Kalkudah Beach

The spectacular back-to-back beaches of Kalkudah and Passekudah, 34km north of Batticaloa, present as stark a juxtaposition as you could imagine.

On one side of a narrow peninsula, the breathtaking white sands of sickle-shaped Passekudah beach are being developed as a kind of mini-Cancun, a government-driven ‘Special Economic Zone’ with 14 luxury hotels ultimately planned to ring the bay. Fishermen have also been ordered to move their boats away from the main beach. In contrast, Kalkudah beach, 2km away over the headland to the south, is deserted – save the odd fisherman and his boat.

This fabulous stretch of golden sand was once lined with hotels, but these were destroyed in the civil war and 2004 tsunami. There’s little shade, but it’s a delight to explore; just wander along the shore until you find your own private patch of sand.

Kalkudah Beach Hotels

Karpaha Sands$$$

The suites themselves are essentially African-style high-end safari tents, with canvas roofs, outdoor showers, and contemporary artworks, fixtures, and furnishings, from the half-egg-shaped soaking tubs to the chic tables and chairs. Space is plentiful, as is privacy, whether you’ve got a beach view or are sequestered in a lush garden. All perfectly relaxing enough, without even considering the public spaces; there’s an Ayurvedic spa and a beautiful salt-water swimming pool, and the beach...