Exciting Things to Do in Pasikuda – Coastal Beauty Meets Culture

Bridge Market is all about celebrating local small-scale producers. Here, you'll find a range of locally-grown organic goodies like fruits, veggies, ginger bee honey, curd, pickles, and kithul treacle. But it's not just about food; there's also a selection of one-of-a-kind clothes, wooden artwork, vintage embroidery, and traditional musical instruments. The best part is that every cent here you spend goes straight back to the hardworking locals. The market is just a 45-minute drive from Amethyst Resort, so getting here is less of a challenge and more of an unforgettable experience.

With its pristine white sands dotted with casuarina trees, Kallady in Batticaloa is a beach lover's dream. It's the perfect spot for a chilled-out picnic or just lounging in a hammock under the shade. While Kallady Beach offers peace and relaxation for those looking to escape, it also buzzes with life, especially when families gather for some weekend fun. Fancy a scenic walk? The seafront has wooden walkways perfect for that. If you're up for some adventure, there's snorkelling, diving, and swimming. If you're an early bird, the fishermen at work during sunrise are a sight to behold. Looking for a place to stay in Pasikuda? Hotels in Sri Lanka come in all shapes and sizes, and you’re bound to find a good selection of them near Kallady Beach.

Having been under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, Batticaloa Fort has seen its fair share of history. Located smack in the middle of town, this fort boasts four striking bastions and is beautifully guarded by the Batticaloa Lagoon. Take a walk through the Dutch Fort complex and you'll be stepping back in time. As a mix of old meets new, you'll spot ancient cannons sitting next to government offices that are still buzzing with activity today. A walk here is truly a journey through time!

Just a stone's throw from Pasikuda, the Kokkadicholai Thanthondreeswarar Temple stands tall as Batticaloa's premier Shaivism Kovil. As one of the area's ancient treasures, this temple is a feast for the eyes with its colourful exterior, soft-hued pillars, and stunning statues of Lord Shiva. One quirky tale talks about a bull statue that reportedly scared off Portuguese soldiers back in the day. If you're around in mid-August, you'll witness a sea of devotees flocking for the chariot festival and the two-week-long rituals. It's a must-visit for anyone keen on diving deep into the region's rich history and culture.

The Batticaloa Lagoon is a vast, serene expanse that separates Batticaloa from the Indian Ocean. The singing fish is a natural phenomenon that the lagoon is known for. If you're near the Kallady Bridge during a full moon, you might catch faint guitar-like tunes wafting from the waters, believed to be made by some of its endangered marine inhabitants. For a real treat, hop on a boat and cruise along the lagoon. You'll glide by quaint fishing villages and lush rice and coconut farms and get a glimpse of landmarks like the Batticaloa Fort and Lighthouse. You’ll also be lucky enough to catch one of those mesmerising sunsets.

A gem in Kallady, Tiruchendur Murugan Alayam Temple is revered by all Sri Lankans. Built in 1984 as a rest stop for the Pada Yatra pilgrimage to Kataragama, it holds a mystical tale about its Lord Murugan image. Legend has it that the deity's eyes opened on their own before the painter could even finish them! As you approach, you can't miss the vibrant tower that watches over Kallady's Third Cross Street.