One of the most picturesque beaches in Sri Lanka, Kalkudah Beach is the perfect serene getaway. The golden sand that stretches along the coast for miles, paired with the calm blue sea, provides the best ambience for relaxation and rejuvenation. Adventure lovers can also enjoy a variety of water sports such as snorkelling, boat rides, etc. A part of the Pasikuda Bay area, Kalkudah Beach is very well-maintained and has relatively fewer crowds than the other beaches in the country, which offers the ideal opportunity for a tranquil escape away from the chaos of the city.
Things To Do In Kalkudah Beach
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- Kalkudah Beach offers the perfect ambience for rejuvenation and relaxation. Simply lying down on the golden shore or taking leisurely walks along the sandy coast while admiring the beautiful calm sea and the natural beauty of the beach will transport you into a serene haven
- For thrill seekers and adrenaline addicts, many water sports and adventure activities are available, such as snorkelling, jetskiing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with local guides and operators.
- Visitors can take various guided boat trips to nearby islands and beaches. On the way, knowledgeable local guides can help them spot various fish and other marine species.
- There are many local villages near Kalkudah Beach that tourists can visit to gain insights or a glimpse into the way of life of the Sri Lankan people and enjoy their warm hospitality. This is a must-visit destination for travellers who are looking to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
- There are a variety of seaside eateries, cafes, and restaurants in Kalkudah Beach that serve lip-smacking local Sri Lankan cuisine, including fresh seafood, traditional Sri Lankan dishes, and fruits. Visitors can savour the local cuisine and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea—an experience you definitely cannot miss out on.
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Best Time To Visit Kalkudah Beach
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- The best time to visit Kalkudah Beach is from May to September when it offers sunny weather and a calm sea—all the ideal conditions for engaging in water sports and other activities on the beach. Although Kalkudah Beach is relatively less crowded, you can expect an influx of tourists in this peak season.
- From December to February, the rain showers make it hard to engage in water sports and can also be dangerous. This season witnesses the lowest tourist influx, and the beach is quiet and peaceful. This could be a great season to visit the Kalkudah beach for visitors who do not mind the rains and prefer a quiet and empty beach.
- October through November, there may be occasional showers followed by clear skies and the availability of water sports will vary and depend on the temperature and weather conditions. During this season, the beach has fewer tourists and is relatively quieter than the peak season. For visitors looking for less crowds and tourists and the opportunity to engage in water sports and activities, this would be the ideal season to visit Kalkudah Beach.
How To Reach Kalkudah Beach
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- It will take roughly 6-7 (298 kms)hours to drive from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka to the Kalkudah beach. There are various agencies that provide rented cars, and there are taxi services available as well that will take you from any major city in Sri Lanka to Kalkudah Beach
- By bus: Many intercity buses run frequently in Colombo and will take you to Batticaloa, which will take about 7-8 hours. From there, visitors can hire a taxi, a cab or another bus that will take them directly to the Kalkudah Beach
- By train: A journey from Colombo to Batticaloa takes roughly 8-9 hours. The train route is picturesque and scenic for travellers to enjoy and admire. From the Batticaloa, visitors can hire a bus or taxi to cover the remaining 30 minutes to Kalkudah Beach.
- By Air: Visitors can hire a taxi, rent a car or take a bus from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, which will take them to Kalkudah Beach. The closest airport to Kalkudah is the Batticaloa Airport, and domestic flights are available from Colombo to Batticaloa. Visitors can hire a taxi to reach Kalkudah Beach in 30 minutes from Batticaloa Airport.
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4 Places To Visit Near Kalkudah Beach
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Visitors can visit many fascinating tourist destinations near Kalkudah Beach for an unforgettable trip.
1. Pasikudah Beach
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Situated just a few kilometres south of Kalkudah Beach, Pasikudah Beach is a pristine and picturesque beach famous for its dazzling blue waters, serene and calm environment and coral reefs. The beach is also an ideal location for adventure lovers who can enjoy a range of water sports such as snorkelling, boat rides, etc. It is a highly well-maintained and unspoiled beach full of modern amenities.
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2. Batticaloa
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Located at about 30 kms from Kalkudah Beach, this town in Sri Lanka is home to many fascinating tourist attractions such as the stunning Batticaloa lagoon, Dutch Fort and the Kallady bridge. It is said that the lagoon produces some sort of whimsical music at night, the source of which seems to be ‘singing fish’.
3. Minneriya National Park
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The Minneriya National Park, located about 90 kms from the beach is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The national park is home to a wide variety of animals such as leopards, deer, different species of birds and the most popular of them all, elephants. There is a ‘Gathering’ spot in the national park, where elephants approach a tank and gather around it. There are tours, where the knowledgeable guides provide a lot of information on the various species present and the national park. This is an experience that you definitely cannot miss out on when visiting Sri Lanka.
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4. Polonnaruwa
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A major UNESCO World Heritage site, Polonnaruwa located at a distance of about 100 kms from the Kalkudah Beach is an ancient city full of art, sculptures and ancient monuments whose ruins have been well-preserved. It is a must-visit spot for travellers seeking insights into the country’s grand history and rich cultural heritage. Some things to see in this ancient city of ruins are- the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, Archaeological Museum and Vatadage.
Further Read: Romantic Beach Resorts In Sri Lanka
Now that you have the perfect list of things to know before visiting Kalkudah Beach, it is time to plan a trip to Sri Lanka and set out on a wonderful journey full of exciting things to do. Enjoy the tranquil ambience of the beach with your loved ones and make unforgettable memories you will cherish forever.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kalkudah Beach
Are there watersports available on the Kalkudah beach?
Yes, there is a range of water sports available such as snorkelling, boat rides, jetskiing, etc. There are also other adventure activities available such as paddleboarding and kayaking. However, these activities depend on the season and the weather in the area, therefore it is advisable to plan your trip accordingly.
Is Kalkudah a quiet beach?
Kalkudah Beach is a relatively quiet and calm beach compared to the other surrounding beaches. It is well-maintained and unspoiled hence is the ideal beach for visitors who prefer a calmer and more peaceful beach
Are there hotels or lodging areas close to the beach?
Yes, there are many lodging options available close to the beach ranging from luxury hotels to comfortable inn and Airbnbs. Therefore, they cater to all budgets.
Are there any beachside eateries in Kalkudah Beach?
There are many seaside eateries, cafes and restaurants in Kalkudah beach serving a range of lip-smacking traditional Sri Lankan dishes and fresh seafood that is going to leave your taste buds longing for more.
How far is Kalkudah Beach from Colombo?
The distance from the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo to Kalkudah Beach is approximately 298 kms which will take about 6-7 hours to cover that distance.
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