It is no secret that Sri Lanka is surrounded by stretches of beautiful Indian Ocean but out of all the coasts, Pasikuda always gives a very special vibe. So, let’s bring you everything you need to know about this amazing beach.
Located in the small beach town of Pasikuda (පාසිකුඩා), Pasikuda Beach is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka that has one of the lengthiest stretches of shallow reef coastline in the world. It is known for its natural beauty and horseshoe-shaped bay with smooth sandy beaches and turquoise water. Visitors can enjoy many exciting water sports here as well.
Let’s take you along the beautiful coast and show why this place is unmissable by any beach lover!
Where Is Pasikuda Beach and What is So Special About This Place?
Pasikuda has a Tamil translation to “Green-algae bay” and is one of the most iconic beaches in the country located 22 miles northwest of Batticaloa of Batticaloa District in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.
You will have to travel about 186 miles from The central city of Colombo to reach Pasikuda which is situated about 5 minutes away from the small town of Valaichchenai. Thousands of locals and foreigners flock around this beach mainly for its characteristic setting and the fame it has got as a coastal resort town.
The area around this beautiful beach is a plentitude of luxury hotels that provide amenities different from that of the rest of the country. The family-friendly beach is an ideal location to spend an excellent beach vacation with kids. Nearby you’ll find the Kalkuda Beach which is also visited by many beach lovers.
This beach has been recognized as one of the safest spots for swimming in Sri Lanka and visitors can wade further into the water because of the shallowness of the sea.
Pasikuda Bay is made up of a shallow coral reef that has been proclaimed a Marine Sanctuary by the NARA and is one of the well-known reef systems. These corals are connected to similar reef systems towards Kalkudah. Moreover, the beach of Pasikuda is also home to vivid corals and exquisite marine species.
A Flashback To The History Of Pasikuda Beach
The area around Pasikuda Beach has been long lost to the Civil War in Sri Lanka that existed in Sri Lanka for over 30 years. Visitors had very little chance to explore its beauty so the beach was kept untouched for so many years.
It was also affected by the Tsunami tidal wave that took place in 2004. However, after a series of these actions, Pasikuda Beach came to life in 2009. The governments that came to powder ever since took the relevant measures to protect this spectacular beach and make it a suitable place for tourists.
Lately, many foreign companies invested in establishing their hotel chains around the area which finally resulted in Pasikuda becoming one of the tourist hotspots in the country. You can find some of the best resorts, spas, and hotels around Pasikuda Beach, and a range of water sports are hosted by these hotels for the visitors to make it a more entertaining visit to the beach.
The Wonderful Experience In Pasikuda Beach
Sun enthusiasts, swim lovers, and peace seekers are equally welcome to Pasikuda Beach since it is the perfect destination for all! The visitors who embrace Sri Lankan beaches like Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay, and Mirissa are also very keen on checking our Pasikuda for the unique vibe it gives.
This beach has remained untouched for so many years so you could still feel the tranquility once you hit the place. It is much less crowded than other popular destinations in the country and is embraced by beach lovers who love sunbathing on the pearl, smooth sandy beach, and dipping in the blue water.
Pasikuda Beach is lined with a range of tourist resorts and hotels which is one of the main things you find here. During the peak season, you can engage in a variety of activities conducted by water sports providers in this area.
They operate exciting activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, jet skiing, and sailing. This is the quintessential beach destination that suits all types of visitors also, its secure swimming and top-notch facilities are a precise favorite with families.
Away From The Beach…
Kalkudah Beach is another place you can visit after visiting Pasikuda. It is the neighboring beach of the main location, situated a few minutes away. This is also one of the best spots in the area to make a peaceful escape.
Experiences Around Pasikuda Beach
Most visitors may think that visiting the beach is the only thing you can do in Pasikuda. But, there are more things you can enjoy and places to explore if you plan to spend a few days in a luxury hotel around here.
Visit the Batticaloa Lagoon
The Batticaloa Lagoon extends for 35 miles between two of Sri Lanka’s main districts – Ampara and Batticaloa. This marine habitat is an ideal spot for bird lovers and it is home to a sensational array of endemic, migratory, and resident birds.
Together with the Vakarai and Valaichchenai lagoons, it creates a part of a diverse and paramount estuarine ecosystem. This acts as a lifeblood for local communities that grow rice and coconut and employ in shrimp farming and fishing.
