Regardless of being caught within the untold devastation of the notorious 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami that precipitated destruction throughout Asia, little Arugam Bay has made an distinctive restoration over the past decade to turn out to be one of many east coast Sri Lanka’s most charming coastal getaways.
Though Arugam Bay has just some hundred everlasting residents, this sleepy fishing village has turn out to be considerably of a preferred vacationer attraction, significantly amongst seashore lovers and surfers.
It presents vacationers laid-back dwelling, seashore vibes, and a pleasant group, and lots of guests find yourself staying right here a lot, for much longer than they ever anticipated.
That is considered one of Sri Lanka’s finest browsing spots and Arugam Bay is famed for its huge breaks, whereas nature lovers can benefit from the lovely surrounding countryside, and even head additional afield to the south coast nationwide parks.
Typically although, one of the best factor to do in Arugam Bay is completely nothing in any respect, and on this charming little village, that’s fantastic.
That can assist you to plan your journey to Sri Lanka, right here’s our information to visiting Arugam Bay.
Don’t go away house with out: Lonely Planet Sri Lanka (Journey Information)
11 Greatest Issues to do in Arugam Bay
From browsing Arugam Bay’s enormous waves to looking for crocodiles within the dense mangroves. Life on this charming Sri Lankan village could be no matter you make of it. To encourage you to go to, listed below are our favourite issues to do in Arugam Bay.
1. Go Browsing
Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka’s finest browsing vacation spot. The windswept shoreline and turbulent ocean make for a powerful location to hit the large waves which might be seen right here frequently.
The surf right here is so good that the skilled circuit even visits Arugam Bay and worldwide competitions are hosted right here.
Pottuvil Level is without doubt one of the best-known browsing areas, particularly for the skilled and professionals as right here you’ll find 30-meter waves crashing into the shore.
Even if you happen to aren’t into browsing this may be an unimaginable expertise, particularly watching the surfers on the market battling towards the waves.
There are extra sheltered areas too although for these with much less expertise and within the village, you’ll find surf instructors able to take you out and present you the ropes. And what higher place to be taught than at one of many world’s most iconic cuffing spots?
2. Try Elephant Rocks
Elephant Rocks is discovered on the finish of Arugam Bay and is each spectacular and scenic. These distinctive boulders overlooking the attractive white sands of the seashore and the crashing waves of the ocean.
Climb to the highest and you’re rewarded with the most effective vistas within the space as you may see for mile upon mile alongside the coast to both aspect of the rocks. It’s additionally one of the vital surfed areas in Arugam Bay.
3. Go to the Pottuvil Lagoon
Pottuvil Lagoon is a good looking piece of surroundings that’s discovered just some miles away from Arugam Bay on the best way to Pottuvil city. This is without doubt one of the most vital and various ecosystems within the space and the most effective issues to do in Arugam Bay is to take a tour of the lagoon.
Mangroves encompass the lagoon, offering the proper habitat for all types of wildlife. You may encounter crocodiles, birds, and monkeys on this wilderness, whereas alongside the sting of the lagoon itself you will notice native fishermen laborious at work bringing of their day by day catch.
One of the simplest ways to expertise the serenity is by canoe or kayak however after all, simply concentrate on the crocodiles.
4. Take a Stroll by City
Arugam Bay will not be an enormous place but it surely certain is charming. Whereas the seashores are nice, don’t overlook to spend a minimum of a day wandering the streets and poking your heads into the native shops.
There are some small outlets that promote vacationer ware. I additionally advocate taking a while to eat off your resort, trying out the native bars and eateries.
5. Benefit from the Seashores
Arugam Bay is famend internationally for its spectacular shoreline and unimaginable seashores. The surroundings is completely serene, and one of many causes that many vacationers get caught right here and keep for much longer than they ever meant.
This occurs due to the straightforward seashore life that’s ready right here. The closest seashore to the village itself is Arugam Seashore, an awesome stretch of golden sand that has not just some surf breaks however a laid-back vibe that may make you fall immediately for this vacation spot.
Additional afield you may simply take a tuk-tuk to much more abandoned seashores which might be simply as spectacular. One other favourite is Whisky Level, simply quarter-hour away, the place you may surf or just loosen up the day away within the sunshine with out a care on the planet to hassle you.
6. Attempt Some Yoga
With its relaxed seashore vibes, chilled out ambiance and with ever-increasing numbers of holiday makers on the lookout for extra cultural experiences then Arugam Bay is without doubt one of the finest locations in Sri Lanka to go to for Yoga lovers.
