Sri Lanka’s east coast isn’t as well-known as many of the long-standing resorts to
the south and west of the country, however the beaches to be found here are
spectacular. If you’re looking for a tropical paradise with swaying palms, endless
sandy beaches, a relaxed and easygoing vibe, and with water sports and lesser- known sights to explore, you’ll love Pasikuda Beach. Close to sedate Batticaloa
and its vast lagoon, its predominantly Tamil-Hindu culture gives the region its
own warm, unique and unforgettable flavour.

•  PASIKUDA BEACH

Pasikuda is the pin up of picture postcard beaches thanks to its soft white sand
and translucent water. Between May and September, this is the best place in Sri
Lanka for a Sri Lankan beach holiday. Most days are cloudless, the ocean is warm, and water clarity is very good which makes it ideal for snorkelling, diving, sailing
and a host of other water sports. The curve of Pasikuda bay means that
swimming can be enjoyed throughout the year. The original village of Pasikuda with its guesthouses, hawker stalls and fishing
boats infuse local flavor to the south of the bay. During the high season, jet skis, kayaks and sailing boats occupy the water.

WHAT TO DO IN PASIKUDA
Pasikuda’s prime attraction is its relaxed holiday vibe. You could spend your
days on the beach or exploring the range of water sports activities in the bay. Travel a little further afield and you’ll find the region is home to a wealth of
cultural and natural attractions.

•Hire a bicycle
Exploring the quieter roads of the Eastern Province by bicycle, particularly in
and around Batticaloa’s three lagoons, is a great way to absorb local life and
appreciate nature. Pass by fishermen, vast rice fields, herds of buffalo, lots of
water birds and little villages.

•Visit Batticaloa town and fort
The closest town to Pasikudah is Batticaloa, a sedate backwater edged on three
sides by water. The town was the first landing spot of the Dutch in 1602 and is
still home to a handful of colonial-era remnants including fine British-era
buildings, churches, a slender lighthouse and a fort dating back to 1628 (with
superb 360-degree views). Don’t miss Bridge Street Market, a community
initiative where locally-grown curd, bee honey and kithul are sold alongside
heirloom carvings and traditional instruments.

•Explore the Batticaloa Lagoon
The Batticaloa Lagoon stretches for 56km between two of Sri Lanka’s main
districts – Batticaloa and Ampara. This aquatic habitat is home to a dazzling
array of migratory, resident and endemic birds. Together with the Valaichchenai
and Vakari lagoons, it forms part of a diverse and critical estuarine ecosystem
that acts as a lifeblood for local communities who grow rice and coconut, and
engage in fishing and shrimp farming. •Discover the Kokkadicholai Thaanthonreeswarar Kovil
Thought to date back to the 4th century BC, this decorated Kovil around an
hour’s drive from Pasikuda is one of the oldest of its kind in Sri Lanka. Devotees
flock here for the annual September chariot festival marked by processions, prayers and holy acts.

•Walk along Kallady Beach
A very popular stretch of beachfront close to Batticaloa town is Kallady Beach
where you might find yourselves sharing the white sand with local families and
fishermen hauling in nets. Backed by casuarina trees, it’s a very peaceful place
for relaxing beach walks.

•Indulge in water sports
Pasikuda Bay is one of Sri Lanka’s best spots for sailing and water sports
between May and September. Board a luxurious catamaran for a sunset cruise;
explore the wreck of the HMS Hermes on a dive beneath the waves; or see vivid
fish and coral on a snorkelling trip. Other water sports include jet skiing, kayaking and wind surfing.

• KALKUDAH BEACH

Just 20-minutes’ drive from Pasikuda is the gloriously secluded Kalkudah Beach. Stretching as far as the eye can see, this bay – backed by a profusion of coconut
palm estates and cashew nut plantations – offers a complete contrast to Pasikuda. Aside from a couple of low-key resorts, the beach is otherwise completely
undeveloped – a rare find anywhere in the world. You can walk or jog for miles
along Kalkudah’s soft, ivory sands without seeing a soul except for local
fishermen casting their nets into the sea. Kalkudah isn’t as good for swimming as
Pasikuda due to seasonal currents and the absence of life guards though it does
feel more ‘local’ and Crusoe-esque. Cycle here from Pasikuda along a sandy track
winding through villages, over a railway line and through coconut plantations.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KALKUDAH AND PASIKUDA BEACHES
Although Pasikuda and Kalkudah are exceptional paradise beaches, they have a
very different look and feel. Pasikuda’s wide bay is home to around 14 luxury
resorts each with a range of wining and dining options. During the high season
water sports providers in Pasikuda operate activities such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and jet skiing. Pasikudah suits all types of visitors, though its
safe swimming and first-class facilities are a particular favourite with families. Kalkudah’s desert-island feel makes it popular with those seeking pure escapism
and few distractions.

GETTING TO KALKUDAH AND PASIKUDA BEACH
Pasikuda is approximately 300-kilometres from Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo, and
the main international airport. Most visitors arrive here as part of a round tour of
the island, particularly from the Cultural Triangle, though you can reduce your
travel time by taking a one-hour domestic flight from Colombo direct to
Batticaloa Airport, 45-minutes’ drive away.