Joanna James
Pasikudah is a pristine stretch of coastline found along the eastern edge of Sri Lanka. From white sand beaches to cultural landmarks and colonial artefacts, there's a litany of amazing sights to see and experiences to be had here. These are 5 of the best attractions in Passikudah.
When it comes to places to visit in Pasikudah, they don't get much better than the Kallady Beach. This is exactly what you'd expect from a tropical paradise getaway – the sand is soft and pristine; the waters are calm and the sun Is nice and hot! The beach here is also a great place to mingle with the locals. You'll find many fishermen along these shores either getting ready to sail off or unloading the day's catch onto the beach. At the very edge of the beach you'll also find a picturesque estuary. This placid body of water is referred to as the Batticaloa Lagoon and it can be a great spot to have a pleasant picnic with friends or family.
The Kokkadicholai Temple – referred to locally as the Kokkadicholai Thaanthonrichcharar Kovil – is one of the most culturally significant Shaivism temples found in the Batticaloa region. This temple is thought to have been built in the 4th century BC. This would put it amongst some of the oldest places of religious significance found in the entirety of the island – and it is still functioning today! Every year, the temple celebrates the chariot festival which includes the showcase of a chariot that was built all the way back in the early 18th century!
Now, when you're touring through Passikudah and experiencing all the fascinating sites it has to offer, you'll no doubt want to grab yourself a souvenir to remember the place by. Well, in that case, consider an outing to the many palmyra handicraft shops found all throughout the main town of Passikudah. Everything you find at these shops has been fashioned out of the palmyra tree and its products – be it leaves, husks or bark. You can get yourself unique ornaments, fantastic furniture and even some charming accessories, so be sure to stop by during your visit.
The waters that surround Pasikudah offer some of the best opportunities to try out a myriad of exciting water sports. In fact, many of the region's prominent hotels – such as the Amethyst Passikudah – will offer their own guided activities and tours, so be sure to take advantage of that. Some of the best water sports to try out included snorkelling and diving. The water here is teeming with life and an underwater, so it's a great opportunity to get up-close and personal with a variety of fascinating marine life.
The Batticaloa Lighthouse is one of the most enduring images associated with the Passikudah region and it's an absolute must-visit if you're in the area. The lighthouse itself was built in 1913 and stands at an impressive 28 metres in height.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
