KALKUDAH BEACH
A well kept secret of the East
Passikudah Bay in Batticaloa is one of the world famous beach destinations in Sri Lanka. Since lately, many star class Resorts have come up in this white sand bay, developing this sickle-shaped Passikudah Beach as a kind of mini-cancun of Mexico. However, after beating the unfortunate pandemic situation, the tourism industry is slowly raising its head, making ‘Passi' the most happening place in the East soon. In contrast, magnificent Kalkudah Beach, nearly 34 kilometres North of Batticaloa and just 3 kms south along the coastal belt of ‘Passi’ is mostly deserted.
Kalkudah with breathtaking wide white sandy beach under the naturally grown coconut grove, is a secret paradise haven for beach lovers. The combined area of Kalkudah and Passekudah was declared as the National Holiday resort in 1973.
With endless fine sand, a beautifully curved bay and safe to swim blue waters, which invite travellers to unwind under an ocean of swaying palm trees, watching the calm horizon and falling under the spell of what is undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s most stunning beach. Emerging as an international hotspot, Kalkudah (means rocky bay in local language) is the newly found untouched beach well protected by the off shore reef which is home to schools of tropical fish and exquisite corals. The Kalkudah beach still remains isolated and pristine, and provides a perfect setting for sun bathing, windsurfing, and skiing.
The sea also houses a varied number of tropical fish and exotic coral reefs.
The travellers looking to travel to Kalkudah have the opportunity to engage in many activities such as taking a cycling tour around the town for a unique insight into the local culture. Apart from the coconut grove along the coastline, the interior is covered with cashew plantation for hundreds of hectares under the Cashew Corporation. The idyllic environs with its quaint hamlets and appealing surroundings add to a captivating experience as explorers delve into the simple and rustic lives of the fishing community which still rule Kalkudah waters.
There’s a single clear path leading to the beach through Cashew plantation with small resorts on the beach. Once you’re on the beach, you’ll notice coconut trees lining the strip of sand, and on the other side, the calm and inviting sea that stretches for miles. Although it isn’t as great for swimming as Passikudah Bay, Kalkudah Beach still makes for a great stretch for swimming, as the water here is only knee high for an extent of more than one kilometre.
Back in the days before the tsunami hit, the Kalkudah Beach, was very popular with plenty of tourists and a few small resorts. Since the tsunami in 2004, the beach has been deserted, mostly occupied by cows, dogs, and occasional fishers and boats. If visitors are looking for a more secluded beach encompassed by natural beauty, Kalkudah Beach should make it to the checklist.
Apart from Kalkudah and Passikudah Beaches, Batticaloa town is a top attraction itself. Batti Fort, Light House, Old Dutch Market and Railway Station is very popular with domestic travellers. The excursions to Thoppigala and Maduru Oys are a half day venture and a must for all Sri Lankan adventure lovers.
Apart from the many archaeological and wildlife attractions and the myriad of features, the oceans around Passikudah and Kalkudah are famous for diving and offer some of the most sought after dive sites such as the US Aircraft carrier HMS Hermes which was sunk by the Japanese during World War II. Many dive enthusiasts and underwater excavation specialists have travelled to Passi and Kalkudah to explore these famous sites.
The endless white sand, a beautifully curved bay and safe to swim blue waters, invite travellers to unwind under an ocean of swaying coconut trees, watching the calm horizon and falling under the spell of what is undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s most stunning beach