Explore Batticaloa Town and Fort
The nearest town to Pasikuda is Batticaloa, a composed backwater framed on three sides by water. Since this town was the first landing spot of the Dutch in 1602 you’ll still be able to witness a handful of colonial-era remains including a showy lighthouse, fine British-era establishments, churches, and a fort dating back to 1628.
Get to the old Dutch Fort to catch a beautiful 360-degree view of the surroundings. You should also not miss out on visiting Bridge Street Market, a community enterprise where locally-grown bee honey, curd, and Kithul products are sold alongside traditional instruments and antique carvings.
Discover The Magnificent Hindu Temples
The majority of the Tamil population in Batticaloa flocks around their religious places for various events taking place at different times of the year. One of the most venerated places in Batticaloa is the Kokkadicholai Thanthondreeswarar Kovil which dates back to the 4th century BC.
This magnificent Hindu Temple is an ancient construction with magnificent art, carvings, and sculpture. If you visit Pasikuda during September, you can even see the annual Chariot Festival taking place in this beautiful Kovil.
Explore The Quaint Villages
If you plan on spending a few days around this area, you can hire a bicycle and explore the Batticaloa area along with its quaint villages.
Discover the unique lifestyle of the locals and meet them on your way, stopping by to catch the beautiful sceneries to spend some quality time out of your happening life! Stop by small eateries and indulge in some snacks, a cup of tea, and traditional Sri Lankan food to have everlasting memories.
Nearby Experiences In Pasikuda Beach
After visiting Pasikuda Beach and exploring Batticaloa, you can head to Trincomalee which will take about a 2-hour ride from Batticaloa. Trincomalee is such a wonderful place with pristine beaches and plenty of other places to explore and experience.
In addition, you can also visit Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa which will also take around 2-3 hours to get from Batticaloa. These places are heritage cities worth visiting to see the country’s rich religious heritage.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Pasikuda Beach?
The climate at Pasikuda is considerably consistent and generally sunny and warm all year round. However, the best time to visit the beach is from March to October when you can expect a lesser average rainfall. Nevertheless, the weather is not a big challenge to have a great time at the beach. The prime tourist season usually falls from July to August.
How Can You Get To Pasikuda Beach?
Getting to Pasikuda Beach is feasible from anywhere in the country. As usual, you can use both public or private transport to reach this place. Assuming you start your journey from Colombo, you can board the bus to Batticaloa from the Fort Bus Station or take the train from Fort Railway Station to Batticaloa Station.
After reaching Batticaloa you can take a tuk-tuk to the beach. If you travel by train, you can get down from Batticaloa station and take another destination train to Valachchenai. It will take only a few minutes to get to the beach from the town of Valachchenai. While using public transport could be adventurous and save you some money, traveling by a private vehicle can be more convenient and time-saving.
In addition to these modes of transportation, you can also count on domestic air service. The flight is usually headed to Batticaloa and you may have to book your flights ahead of time by contacting the relevant service provider.
Things You Need to Know About Safety and Security When Visiting Pasikuda Beach
Pasikuda Beach and the surrounding area are generally a safe zone to be visited with your whole family and no specific code of conduct needs to be followed. However, there are a few things you should remember when hitting this beach destination.
The most important thing is the temperature around this area. The eastern province of Sri Lanka is one of the hottest places in the country thus you should not forget your sun protection gear and applications. Moreover, it is also important to look out for warning signs and be alert to the condition of the sea during different climatic conditions.
Drugs and liquor are usually not allowed on the beach so you can use the bar in your hotel or resort for this purpose. Littering on the beach is strictly prohibited and if you engage in water sports, remember to follow the required safety measures to avoid unnecessary danger that could cause.
Places Of Accommodation In Pasikuda Beach
As mentioned earlier, Pasikuda Beach is favored for the range of resorts and hotels that back tourism around this area. The array of these hotels and resorts is one of the main reasons why most people are lured to this place. You can find many luxury hotels and here are some of the best you can choose during your next trip:
- Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa
- Amaya Beach Passikudah
- Uga Bay
- Amethyst Resort Pasikuda
- Anantaya Resort & Spa
- Marina Beach Passikudah
- Karpaha Sands
The Stunning Coast Is The Place To Be To Spend The Ideal Vacation!
Pasikuda Beach is one of the most renowned beach destinations in Sri Lanka famed for its extraordinary setting and array of spectacular beach resorts and hotels. You can spend some quality time here especially if you love a peaceful beach vibe with fewer crowds and more things to explore and experience.
