Imperial Saloon


Consider a haircut and head massage (Rs 400) at this utterly bizarre salon, a monument to kitsch. Every centimetre is covered in decorative painting, fake flowers, sequins, filigree, stained glass or tinsel garlands, and at the back of the salon, up towards the faux-sky ceiling, is an interfaith shrine, from where Durga, Mary and the Buddha keep an eye on things.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Our Lady of Sorrows

0.26 MILES

Of the dozens of churches, the most eye-catching is the huge cerulean blue, eight-sided, unfinished Our Lady of Sorrows.

3. Auliya Mosque

0.3 MILES

The tiny Auliya Mosque has a curious green minaret. It's a great place to observe the Dutch Fort over the water.

4. St Anthony’s

0.31 MILES

The vaguely Mexican-looking, earth-toned St Anthony’s is one of Puliyanthivu's most striking churches.

5. Mahatma Gandhi Park

0.32 MILES

This lovely modern park along Old Batti's waterfront is popular with strolling couples and includes features such as the Batticaloa Gate, which was a 19th…

6. St Mary’s Cathedral

0.42 MILES

The grand, turquoise-coloured St Mary’s Cathedral stands out among the many churches in Batti. St Mary’s was rebuilt in 1994 following its partial…

7. St Michael’s College

0.44 MILES

An old colonial survivor that's so drenched in vines and creepers that the brickwork is starting to break away.

8. St Sebastian’s Church

0.46 MILES

Beside Kallady Bridge is the fairly modern and relatively unattractive St Sebastian’s Church, built somewhat in the shape of a whale.