Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s South East Coast is famously known as one of ten top surf spots in the world. This is Sri Lanka at its most escapist. The relatively isolated beaches here and a simple, laid-back lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist haunts have many devotees.

Dedicated surfers usually arrive at Colombo’s international airport and head straight across the island to Arugam Bay which takes up to eight hours by road. The best time for surfing in Arugam Bay is from about mid-May to August when the swells are high and the wave breaks are thrilling. It is not all about the sun and surf on the South East Coast. The Arugam Bay community is a particularly chilled-out and welcoming one where travellers and locals mingle contentedly. Visit ancient ruins and rocre elephants roam free.

Don’t Miss

• Surfing in the laid-back beach settlement of Arugam Bay in May to August
• Eating spicy Roti and fresh seafood at one of Arugam Bay’s beachside restaurants
• Catching the sunrise over the shimmering ocean
• Nightlife at the various restaurants overlooking Surf Point and Whiskey Point.
• Wild elephants in Lahugala National Park and the Kumana Bird Sanctuary nearby
• Pottuvil lagoon where crocodiles bask in the sun and waterbirds search for their prey
• Jungle trek to the ancient ruins of Kudimbigala
• Ruins of Magul Maha Vihara in Pottuvil