wildlife · Eastern
Batticaloa Lagoon Boat Ride — Batticaloa
Cover photo: Sajeevan Balachandran (Unsplash)
- District
- Batticaloa
- Province
- Eastern
- Best for
- Boaters and birdwatchers; sunset lagoon trips and the singing-fish spot
About this place
Large estuarine lagoon wrapping the town, best explored by hired boat from Kallady Bridge or Puliyanthivu in late afternoon. On calm full-moon nights April-September locals point out the faint musical vibration called the singing fish. Agree route, duration and price before boarding; bring mosquito repellent for dusk.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- Late afternoon is best for light and birdlife; the singing-fish sound is reported on calm full-moon nights, mainly April-September.
- Agree route, duration and price before boarding.
- Bring mosquito repellent for dusk trips and a dry bag for phones.
- Wear a life jacket; ask the operator before children board.
How to travel there
Base in Batticaloa town. Hire boats from Kallady Bridge or Puliyanthivu waterfront; tuk-tuk to either jetty in minutes.
Where to stay
Stay in Batticaloa town (Puliyanthivu or Kallady side): budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels near the lagoon.
Nearby places
Kallady Bridge, Batticaloa Dutch Fort, Kokkadicholai Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Kallady Beach
Scams to watch for
- Vague per-person vs per-boat pricing - confirm the total before boarding.
Comments & tips