial heritage.
3. Thiruchendur Murugan Alayam Temple
3.24 MILES
Built in 1984 as a stopping point on the Pada Yatra pilgrimage to Kataragama, the temple's Murugan image is said to have opened its own eyes before the…
3.27 MILES
The tiny Auliya Mosque has a curious green minaret. It's a great place to observe the Dutch Fort over the water.
3.3 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…
6. Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar
3.32 MILES
Of the many Hindu temples, the expanding Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar is visually the finest, with a magnificent gopuram (gateway tower) that’s…
3.34 MILES
An old colonial survivor that's so drenched in vines and creepers that the brickwork is starting to break away.
3.38 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…