Sri Lanka is blessed with innumerable sandy beaches, and whilst it’s impossible to have a favourite, Kalkudah’s Crusoe-esque shoreline is surely one of its most enigmatic. Backed by a profusion of palms, and accessed via a sandy track leading through shady cashew groves, this east coast beach is raw and wild. Beyond swaying coconut palms, the powdery sand stretches for over 12km to the south, with barely a building in sight. It’s rare to find such a glorious stretch of beach that has seen such little development, and Kalkudah offers both swimming and sailing too.
Discretely nestled within its own landscaped garden, Kalkudah Beach House by Teardrop Hotels epitomises barefoot luxury. The three-bedroom Main House is a stylish renovation of an existing home whose pillared veranda, arched timber doors and balcony have all been worked into an aesthetic that is cosy and contemporary. A second villa with two bedrooms sits to the far side of the large swimming pool and central living/dining pavilion, neatly sewing the whole property together. The three-bedroom Main House and the two-suite Palm Villa can each be booked independently meaning that you can book a room, a villa or the entire property.
The hotel manages to appease couples, honeymooners and families alike through its clever layout and profusion of space. It is a quiet, contemplative spot where everyone can find their own little corner – either in the garden, on a veranda or the vast beach beyond. Swimmers can venture out for sea swims during the calm east coast season (April to September) though there are no lifeguards. The beach is wonderful for long strolls, particularly as you can observe the local village fishermen casting their nets out to sea and watching as they haul them in later, heavy with fish. The hotel also organises boat trips to secluded local reefs rich in marine life for snorkelling and diving.
Key Facts
- Idyllic & utterly serene beachfront sanctuary beneath coconut palms
- Fully serviced (wheel-chair accessible) hotel with in-house chefs & staff
- Comprises two villas, each of which can be booked exclusively
- Five bedrooms with flexible accommodation including four with king-size beds (three of which are convertible to twin beds) & one queen bedded room
- Facilities include a 22-metre swimming pool, spacious living areas & games for all ages
- The restaurant serves varied cuisine to be enjoyed in scenic dining locations
- The large garden provides direct access to Kalkudah Beach
- The hotel is eco conscious – solar panels generate 90% of the hotel’s electricity & purified water flows from every tap
Experiences
- Snorkel in nearby bays & coral-rich coves teeming with marine life
- Enjoy relaxing sunset cruises over Kalkudah Bay
- Explore the historic Dutch Fort in Batticaloa
- Experience the town markets & local life in Valaichchenai
- Take diving or deep-sea fishing trips in Pasikuda
- Embark on whale & dolphin watching tours in Trincomalee (2 hours drive)
- Visit and explore the Polonnaruwa ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1.5 hours drive each way)
- Spot elephants, birds & other endemic wildlife at Minneriya or Kumana national parks
Photo Gallery
More Information
- The hotel is 10km from Pasikuda
- The closest air taxi location is at Batticaloa, 30km away (an hour’s drive)
- Distance to Trincomalee is 110km (2.5 hours drive)
- Distance to Sigiriya is 127km (3 hours drive)
- Distance to Demodera, Ella is 173km (4 hours drive)
- Distance to Colombo is 300km (6 hours drive)
- Distance to the Bandaranaike International Airport is 268km (5.5 hours drive)
