Pasikuda, Sri Lanka

Pasikuda is unspoilt beaches in the East coast of Sri Lanka, close to the town of Batticaloa. The white sands, clear blue water, and the stillness of the sea are both captivating and unparalleled by far. Pasikuda is known to have one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world.

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.