Pasikudah rivals some of the best beaches in the world, including the likes of the Maldives and the Seychelles. This small fishing village can be found nestled on the east coast of Sri Lanka, on the opposide side of the island to Colombo: Pasikudah is set firmly away from the hustle and bustle of city life and offers visitors a tranquil escape from the stresses of day-to-day life. Pasikudah’s key feature is its striking bay, which is home to fragile coral reefs and is one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world.

 The beaches are made up of soft, almost translucent sand, lapped by crystal-clear, cerulean, shallow waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Go for long walks along the bay or simply laze on the beach and soak in the stupendous views. Passikudah is also one of the best places to do water-sports in Sri Lanka: enjoy jet skis, try out kayaking or windsurfing, or go snorkeling in the beautiful corals. There are also opportunities for sailing and scuba diving further away from shore.