Described as the Jewel of the Sri Lankan east, the Pasikudah beach is a specialty among-st the other beaches of the island. It is part of Pasikudah’s crescent- shaped bay and is one of the longest shallow reef coastlines in the world. Blanketed by Mystic blue waters, travelers can walk out considerably far into the ocean without fear. The visitors often find it perfect for a safe and relaxing swim as the waves are quite gentle. The beach front is lined by many luxury resorts offering world class hospitality. Pasikudah makes the perfect destination for a romantic evening on the beachfront admiring the radiant hues of the sky as the sun sets over the horizon.
Owing to the gentle nature of the bay, Pasikudah is a hotspot for many water-sports activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. The bay area harbors 2 incredible reefs open for visiting; the Pasikudah reef and the mushroom reef, which offer private rent-able boats if you are looking for a more personalized experience of the remarkable reef. The Bay also has a considerable number of excellent diving spots for thrill seekers like the HMS Hermes, a World War 2 shipwreck, and marine life hot spots. Pasikudah is a rising water-sports hub which in addition to scuba diving and snorkeling, offers a variety of other thrilling opportunities like jet skiing, paddle boarding, and wind surfing.
As with most of the vibrant attractions throughout Sri Lanka, beauty is often accompanied closely by rich cultural heritage. Complementing Pasikudah’s tropical bliss, is an abundance of cultural and historical importance surrounding the town. Just 30 kilometers away from Pasikudah lies the charismatic town of Batticaloa, a unique cultural excursion rooted with history and legend. Batticaloa is home to the fabled Kallady bridge. Connecting the suburbs of Kallady to the main city, the ancient iron bridge is famous for it’s legend of the ‘singing fish’. According to local folklore, a peculiar rhythmic sound emanates from the depths of the lagoon at night which the locals believe to be singing fish. While some believe the legend to be a mere myth, many who cross the bridge at night claim to have heard the sounds in question. Although the exact source of the sounds are known, they are speculated to be from a type of shellfish at the bottom of the lagoon. It is a major attraction today to many who find the legend intriguing. The lagoon itself is a worthwhile destination for travelers seeking a serene experience of the brackish ecosystem and wildlife as the locals offer boat rides of the area. Not too far away locates the Maduru oya national park, which is perfect for sighting majestic asian elephants and bird-watching. More cultural destinations of Batticaloa include the Thirukkovil Hindu temple and the iconic dutch fort.
The towns of Pasikudah and Batticaloa are also iconic for trying the local culinary delights. Courtesy of the lagoons and the bay, the fresh fish are of pristine quality and in combination with local spices create a fantastic delight for the senses! Some must-try local dishes include the aromatic crab curry and grilled fish. For travelers looking for international cuisine, the towns are home to many beach-side restaurants of highly commended standards. Although the local folk are greatly hospitable, it is advisable to respect the local customs and to engage in eco-friendly tourism practices.
Capturing the allure of the Sri Lankan east coast, Pasikudah is undoubtedly one of the island’s most divine coastal escapes. The refreshing waters and the sun-kissed surf are sure to leave a lasting impression of thrill and adventure. Pasikudah is a must-visit destination with a charm not to be missed!
