A long bay north of Batticaloa where a reef keeps the water shallow and calm for hundreds of metres out, ideal for children and non-swimmers in the east-coast season (April to September). It is a strip of resorts rather than a village; Kalkudah next door is wilder. Batticaloa's Dutch fort and lagoon, with its "singing fish", are 45 minutes south.
Highlights
- Wading far out in the calm, shallow bay
- Snorkelling and diving trips
- Kalkudah's empty beach
- Batticaloa Dutch fort
- Lagoon boat ride at dusk
- Resort spa days
Things to do
- Swim and wade in Pasikudah bayMorning · 3h
- Snorkelling boat tripMorning · 3h
- Batticaloa fort and lagoonAfternoon · 3h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: May – September
Worth knowing
North-East Monsoon: East Coast Off Season
From about November to February the north-east monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas to the east coast: snorkelling and boat trips stop, Arugam Bay's surf season is over and many guesthouses close. Spend these months on the south and west coasts and in the hills instead.