Arugam Bay (Sinhala: ආරුගම් බොක්ක,Tamil: அறுகம் குடா)

Arugam Bay is a small village located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, renowned as one of the world's premier surfing destinations. The village features a single road running parallel to the coast, lined with restaurants, shops, and surf rental outlets. The waves during the surfing season are internationally acclaimed, and the nightlife extends from dusk until dawn. Pottuvil, a small town approximately 3 km south of Arugam Bay, serves as the main transport hub for the area.

There are three renowned surfing spots: Main Point, Whiskey Point, and Peanut Farm, all boasting beautiful beaches. Arugam Bay also offers numerous yoga retreats. During the off-season, the area is tranquil, providing a serene experience. Nearby, Kumana National Park, located in Yala East, is a popular attraction where visitors can spot a variety of birds, elephants, and occasionally leopards.

In addition to surfing, the area holds significant historical value. A few kilometers inland from Okanda is the Kudumbigala Forest Hermitage, where Buddhist monks have sought refuge in hundreds of caves since the first century BC. East of Lahugala, the ruins of the ancient Buddhist temple 'Magul Maha Viharaya,' built by King Dhatusena (515-526 AD), can be found. This site, with its dagoba, vatadage, image house, and well-preserved moonstones, is a place of religious significance.

The Magul Maha Viharaya, constructed during King Dhatusena's reign, is also believed to be the site of the royal wedding between King Kavantissa and Princess Vihara Maha Devi. It is situated eight kilometers west of Pottuvil along the A4 main road. Many travelers journey from Ella to Yala and then unwind at the beaches of Arugam Bay.

Some travelers prefer visiting during the off-season due to the reduced number of tourists. Arugam Bay's east coast location means it experiences milder monsoons compared to other regions. Fewer tourists during the off-season also make Yala safaris more accessible, increasing the chances of wildlife sightings.

The surfing season runs from April to October, with the low season from November to April. The best surfing waves occur in July, August, and September. The weather remains warm and tropical between November and January, with temperatures around 28C to 30C.

The best places to stay in Arugam Bay are Arugam Bay Roccos, water Edge Hotel, Barbar Point, Jetwing Surf, Dream garden, Arugam Bay Podbay, Baywings, Royal Beach, Beach Birds, Tom & Jerry, Whiskey Point Surf Cabana and Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing.

Must do Things in Arugam Bay

• Arugam Bay Surfing – Most famous reason to visit here.

• Yoga – there are loads of Yoga places to choose from.

• Rent a motor bike – There are lot of beautiful things to see. Specially Panama and Kumana National Park. Kumana is a bird watchers paradise.

• Beach – you want to just relax, read a book, work on your tan or go for a dip.

• Kumana National Park Safari – If you have not done any safari in Sri Lanka, start here.

• Whiskey Point on Friday Nights – Great music, lots of Dancing and drinks.

• The legendary weekly beach party at Mambo’s.

Other Things to do in Arugam Bay

• Panama Tank and Panama Lagoon eco safari.

• Pottuvil Lagoon, Mangrove Eco tour and ruins.

• Elephant Point – Climb up the elephant rock to have a great view of the whole area.

• MuhuduMaha Viharaya – This beautiful white temple can be seen from Arugam Bay beach.

• Kudimbigala Monastery – A monastery in the middle of the jungle on a rock.