Pasikudah
Your complete travel guide to Pasikudah, Sri Lanka — discover the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get there.
About Pasikudah
Pasikudah boasts one of the most beautiful and safest swimming beaches in Sri Lanka. This crescent-shaped bay features incredibly shallow, calm turquoise waters that stretch far from shore - you can walk out hundreds of meters and still only be waist-deep.
After being closed for decades during the civil war, Pasikudah has emerged as an upscale beach destination with several luxury resorts and a growing tourist infrastructure. The lack of development during the conflict left the beaches pristine and the coral reefs largely untouched.
The bay faces east, making it perfect during the April to October season when the west coast is hit by monsoons. Combined with nearby Kalkudah Beach and the historic Batticaloa fort, Pasikudah offers a more relaxed, less crowded alternative to Sri Lanka's famous south coast beaches.
Best Time to Visit
April to September — The east coast dry season with calm seas and sunny weather. Perfect swimming conditions.
Quick Facts
Best Time
April - September
Min. Days
2-3 days
From Colombo
6-7 hours
Known For
Shallow calm bay, family-friendly, snorkeling
Things to Do in Pasikudah
Pasikudah Beach
A stunning bay with incredibly shallow, calm waters. Safe for swimming and perfect for families with children.
Tip: The shallow water can get very warm. Best swimming early morning or late afternoon.
Kalkudah Beach
A neighboring beach that's quieter and less developed. Good snorkeling around the rocky areas.
Snorkeling & Diving
The reefs off Pasikudah and nearby Pigeon Island (accessible by boat) offer good snorkeling with coral and tropical fish.
Batticaloa Fort
Portuguese-built fort in nearby Batticaloa with Dutch modifications. Houses a small museum about local history.
Batticaloa Lagoon
Famous for "singing fish" phenomenon where musical sounds rise from the water on full moon nights. Boat trips available.
Tip: Visit during full moon for the best chance of hearing the singing fish.
Kallady Beach & Bridge
Historic bridge in Batticaloa with a pleasant beach. Nice for sunset views.
Getting to Pasikudah
By Bus
Bus to Batticaloa, then tuk-tuk to Pasikudah (35 km).
By Taxi/Car
Direct from Colombo through the interior. Can combine with Cultural Triangle.
By Air
Fly to Batticaloa airport, then 30-minute transfer.
Getting Around Pasikudah
Most visitors stay in resorts that can arrange excursions. Tuk-tuks available for independent travel. Bicycles good for exploring the beach road.
Where to Stay in Pasikudah
Mid-Range Hotels
- Maalu Maalu Resort$$
- Bay Beach Hotel$$
Luxury Hotels
- Amaya Beach Pasikudah$$$
- Anilana Pasikuda$$$
- Sun Aqua Pasikudah$$$
Where to Eat in Pasikudah
- Resort restaurants(International)$$$
- Local beach shacks(Seafood)$
- Batticaloa town(Sri Lankan)$
Pasikudah FAQs
Is Pasikudah good for families?
Excellent! The shallow, calm bay is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka for children. You can walk out very far and the water stays shallow.
When is the best time to visit Pasikudah?
April to September during the east coast dry season. The west coast monsoon means perfect weather on the east coast.
Is Pasikudah better than Arugam Bay?
They're different experiences. Pasikudah is calm and resort-focused, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Arugam Bay is for surfing and backpacker vibes.
What are the singing fish of Batticaloa?
A mysterious phenomenon where musical sounds rise from the lagoon on full moon nights. Scientists believe it's caused by fish or crustaceans, but the exact source is debated.
External Resources
Learn more about Pasikudah from these authoritative sources: