05 Places To Visit And See In Pasikuda – A Hidden Treasure

The Bridge Market is located in Batticaloa. A town just 45 minutes from Pasikuda hotels and a popular day's excursion amongst tourists visiting Pasikuda. Consider booking your accommodation at one of the finer hotels in Pasikuda. Those like Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa will make it easy to plan excursion to the best sites in Batticaloa. The market offers a fine selection of fresh produce; local fruits and vegetables and is a good place to discover area specialities such as wood carvings, traditional musical instruments and paintings.

Home to some of Sri Lanka's best beach resorts, the horseshoe-shaped Passikuda Bay is an emerald green oasis. The soft sandy beach is perfect for long idyllic walks or catching a snooze under the palm trees. One of the best places to explore with your camera, this beach is a true Instagram worthy spot, where you can also swim, dive, snorkel and surf.

While your Pasikuda hotel will sit along the shores of the gorgeous Passikuda Bay, make sure to plan a visit to Kallady Beach, dubbed one of the most peaceful in Sri Lanka. This beach is in Batticaloa and is a 40-minute drive from your Passikuda resort. Separated by sea and lagoon, Kallady Beach is the ideal escape, if you favour tranquillity and the silent beauty of nature. There's a wooden walkway that extends across the lagoon to the beach, which in turn is dotted with swaying palm trees for those of you favouring an afternoon siesta in the shade. Take along your gear too, for Kallady is ideal for a spot of diving and snorkelling.

The islands longest and oldest iron bridge, Kallady Bridge was erected by the British. It was and is still known by its alternative name, Lady Manning Bridge, which was the name of the then British Governor on the island, William Manning's wife. The singing fish of Kallady Bridge is an iconic attraction. According to legend one must sit on the bridge and listen through an oar dipped in the water to the musical sound coming from below. The music is said to be heard best during April and September.

Sri Lanka's oldest Hindu temple is definitely worth the 1 hr drive from your hotel in Passikuda. The place is the islands most revered shrine dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The temple is accessed via the Manmunai Bridge and is believed to have been erected around the 4th century BC. Exact facts are not present, but its thought that Ulaga Naachi who belonged to the Chula Empire was responsible for the commission of the temple. The Chariot Festival held mid-August is the highlight of the shrine with many devotees visiting the place. But should you visit at other times, there's plenty to explore; especially the vintage façade and decorative pillars dating back centuries.