subject: Batticaloa Lighthouse A Symbol Of The History And Heritage Of Sri Lankas East Coast [print this page] Batticaloa is a beautiful and tranquil fishing town located in the eastern part of Sri Lanka. Home to many picturesque lagoons and beaches, the town lies upon a flat coastal plain that is bordered by the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean. One of the most popular attractions of the town is its historic lighthouse that stands majestically against the clear blue skies of Batticaloa along Bar Road. This rounded masonry tower was built in 1913 by the British during the period when they ruled the island of Sri Lanka which was previously known as Ceylon. For many years, the lighthouse acted as a beacon of hope and light to seamen upon the Indian Ocean. Today, it stands as a symbol of the history and heritage of the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
The Batticaloa Lighthouse measures up to a height of 28 meters, comprising of 5 windows and an observatory deck. The structure is commonly known as the Muttuwaran Lighthouse among locals. Muttuwaran when translated means where the lagoon meets the ocean. The lighthouse was named this due to its amazing location as the structure lies on the exact spot where one of the Batticaloa lagoons meets the Indian Ocean. The entire area surrounding the lighthouse is extremely scenic with large Palmyra and coconut trees gently swaying in the breeze, and the swells of the Indian Ocean softly lapping against one side of the tower with the lagoon water flowing on the other side. The entire stretch of the lagoon along Bar Road is separated from the ocean by a thin strip of sand, hence warranting the roads unique name.
The historic nature of the Batticaloa Lighthouse and its surrounding scenic beauty has indeed made this tower a must visit attraction when exploring the Eastern coastal area of the island. If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka and are seeking further information on Sri Lanka attractions and sightseeing, be sure to visit the Truly Sri Lanka website. This reputed travel portal is sure to provide valuable information and links for making your stay in the island a memorable one.
