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Batticaloa Gate

Ranked #4 in Batticaloa, this well-preserved 19th-century gateway features intricate stone carvings and colonial architecture. With a 4.2-star rating, it serves as a key cultural landmark and photo spot in the Eastern Province.

Details of Batticaloa Gate

Open now 

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible toilet 

Wheelchair-accessible car park 

Wheelchair-accessible entrance 

Children

Good for kids 

Parking

Paid parking lot 

Free parking lot 

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Overview - Batticaloa Gate

Nestled in the heart of Batticaloa’s Eastern Province, the Batticaloa Gate stands as a striking testament to Sri Lanka’s colonial-era heritage. Built in the 19th century, this historic gateway once marked the ceremonial entrance to the city, blending indigenous craftsmanship with colonial architectural influences. Its weathered stone arches, adorned with intricate carvings and elegant detailing, offer a tangible link to the region’s layered history. Visitors today can explore its timeless design, where every curve and carving hints at the stories of the past. Renowned as one of Batticaloa’s top attractions—ranked #4 among 19 local sights—it draws history enthusiasts and photographers alike, celebrated for its serene ambiance and well-preserved state. With a 4.2-star rating from travelers, the gate provides a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle, inviting you to reflect on centuries of cultural evolution. Whether you’re capturing its beauty through a lens or simply soaking in its quiet dignity, Batticaloa Gate offers a rare glimpse into Sri Lanka’s lesser-known architectural treasures, making it a must-visit for those seeking authenticity beyond the usual tourist trails.

Tags/ Categories

Sights & LandmarksCultural AttractionFamily FriendlyCouplesSolo TravelFriends GetawayHighly RatedPhotography Spot

Highlights

Colonial Heritage-image

Colonial Heritage

Gandhi Park Setting-image

Gandhi Park Setting

Lagoon Views-image

Lagoon Views

Nearby Attractions

Batticaloa Fort-image
Historical Site

Batticaloa Fort

4.5

450 reviews

A 17th-century Dutch fort housing government offices, offering history and lagoon views.

Batticaloa Lagoon-image
Nature / Water Body

Batticaloa Lagoon

4.6

1,200 reviews

A vast estuarine lagoon perfect for boat rides and witnessing the famous 'singing fish'.

Mahatma Gandhi Park-image
Park / Leisure

Mahatma Gandhi Park

4.3

850 reviews

A waterfront public park adjacent to the Gate, ideal for evening walks and relaxation.

Batticaloa Lighthouse-image
Landmark / Viewpoint

Batticaloa Lighthouse

4.4

600 reviews

A historic lighthouse located near the estuary, offering panoramic views of the sea and lagoon.

Kallady Bridge-image
Landmark

Kallady Bridge

4.5

900 reviews

The oldest and longest iron bridge in Sri Lanka, famous for the legend of the singing fish.

Navigations

Batticaloa 30162 Sri Lanka

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Reviews

DI

Dineshsanth

Batticaloa Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Batticaloa. It is located within the premises of the Gandhi Park. Batticaloa Gate is believed to be the landing site of Reverend William Ault, the first Methodist missionary to arrive in Batticaloa in 1814.

4 months ago

HI

HISHAM ENLIGHTENED MOHAMED

WHEN I STEP IN TO BATTICALOA GANTHI PARK I COULD NOT HELP BUT NOTICE THERE STOOD AN ENORMOUS STRUCTURE SO I WENT FURTHER TO EXPLORE.IT BUILT TO COMMEMORATE THE PEOPLE OF BATTI THEIR ENERGETIC,SOULFUL SPIRIT AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO KEEP THE …

a year ago

SA

Sankalpa Gunathilaka

Batticaloa gate is in the Batticaloa park in batticaloa town.Here you can hangot with your friends,do photoshoots and have a rest for a while.But during daytime the area is extremely hot.Evenings would be better.Batticaloa natural history museum, Library and Fort are other tourist attractions nearby.

11 months ago

IS

Ishanka Hasaranga

Iconic monument located just close to the lagoon and inside the gandhi park. A lot of shady areas available with benches to sit and enjoy the lagoon view. Best to visit in evenings  to avoid hot sunshine.

6 years ago

AR

Archchana Ganeshalingam

Beautiful spot for photos near Gandhi park. There is also a boat service nearby to some cool spots in Batticaloa.

a year ago

P.

P.M Ampareesan

Nice place to visit in Batticaloa. No any entrance fee. Parking facilities available. Fishing 🎣 allowed. Good place to spend with family 👪. Batticaloa Gate in Ganthi Park. …

7 years ago

CH

Chathra Viswakula

Batticaloa Gate. Batticaloa Gate is a very attractive monument located just next to Mahatma …

7 years ago

HI

Himantha Alahakoon

The Batticaloa Gate is a historical landmark situated within the Gandhi Park, close to the Batticaloa lagoon. This landmark demarcates the point which boats from the mainland docked the Puliyanthivu island during old days. The park area …

3 years ago

CH

Chowbanan Surash

Batticaloa Gate is a building which is situated next to Ganthi park. Nice place to chill out with friends.

4 years ago

VI

Viduranga Wijayapala

A place to relax the stress of the day with nature... children can even play their own in the whole time. Definite have to visit here & find the history of the significant Batticaloa Gate...

4 years ago

SE

Sewwandhi Chathurika

Better in evenings. If you are lucky jelly fish 🎐 may be there to see you. …

a month ago

MO

Mohamed Nazeem

Wonderful place. Very silent place in a rush city. Often visit there to take photos. Have some trees to sit. They must look after to plant some more trees there.

7 years ago

GO

Gobika

We went there in the evening, it was so nice, the weather was great. The place is very clean and tidy. It has a stream by it's side making this place very photogenic one, also it has …

Edited 4 years ago

AJ

Aj Aja

Nice place. There is a statue of Ghanthi jee middle of that park. The large park has long walkways with many features of interest that are perfect for family , gatherings and  fitness activities.

2 years ago

KO

Kothmini Samarakoon

A good place to relax. We ll maintained small park in middle of Batticaloa town .

5 years ago

SU

Suntharalingam Kirushanth

Batticaloa gate know as a port to connect puliyanthivu. Lagoon views best for sunset. Good for families & kids. It located heart of Batticaloa city. Good location for photo shoots. The statue next to the Batticaloa gate Rev. William Ault, …

6 years ago

DA

Daminda Lakshman

Very good place to visit in the morning and evenings. Noon time is very warm.

Edited 3 years ago

AM

amos sam Joy

It's is a very nice place, its called Gandhi Park.

6 years ago

RA

Rasheedh Rifaee

Nice place to visit. Its inside the Ghanthi park which is located near the lagoon area. Better place to get relax. There is a statue of Ghanthi jee middle of that park.

3 years ago