Top Attractions in Passikudah – the best of the east coast

The beautiful, curved bay is a combination of two pristine beaches; Passikudah beach which is a 2km long stretch of powder white sands that are protected by a shallow reef off the shore, and Kalkudah beach, a wide stretch of beach located 4km south of Passikudah. The coastline near both beaches are calm, crystal clear and protected. During the peak season, between October to May, the currents are fairly weak and it's is possible to wade up to half a kilometer into the sea because the water is so calm and shallow. Most of the best Passikudah hotels can be found adjacent to the beachfront, like Sunrise by Jetwing.

Located just 30 minutes away from Passikudah, in the laid-back town of Batticaloa is a beautiful picturesque Lagoon that leads out to the sea. Several small islands standalone within the lagoon, such as Bone Island and Buffaloa Island. Most of the islands are accessible by bridges that connect the islands to the mainland; the biggest of which is the Lady Manning Bridge found at Kallady. At Kallady, you'll find the famed 'singing fish'. During the months of April and September, you can clearly hear a musical vibration emanating from the waters. According to locals, the best way to hear the 'singing' is by placing you ear an oar or a thick walking stick, that's dipped in the water. The Batticaloa Lagoon has extensive mangrove swamps located near the two mouths that leads out to the sea, which attracts a wide assortment of water birds and reptiles.

The most extensive and richest archaeological site in the country, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is filled with historical and important heritage relics and sites dating back over 2500 years. A UNESCO World Heritage, the city of one of three significant locations that make up the islands "Cultural Triangle". The ancient city is considered by many to the best archaeological sites in the country. The enormous monuments, parks, shrines and sacred relics found across the city, make it one of the most beautiful of the ancient kingdoms.

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress is the ancient ruins of a once beautiful palace, built in (477AD – 495 AD) by a renowned Sinhalese king. The Sigiriya rock is one of eight heritage sites in the country and is most famous for the "Lion Gate" and frescoes of the "Sigiri Damsels"; paintings of beautiful women, richly adorned with jewellery and flowers, that appear to be floating on celestial clouds. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress consists of ruins, mostly foundations, of a palace located on the flat top of the rock along with large ponds, a mid-level terrace that includes the Lion Gate and the mirror wall where the frescoes are situated. Below are remains of the lower palaces, ramparts, moats, ponds and exquisite landscaped gardens.