Batticaloa Lagoon
About This Place
Batticaloa Lagoon
A stunning 56-km-long saltwater lagoon separated from the Indian Ocean by a narrow barrier island, surrounding the city of Batticaloa on Sri Lanka's east coast. Famous worldwide for the mysterious 'Singing Fish' phenomenon — a musical humming sound heard on calm nights near certain spots in the lagoon, attributed to fish (possibly snapper or other species), but the exact cause remains a scientific mystery. The lagoon is rich in birdlife and supports traditional fishing communities.
Difficulty
🧭 easy
Best Time
📅 April to September (east coast dry season); full moon nights for singing fish.
Safety Rating
Accessibility & Visitor Info
Accessible within Batticaloa city; boat hire for lagoon tours; singing fish heard best on full moon nights in calm season; Dutch Fort on an island in the lagoon.
📖 Legends & Stories
The Singing Fish of Batticaloa has captivated visitors for centuries. Sir Emerson Tennent documented the phenomenon in 1860, describing it as a musical sound like a distant organ rising from the water. Local legend attributes the sound to the spirit of a lovelorn princess who drowned herself in the lagoon after her lover was killed in battle. Various Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial accounts all verify the strange phenomenon.
Location
📍 Find It Here
7.716700, 81.700000
Community
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