Sri Lanka’s east coast is famed for its beautiful beaches and clear weather, and there’s no better place to experience it than at Passikudah. Located in the Batticaloa district, the town exudes a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and a number of stunning Passikudah hotels have opened up near the highly-sought after coastline, such as the Amethyst Resort Passikudah, for example.
During the peak season, between May to September, the 2km long stretch of beaches along the Passikudah Bay are perfect for sea bathing as the azure waters are clear, calm and protected by a natural reef. Whilst Passikudah Beach is the first stop for visitors to the Bay, further south is the palm fringed, 4km stretch of Kalkudah beach, a continuation of the bay and a less crowded alternative to Passikudah Beach.The beautiful curved bay is said to be one of the longest, shallow coastlines in the world. On a clear day, which is most days in this region, the waters are delightfully warm, and a person can easily walk up to a kilometre out into the open sea as the water is only a few inches deep at certain points and the currents are relatively weak.
The shallow bay is home to various tropical marine life and along with the outer coral reef and smaller reefs within, make it prime location for snorkellers and divers. Thanks to the pleasant weather, travellers can journey further out into the sea to enjoy water sports like kayaking, jet-skiing, and even wind surfing. Experienced divers can book guides to explore the many World War 2 shipwrecks which lie on the ocean’s bed, not far from the shore.
During the months between November to April, the sea is slightly rough and rainfall is heaviest during December. However, if you don’t mind the choppy seas, Passikudah’s off-season is a great place to getaway from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy having the beaches all to yourself.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+