Pasikuda, located on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, offers two distinct and equally magical viewing experiences: a breathtaking sunrise directly over the Indian Ocean, and a serene sunset sinking behind the distant lagoons and palmlands. Knowing where to stand and when to arrive can turn a simple moment of light into the most memorable part of your trip.

Here is your guide to the best spots for catching the first and last light of the day in and around Pasikuda.

The Dawn Spectacle (Sunrise Over the Ocean)

Because Pasikuda faces due east, you have a direct, unobstructed view of the sun emerging from the vast Indian Ocean. The spectacle is worth the early wake up call.

The Main Pasikuda Beachfront

The simplest and most beautiful spot to witness the dawn is right outside your hotel. The wide curve of Pasikuda Bay provides a spectacular, panoramic canvas. Arriving thirty minutes before the official sunrise allows you to capture the pre dawn colors, which often paint the shallow, calm waters in soft hues of pink, lavender, and gold.

Look for the silhouettes of early morning walkers or a single fishing catamaran entering the bay to add a classic, dramatic foreground element to your photographs.

Kalkudah Beach: The Rustic View

For a more tranquil, localized experience, travel a short distance south to Kalkudah Beach. Since Kalkudah is less developed than Pasikuda, the sunrise here is often accompanied by scenes of traditional local life.

Here, you will watch the sun rise over the gentle waves, illuminating the small fishing boats returning from their overnight catch. The atmosphere is quiet, providing a perfect moment for reflection or peaceful photography away from the resort area crowds. The sand here is soft, making for a beautiful, leisurely early morning stroll.

The Golden Hour (Sunset Over the Land)

While the sun does not set over the ocean in Pasikuda, the East Coast offers incredible sunset views over the lowlands, lagoons, and distant horizons, often resulting in rich, fiery colors.

Batticaloa Lagoon and Kallady Bridge

The most compelling place to catch the Pasikuda sunset is about a forty five minute drive towards Batticaloa, particularly around the large lagoon system. As the sun dips below the western horizon, the sky's magnificent colors are doubled by the perfect reflection on the still, glassy water of the lagoon.

The Kallady Bridge offers an excellent vantage point to view the sunset’s full majesty. The combination of the setting sun, the dark silhouette of the land, and the water’s perfect mirroring effect creates a photographer’s dream and a peaceful end to the day.

Resort Rooftop or Elevated Deck

Many of the larger hotels and resorts in Pasikuda have dedicated elevated viewing decks, bars, or rooftop patios facing west, specifically designed for guests to enjoy the sunset in comfort.

This is the best option for a social, relaxed sunset experience. Enjoy a refreshing tropical drink while watching the golden hour wash over the palm groves and rural landscape behind the bay. This viewpoint offers a panoramic perspective that emphasizes the vastness of the land just beyond the beach.

Practical Tips for Chasing the Light

• Check the Time: Pasikuda sunrise and sunset times change seasonally. Use a simple weather app or ask your hotel reception the night before to ensure you arrive at least twenty minutes early for the best pre light colors.
• Best Season: The dry season, from May to September, generally offers the clearest skies and most vivid colors for both sunrise and sunset.
• Mosquitoes: If viewing sunset near the lagoon or a body of water, it is highly advisable to use insect repellent as the evening approaches.
• Photography: Use a tripod if possible, especially for sunset, to stabilize your camera during the lower light conditions. Focus on capturing the silhouettes of people, boats, or palm trees against the bright sky for maximum visual impact.