ARUGAM BAY

A hidden gem on the east coast of Sri Lanka, this small town is home to some of the best beaches in the country.
One of the best surfing destinations, Arugam Bay serves as a venue to a plethora of events under the patronage of Sri Lanka Tourism Authority. Some of the main surfing areas here are Main Point, with breaks in the zone like Whiskey Point, Pottuvil Point, Elephant Rock, peanut Farm and Okanda. First international surfing competition was held in 2010 thus inviting the best of surfers from all over the world. Attraction here are Panama, Muhudu Maha Vihara, Potuvil Lagoon, Lahugla National Park, Yala East and Kumana.

What to See
Panama
A sleepy lagoon, Panama is the best place to spot waterfowl, wading birds, water buffalo and elephants. It is a beautiful savanna-like landscape that offer some of the best eco tours.

Muhudu Maha Viharaya
Sprawling over an area of 264 acres, the Viharaya was built by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna, about 2000 years ago. Located near the beach, the complex is still visited for its ruins. Here, you will find some ancient stupas, Seema Malaka, Avasa Geya and stone statues of Lord Buddha.

Pottuvil Lagoon
Eco tourism enthusiasts can plan an eco tour in the mangroves and wildlife of the Pottuvil lagoon. While on a two-hour canoe tour here, you will come face to face with the serenity and beauty of the mangroves. As you sail through the forest, you will come across variety of sea eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, herons, darters, grebes and long-legged stilts. In the water, you will find lurk crocodiles, monitor lizards and freshwater snakes.

Lahugala National Park
The tiniest national parks in Sri Lanka, Lahugala sees the largest elephant congregation near the Lahugala Tank; nearly 150 of them! And, they don't come alone; almost every elephant would have egrets hiding on their back. Other members spotted here is the cat family like the Sri Lankan leopard, fishing cat, etc.

Yala East NP and Kumana BS
The ultimate ecological adventure, the national park of Yala is the crown jewel of Sri Lanka. Take a thrilling boat amid the thick jungles, dusty track, muddy marshes and golden beaches. Much more than just a national park, Yala is home to the rarest animals and bird species.

Within the park premises is the Kumana Bird Sanctuary. Comes May - June and the area is flocked with painted storks and black-necked stork which are rare in Sri Lanka.

Best time to Visit
The months of April till August are the best to visit Arugam Bay, specially for surfers.

How to Reach
By Train
Take an exhilarating train ride till the beautiful Ella. From here, you can take a bus or hire a van to Pottuvil and go to Arugam Bay.

By Bus
Take the Colombo Fort bus and get down at Pottuvil, which is the stop for Arugam Bay.

By Car
Hire a car for self drive or book a cab to go to the Bay.