Best of Pasikudah

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Pasikudah

On the east coast of Sri Lanka, the town of Pasikudah lies near pristine beaches of white sand lapped by clear blue seas. The waters here are generally shallow with gentle currents, making the region an ideal destination for families. A wide array of resorts dot the crescent-shaped shoreline overlooking the bay, the best of which have large pools, landscaped gardens, good restaurants, and sea views from the rooms.

Guided excursions take you out to coral reefs for snorkeling amid clown and parrot fish, barracuda, and the occasional sea turtle. For those who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boats yield unique views over the colorful reefs. You can also head out on surf trips or go sea kayaking. Most visitors come for a beach getaway, though Pasikudah also makes a useful base for visiting other attractions in the east, including the historic town of Batticaloa. A little over an hour’s drive west of Pasikudah, you can explore the 800-year-old ruins of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO-listed archeological site.

Plan your trip to Sri Lanka
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Get Started

Elephants gather in the waters of Minneriya National Park

Sri Lanka Family Getaway: Sigiriya, Pasikudah & Kandy - 7 Days

Perfect for active families and nature lovers, this week-long summer itinerary focuses on the natural wonders of Sri Lanka's stunning Central Province. Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park, burn off some extra energy on the climb to Sigiriya Rock, and meet the playful monkey colonies of ancient Polonnaruwa. After some snorkeling and beach time in coastal Pasikudah, you'll head to the Hill Country around Kandy to tour tea estates and picnic on riverbanks, while nights are spent toasting marshmallows and watching family movies under the stars.

Combine ancient wonders with relaxing beach time as you explore Sri Lanka as a family

Family Fun in Sri Lanka: Ancient Cities, Tropical Beaches & Exotic Wildlife - 10 Days

See Sri Lanka's wonders from coast to coast on this 10-day tour that includes ancient sites, Indian Ocean beaches, and plenty of hands-on fun. Start in Anuradhapura to explore the ancient Citadel of Yapahuwa, and then it's off to the white-sand beaches of Pasikudah for snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and a family movie night under the stars. Visit the temples of UNESCO-listed Kandy, see brightly-colored birds and butterflies in Hanthana, and end with a tuk-tuk ride through the bustling streets of Colombo.

Spend your first night in Galle facing the sunset on the south coast (and see the traditional fishing methods in action)

Immersive Exploration of Sri Lanka - 11 Days

Discerning travelers will love this 11-day itinerary in exotic Sri Lanka. The trip kicks off with a private transfer to Galle on the south coast, where you'll take a guided tour of a peace pagoda. Then make a large loop visiting national parks teeming with elephants, ancient UNESCO-listed sites, hiking trails, and swimming beaches on the east coast before returning to Colombo. Partake in a range of optional activities—like private seafood dinners—or explore on your own for a fully customizable experience.

Tour the Dunkeld Tea Factory and learn how Ceylon tea is prepared

Explore Sri Lanka's Tea Hills & Pristine Coast - 11 Days

Combine cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and relaxation on this 11-day journey across Sri Lanka. You'll tour the Dunkeld Tea Factory and enjoy a tea-infused dinner in Hatton before heading to Arugam Bay to experience its renowned surf breaks and bird-watching opportunities. Continue to Pasikudah for snorkeling and a bike tour, followed by a visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Finally, unwind in Colombo, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Nature & Serenity in Sri Lanka - 13 Days

Crisscross Sri Lanka on this 13-day adventure, hitting historic landmarks, highland wonders, and golden beaches. First up is a tour of a historic tea plantation followed by a hike in a national park and then a trip to the cultural hub of Kandy. Relax on east coast beaches for a few days, then tour some ancient cities before ending the trip with wildlife safaris in search of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

Sri Lanka Family Wildlife Adventure - 14 Days

Experience the best of Sri Lanka's nature and wildlife experiences on this two-week family-themed itinerary. Looping through the island's southern and central regions, you'll embark on a series of fun-filled safaris, nature walks, biking excursions, and boat trips, with nights spent in comfort at gracious eco-lodges and safari camps. Search for leopards in Yala National Park, see the monkey-filled ruins of Polonnaruwa, watch elephants swim in Gal Oya National Park, spot rare primates on a nocturnal jungle hike, and discover the colorful marine life of Pasikudah.

Spend three days conquering the waves in and around Arugam Bay

Discover Sri Lanka's Coastal & Cultural Treasures - 15 Days

Explore the diverse variety of Sri Lanka's rich cultural and natural attractions on this 15-day itinerary. Kick things off in Galle with a visit to the Japanese Peace Pagoda and the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. Then, it's on to Tangalle to tour a turtle hatchery, relax on pristine beaches, and explore rock-cut cave temples. In Arugam Bay, enjoy bird-watching and three epic days of surfing before continuing to Pasikudah for a leisurely bicycle tour and Negombo to admire colonial-era architecture.

Climb to the top of Lion Rock to visit the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Journey Through Sri Lanka: Beaches, Temples & Wildlife - 15 Days

Visit nine iconic destinations across Sri Lanka in just over two weeks, starting with a tour of Negomo's colonial-era highlights. Trek to dramatic sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress and surf, snorkel, and chill out on the sands in Pasikudah before moving on to Kandy to explore the Royal Palace and tuk-tuk ride the Three Temple Loop. Then, head out on wildlife safaris in two national parks, sample Ceylon tea at the Dambatenne Tea Factory, and admire the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Galle before ending in Colombo.

Explore Sri Lanka on a 14-day cycling adventure

Hidden Treasures of Sri Lanka Cycling Tour - 14 Days

This cycling tour takes you to Sri Lanka's top cultural sites and also off the beaten path. Cycle along rice fields, tea plantations, and tranquil villages to reach ancient kingdoms rich in history and culture. You also have the chance to explore Sri Lanka's wildlife parks to see herds of elephants roam the wild country.

Other popular travel destinations in Sri Lanka
Kandy · Sigiriya · Negombo · Colombo · Ella · Nuwara Eliya · Yala National Park · Galle · Udawalawe · Tangalle · Wilpattu · Anuradhapura · Dambulla · Bentota · Mirissa · Habarana

Get Started