Sri Lanka’s Authentic East Coast of Lagoons, Culture & Hidden Adventures
Batticaloa is one of Sri Lanka’s least-discovered coastal destinations, where golden beaches, one of the island’s largest lagoons, and centuries of Tamil heritage combine to create an experience unlike anywhere else. Far removed from crowded tourist resorts, Batticaloa offers visitors the chance to slow down, connect with local communities, and discover the authentic character of Sri Lanka’s east coast.
Life here revolves around the spectacular Batticaloa Lagoon. Explore peaceful waterways by boat, cycle through quiet fishing villages and lush paddy fields, learn traditional Sri Lankan cooking and fishing techniques with local families, or watch breathtaking lagoon sunsets reflected across calm waters. History lovers can visit the Batticaloa Dutch Fort, colonial churches, ancient Hindu temples, and the legendary Singing Fish lagoon, while adventure seekers can climb Thoppigala (Baron’s Cap), venture into remote countryside, or dive the famous HMS Hermes shipwreck—one of the world’s first aircraft carriers sunk during the Second World War.
Whether you’re searching for East Coast beaches, authentic Sri Lankan cultural experiences, outstanding SCUBA diving, scenic cycling tours, or unforgettable off-road adventures, Batticaloa offers an extraordinary side of Sri Lanka that many travellers never discover. At CCT Sri Lanka, we make reaching Batticaloa simple with private airport transfers, domestic flights, helicopter charters, chauffeur-driven vehicles, and personalised holiday planning—allowing you to explore Sri Lanka’s eastern coast in complete comfort from the moment you arrive.
Destination Highlights
East Coast Beaches | Batticaloa Lagoon | Singing Fish | Dutch Fort | Rural Cycling | Village Life | SCUBA Diving | HMS Hermes Wreck | Thoppigala | Traditional Cuisine | Wetlands | Birdlife
▼ Getting There
Chauffeur Transfers
Travel across Sri Lanka in comfort with a private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy reliable door-to-door transport for stress-free journeys and complete peace of mind.
Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven
Helicopter Transfers
Travel between Sri Lanka’s finest destinations by private helicopter, combining luxury travel, breathtaking aerial scenery, rapid transfers, and unforgettable experiences above the island.
Helicopter | Aerial Views
Private Charter Flights
Charter a private aircraft for the fastest and most flexible way to explore Sri Lanka, enjoying exclusive travel, direct routes, and exceptional comfort throughout your journey.
Private Aviation | Time Saving
Scheduled Flights
Reach Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations quickly aboard scheduled domestic flights while enjoying spectacular aerial views and avoiding long road journeys across the island.
Fast Travel | Scenic Flights
▼ Signature Experiences
SCUBA Diving in Batticaloa
Explore Sri Lanka’s colourful coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, tropical fish, turtles, and vibrant underwater ecosystems with professional dive instructors for all experience levels.
Shipwrecks | Coral Reefs
Let’s Cook & Fish
Experience authentic Batticaloa village life by learning traditional fishing techniques before preparing delicious eastern Sri Lankan dishes with a welcoming local family from scratch.
Village Life | Local Cuisine
Journey to Thoppigala
Travel off the beaten track to historic Thoppigala, combining rugged off-road adventure, rural landscapes, fascinating history, and breathtaking summit views across eastern Sri Lanka.
Off-Road | Summit Views
Historic Batticaloa Tour
Explore Batticaloa’s rich colonial heritage, discovering the Dutch Fort, historic churches, Hindu temples, lagoons, bridges, and vibrant local markets with an experienced local guide while learning local stories.
History | Heritage
Cycling to Palamunai
Cycle through Palamunai’s peaceful fishing villages, passing lagoons, sandy beaches, coconut groves, and scenic coastal landscapes while experiencing authentic eastern village life at a relaxed pace.
Village Cycling | Lagoon Views
Cycling to Mylambaveli
Ride quiet country roads through Mylambaveli’s wetlands, rice fields, traditional villages, and peaceful countryside while discovering authentic local culture and warm village hospitality.
Countryside | Local Culture
HMS Hermes Wreck Dive
Dive the legendary HMS Hermes shipwreck, exploring one of the world’s most famous wreck dives, now thriving with colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Historic Wreck | Advanced Diving
Boating in Unnichai
Cruise across the tranquil Unnichai Reservoir, surrounded by forests, abundant birdlife, peaceful farming villages, and beautiful freshwater landscapes rarely visited by tourists.
Freshwater | Wildlife
Self-Drive Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka independently with a quality self-drive vehicle, enjoying complete travel freedom, flexible itineraries, and the convenience of discovering hidden destinations at your own pace.
Freedom | Self Drive
Bicycle Hire
Hire a quality bicycle and discover Sri Lanka’s quiet villages, scenic countryside, ancient ruins, coastal roads, and hidden attractions comfortably at your own relaxed pace with complete freedom.
Village Roads | Freedom
Tuk Tuk Hire
Experience Sri Lanka like a local by hiring your own tuk tuk, enjoying ultimate freedom, scenic backroads, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures across the island at your own pace.
Local Adventure | Freedom
Plan Your Journey
You’ve explored the highlights of this destination. Now let us help you get there comfortably, safely, and with complete peace of mind.
Founded in 1979, Cross Country Travels is personally managed by the second generation, continuing a long tradition of introducing visitors to the very best of Sri Lanka. Over the years, we’ve supported internationally recognised wildlife expeditions—including assisting the BBC Planet Earth team—and guests travelling with us have captured underwater photographs later featured by Red Bull, Dive Photo Guide, and the Daily Mail (UK).
Whether you need an airport transfer, a chauffeur-driven tour, or transport between destinations, our Sri Lanka Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs and modern vehicles ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose your preferred vehicle below and begin your journey to Hambantota.
