It is difficult to find two breathtaking beaches within walking distance, but not in the eastern shores of Trincomalee, specifically in the Kalkudah and Pasikudah beaches, which boast spectacular sand stretches back to back.

This doesn’t have quite the travelers vibe the most famous beach in the east, Arugam Bay has but these two beaches definitely trump it by its innate beauty.

Kalkudah and Pasikuda Beach Comparison

These beaches are somewhat abandoned by the tourism industry of Sri Lanka for the reasons that it is in an underdeveloped area which was affected severely by the civil war and the 2004 tsunami and the fact that it is situated on the other side of the country's international airport and the capital doesn’t help.

 

Kalkudah beach

This particular beach is the least heard of and more naturally gifted than its counterpart, two small resorts have located on either side of the beach but that’s about it, the rest is an endless sandy beach with beautiful palm trees a sight that is becoming less and less visible these days.

Photo Credit: rebelkids

Photo Credit: Laura Lenc

 

Photo Credit:  Anna Papilo
 

Pasikuda Beach

The Paskudah beach also boasts endless sandy shores, its waters are shallow. The safe swimming space alongside its natural beauty has garnered more attention from tourists and the government alike resulting in mass development projects in the area.

Photo Credit: Lavan Lorensuhewa

 

This area is currently named a ‘Special Economic Zone’ consisting of 14 luxury hotels. The construction of these sites are mostly completed, although it may have prevented the scenery of the beach in its full glory it has left plenty for anyone to enjoy.

 

One of the beach resorts on Pasikuda beach

The resorts are well built and give serious accommodation options given that you have the budget, this in turn has made the beach more touristy compared to the Kalikudah beach but still nearly not as much compared to the beaches in the west.

 

Locals on the Eastern end of Pasikuda beach.

The east end of the beach seemed to be the most popular among the local tourists and hence making it very hectic comparatively.

 

Our Kalkudah and Pasikuda Beach Accommodation

If staying in one of the luxury beach resorts is not viable for you still there are many options as there are plenty of guesthouses along the road of Kalkudah and Valaichchenai, with some of them being only a few minutes walk away 

Many vegetable curries for dinner!

There are a couple of restaurants near the beach with quality food however there are also local ones around to get junk food, just as accommodation, you can have a meal depending on your budget.

Getting to Kalkudah and Pasikuda Beach

To get to both Kalkudah and Pasikuda beach via public transport, there are regular buses from the main Batticaloa bus station. Batticaloa can be reached by bus or train from many Sri Lankan towns and cities such as Colombo, Kandy, or even Arugam Bay.

Fishing boats on Kalkudah beach.

The bus journey from Batticaloa takes around 30 minutes but most buses do not stop at either Kalkudah or Pasikuda beach. Most finish at a small town, about 2KMs away, called Valaichchenai. From Valaichchenai you can get a tuk-tuk to your chosen beach accommodation.