Luxury holidays in Kalkudah

On the quiet east coast of Sri Lanka, Kalkudah entices with an authentic atmosphere and a snorkelling scene to rival the better known south-west. Local fishermen are your timekeepers on this remote stretch of sand, with mornings marked by their seafaring return, afternoons scored with your own search for snappers and sweetlips; and evenings, a delectable ode to the daily catch. Find even more to marvel at the Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary, and on barefoot wanders along sun-soaked shores.

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When to go

Snorkelling and sunning are best done during the dry season, between May and September.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport is your nearest option for longhaul arrivals. From there, catch a short connecting flight to Batticaloa Airport and make the 45-minute drive along the A4 to Kalkudah.

  • Automobiles

    Confident drivers may find a car (or motorbike) comes in handy around these quieter ends of Sri Lanka; but these roads can be difficult to navigate and are best left to local experts.