When the Ocean Stays Still in Pasikuda...

The very thought of the ocean evokes many feelings; a great sense of liberation; vastness; cosmic; unreachable; infinite depth; mystery and a lot more. Moreover, standing alone watching the sea is the most humbling experience – to think how powerless we are in front of those mighty waves! Can only marvel at the rhythmic roar of the waves and how they fade away...

If the sea is connected with the sound of roaring waves, ‘Pasikuda’ in Sri Lanka is an exception to the notion.

Last week end I made a trip with friends to the East coast, Batticaloa District (Batti). For those who do not know about Batti was once a hot spot of the protracted conflict. The Province is also the rice bowl of the country. Has its charm and is unique in its weather conditions and of late has become prone to the changing climate patterns with flash floods disrupting livelihoods.

This is a new phase for the country since the armed conflict ended and this is the early recovery phase. The post-war dividends are becoming apparent. About 230 kilometres away from Sri Lanka is the Pasikuda beach – one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and probably in the world as well.

It was like a thousand imageries coming together to create an unbelievable dream come true. Had only seen one other beach before, where the water stays so still. That was in Trincomalee, also in the Eastern Province.

In Pasikuda, there is hardly any sound of a wave; if at all, merely a hum – that too music to the ears – when you relax by the beach and watch the divide – of the coast merging into the sea and then the vastness of the sea joining the sky at some point– and beyond... the eternity! Up to a kilometre (I guess) one can just walk and the water is only up to the knee –clear and pure sea water– yes, the water looks slightly green and clear that one can see the clean sea bed.

If one can float, this is the place to get lulled – any lost childhood memory of being cradled will come live. Yes, the sea becomes a cradle, gently rocking, lest it hurts you, its hum a soothing lullaby - you just float like a wispy leaf, and let all the cares to melt away in the salty, deep sea. I did leave a few worries in the sea bed and came out lighter thinking the ocean is so huge to take my small cares away.

We stayed in a recently opened resort ‘Maalu maalu’ – the name resonates with Sri Lankan day-to-day life – and could not have been more apt. ‘Maalu’ means fish – and saying it twice is something that you hear common – especially when the small fish vendors knock on your door on their bicycle. The resort has tastefully done cabanas, with large rooms and exotic bathrooms. Perfect place for a perfect abandon. As you get out of the room, you walk into the sandy beach and then to the incredibly beautiful ocean.

The sun has decided to wake up early here – by about 5.30 a.m. The rising sun, splitting through the deepest crevices of the sea beds is an incredibly energising sight. Picture perfect. Marvel. Soon after, the sun is up, the heat becomes brutal and stays that way until you are ready for the lull of the evening. Then again, it is a dream-like evening.

Pasikuda, sure is a must- see beach in Sri Lanka...