Joanna James
Tucked away along the east coast of Sri Lanka, Pasikuda is a laid-back town beside the sea which provides all the family fun or intimate romance you desire. There are many key attractions in and around this area as well which will help make your holiday truly unforgettable.
One of the main allures of this destination is its gorgeous stretch of beach bordered by an equally enchanting bay (more on that coming up!). The white sand shores are perfect for those looking to just lie back and work on their tan, while families can enjoy building sandcastles or playing games. The backdrop is ideal for couples too who can look forward to long walks on the beach soaking up the romantic atmosphere. Since the beach is on the east coast, it also provides an ideal vantage point to catch a stunning sunrise.
What makes Pasikuda Bay so special is that it is naturally protected which means that you will not encounter rough waves. Featuring one of the world's longest shallow coastlines, the bay has calm waters and you can walk quite a distance out to sea; it also makes it a wonderful place for a leisurely and safe swim. In Pasikuda, hotels can be found overlooking the bay and are ideal since they provide water sports too. Properties the likes of The Calm Resort & Spa offer snorkelling, jet skiing, sailing and deep-sea fishing for a truly memorable experience.
One of the best things to do in Pasikuda is to explore its thriving natural reefs which feature a diverse array of coral and marine life; diving is a popular activity here to take in this mesmerising underwater beauty. Amongst the highlights is Pasikuda Reef which is near the outer edges of the bay; those venturing to this site will be rewarded with the chance to see soft and hard corals as well as species such as butterflyfish, damselfish, sweetlips and cardinalfish. The Kayankerni, Mushroom and Vakarai reefs can be easily accessed too.
Pasikuda has also become one of the best places for diving in Sri Lanka especially for exploring shipwrecks, some of which date back to World War Two. If you are a diving enthusiast, stay at a local resort that offers excursions to such sites. One wreck you can head to is the British Sergeant, a tanker which was sunk following an air raid by the Japanese in 1942. Also popular are the Boiler Wrecks featuring three dive sites, HMS Hermes which was a British carrier and Gladys Moller, a British transport ship.
The last attraction may not be in Pasikuda itself, but is within easy reach making it an ideal place for an excursion; the Batticaloa Lagoon is a picturesque site offering much to see especially if you take a boat ride. Those on a family holiday can make their way to the Batti Lagoon Park where kayaks, paddle boats and swan boats can be hired. You can also embark on boat tours to places such as Kallady Bridge and Bone Island, while birdwatching enthusiasts can look forward to spotting diverse avifauna around the mangrove swamps of the lagoon.
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