Imagine sinking your toes into powder-soft sand, wading 100 meters out to sea and watching colourful fish glide through crystalline waters. Welcome to Passikudah.
A haven for sun-worshipers and water babies, this bijou beach town is renowned for its picture-perfect scenery and calm, shallow waters. As first impressions go, you can’t get much better than swathes of golden sand and sparkling azure waters. Although a string of modern resorts have sprung up along the shoreline, Passikudah bay remains one of the most unspoilt and picturesque spots on Sri Lanka’s east coast.
Holidays here are all about lazy beach days, whether you’re topping up your tan, taking a refreshing dip or getting that perfect sunset shot for your Instagram. This is a place where the stresses of everyday life become a distant memory and barefoot adventures are always on the agenda.

Thrill-seekers can try their hand at kite-surfing, sailing and surfing, or delve beneath the waves to discover a magical underwater world. The coral reef that frames the bay is home to an abundance of tropical fish, and thanks to the pristine water conditions, it’s a great spot for snorkelling.
Or perhaps you’re simply looking to kick-back on the sand and enjoy some much-needed R&R - and why not? You deserve it. Head north along the beach away from the main hub of activity and you’ll have no problem finding a secluded stretch of sand to flop down on (although you might be sharing it with a few resident cows!). And if you find the heat too much, there’s plenty of shady spots beneath the coconut palms and Palmyra trees where you can bury your nose in a good book.
So if you fancy finding your own little slice of paradise, grab your suncream and make sure you add the idyllic resort of Passikudah to your itinerary.