Thiruchendur Murugan Alayam Temple


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 painter could do the job. The structure was slammed by the tsunami, leaving its small gopuram leaning at an alarming angle. The colourful leaning tower sits near the beach between Third and Fourth Cross Sts in Kallady.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. St Sebastian’s Church

0.77 MILES

Beside Kallady Bridge is the fairly modern and relatively unattractive St Sebastian’s Church, built somewhat in the shape of a whale.

2. Kallady & Navalady Peninsula Beach

0.99 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. Auliya Mosque

1.08 MILES

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

4. Dutch Fort

1.15 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…

5. Imperial Saloon

1.22 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…

6. Mahatma Gandhi Park

1.27 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…

8. Our Lady of Sorrows

1.41 MILES

Of the dozens of churches, the most eye-catching is the huge cerulean blue, eight-sided, unfinished Our Lady of Sorrows.