Pasikuda holidays

Holidays to Pasikuda plot you on the quiet side of Sri Lanka, with sandy beaches and world-class snorkelling.

Peaceful Pasikuda

Sri Lanka’s east coast isn’t as well-known as many of the long-standing resorts to the south and west of the island. But go-slow Pasikuda’s becoming more popular for luxury beach holidays. Resorts line the town with manicured gardens, wide-open beachfronts and postcard-perfect ocean views. Plus, all this is mixed with a taste of the town’s original culture, so you can expect little wooden fishing boats and cosy little guesthouses, too.

Sandy shallow shores

Pasikuda Beach is best known for its clear shallow waters – you can easily walk out 50 metres – and its long sandy shore that curves around Pasikuda Bay. It’s also a first-class spot for snorkelling and watersports. Between May and September, the beach hosts kayaking, sailing and – of course – diving and snorkelling. If you dip your head under, your mask will be filled with a colourful scene of Bengali snappers, yellow-striped goatfish and stingrays weaving between multicoloured coral.

The Local’s lagoons

Away from the beaches, and a little inland, are some unseen areas of Sri Lanka. You can hire a bike or explore on foot at Batticaloa’s three lagoons. You’ll pass by fishermen, rice fields and herds of buffalo as you wind your way through lots of little villages – it’s a brilliant way to absorb the local life and nature. The lagoons around here are the life source for locals – it’s where they grow rice and coconuts and catch fish and shrimp. It’s also home to a huge array of birds, including pelicans, kingfishers and egrets, so keep your eyes peeled.