3 weeks in Sri Lanka. Part 4: Passikudah and Kalkudah with kids.
After four relaxing days in Nilaveli we headed south for the twin bays of Kalkudah and Passikudah. This was one of our favourite drives as we hugged the coastline, passing tiny fishing villages where silver sheets of anchovies covered rickety table tops, drying in the morning sun. We overtook bullock carts precariously loaded with huge round balls of hay and passed dusty fields where children played cricket next door to herds of buffalo.
Despite being neighbours, Passikudah and Kalkudah are two very different beach destinations. The former is polished resorts and excellent service with the Sri Lankan government creating a protected bay and encouraging development along the beach. The latter is rough and rural but no less attractive for it. You're more likely to share the beach with a goat-herder and his flock than anything resembling a tourist, but that's all part of the charm.
We stayed one night in Passikudah to experience a well-reviewed resort, and three nights in Kalkudah as the rustic, quiet beach sounded perfect for us. Both beaches were beautiful, but without doubt Kalkudah was the biggest hit with us and the kids. Around 15kms of endless golden sands backed by forests of tall coconut palms, the kids loved the space to run and build an inventive array of sand sculptures from fruit bowls to fairy castles. Whilst for better swimming you'd head to Passikudah, our kids loved jumping over the crashing waves holding on to mummy or daddy's hands. In three days we had the beach to ourselves aside from local fisherman tending to nets and the days catch and a few wandering Sri Lankan families enjoying their holidays.
The accommodation options are more plentiful in Passikudah bay and the beach here is very nice, so if it's easy and comfortable relaxation you're after then it's perfect. If, however, you like the idea of deserted golden sands, then there's a fabulous new resort, consisting of a handful of luxury tented suites, right on Kalkudah beach.
Head to Tribe Family Adventures and take a look at our Sri Lankan example itineraries. We'd love to help tailor a similar trip for your Tribe, so please do get in touch.