Tucked away along Sri Lanka’s east coast is the coastal hideaway of Pasikuda; apart from offering plenty of beachside fun, it makes an ideal base for some thrilling excursions too.
Batticaloa
Batticaloa lagoon| Img by: Anton Croos via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Only around 35 km away, the city of Batticaloa is ideal for an excursion from Pasikuda hotels. There is much to do here; you can enjoy kayaking at the Batti Lagoon Park, visit the Old Dutch Fort and St. Mary’s Cathedral in the Puliyanthivu area and shop for souvenirs at the lively Batticaloa Bazaar.
Polonnaruwa
One can easily plan a half-day tour to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa when staying at hotels in Pasikuda like Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. Dating back to the 11th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Sites is home to archaeological wonders like the Rankoth Viharaya and the Gal Viharaya with its huge statues of Lord Buddha carved in granite.
Minneriya
Those who love wildlife can embark on excursions to the Minneriya National Park, one of the best places for elephant safaris in Sri Lanka; between June and September, you can also witness “The Gathering” featuring hundreds of wild elephants. The park is home to many other animals and is a birdwatching hotspot too.
Trincomalee
Further north from Pasikuda is the east coast city of Trincomalee; those on excursions here can spend time at the scenic Nilaveli Beach from where they can take a boat ride to Pigeon Island for some snorkelling too. Local attractions include the Koneswaram Hindu Temple, while from May to October you can also enjoy whale watching.
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