Nowadays there are increasingly Yoga academics and Yoga studios popping up throughout the village and alongside the broader shoreline providing guests not solely breathtaking environment for the observe of Yoga however nice worth and wonderful instructors.
Simply ask across the village for one of the best of the native instructors or for one of the best native courses and classes to attend.
7. Go on Safari in Kumana Nationwide Park
Kumana Nationwide Park – often known as Yala East – is considered one of Sri Lanka’s finest nationwide parks. It’s positioned to the south of Arugam Bay and it may be visited on a day journey when you are staying within the area.
Should you want a break from the seashores and browsing then the inexperienced landscapes and various ecosystems of Kumana Nationwide Park is the place to go to.
Kumana Nationwide Park is finest identified for its intensive chicken habitats, because the spectacular lagoons present the required situations to help an enormous array of life.
In addition to being a paradise for birdwatchers, Kumana can also be house to bigger animals too and inside the park boundaries, you’ll find Sri Lankan elephants, wild boar and far, way more.
You may organize a tour upfront or it’s simple sufficient to easily lease transport or take a public bus down the coast to the south to go to Kumana. If you’d like, you may even spend the evening earlier than returning to Arugam Bay to benefit from the laidback way of life and exquisite seashores as soon as once more.
Guide your Safari upfront earlier than you go to for the highest quality. Personal Tour: Kumana Nationwide Park Safari
8. Seek for Elephants in Lahugala Nationwide Park
Lahugala Nationwide Park is a hidden gem that’s discovered near Arugam Bay. Regardless of solely being simply 10 sq. miles in space, this nationwide park protects a splendidly various array of wildlife.
The lagoon discovered right here has lengthy been the watering gap and feeding space for a big inhabitants of Sri Lankan elephants.
These majestic animals are simple to identify inside the confines of the park and it’s the most effective locations to go to to see elephants within the wild. In comparison with different nationwide parks within the nation, reminiscent of Yala to the south, Lahugala is a quiet and peaceable place that draws few guests all year long.
9. Take a Dolphin and Whale Watching Journey
An important exercise to tackle whereas staying in Arugam Bay is a dolphin and whale watching journey. Between Could and September, it’s possible that you will notice dolphins and whales migrating alongside the shoreline.
Big Blue and Sperm whales could be noticed out to sea and you may be part of a ship tour that explores the coast looking out for these superb animals. Do understand that exterior of the prime whale months that viewing them could be an elusive expertise.
10. Go to Panama
Panama is a small village that’s discovered south of Arugam Bay. It’s a sleepy little village and an exquisite place to see native life because it actually is and as it will have been in Arugam Bay earlier than the surfers and vacationers arrived.
Close to Panama, you too can go to Panama Tank, a stunning lagoon that types a good looking and various little ecosystem. You may benefit from the peace and quiet and listen to the birds chirping within the timber.
Watch out although, and steer clear of the water, as a result of there are some fearsome crocodiles dwelling right here too.
11. Go to Muhudu Maha Vihara
Muhudu Maha Vihara is a splendidly distinctive temple that’s positioned alongside the coast in the direction of Pottuvil. This Buddhist temple is pure white in colour and within the vivid Sri Lankan sunshine fairly actually shimmers within the gentle as you close to it.
The temple is historic and is assumed to have been constructed by a neighborhood king over 2000 years in the past.
Arugam Bay Journey Planning Suggestions
Get to Arugam Bay & Greatest Time to Go to
All worldwide flights into Sri Lanka arrive on the Columbo airport, our most well-liked airline is Sri Lankan airways once we’re planning journey to Sri Lanka.
Arugam Bay is positioned on the south-east coast of Sri Lanka, north of Yala Nationwide Park and south of the town of Kalmunai. The foremost transport hub for Arugam Bay is the city of Pottuvil which is positioned just some miles to the north. Cinnamon Air supply flights from Colombo to Pottuvil.
Most vacationers will select to take the bus if arriving from the Sri Lankan capital. This can be a journey of a minimum of 8 hours. Getting across the native space is finest performed by hiring a tuk-tuk driver, or if you’re feeling adventurous simply hiring the tuk-tuk and driving it your self.
The most effective time to go to Arugam Bay is through the dry season, which roughly runs from April to September, nonetheless, the monsoons in Sri Lanka could be unpredictable.
Companies are usually open for the vacationer season which normally falls from February by to November relying on the rains. June to August is the busiest interval of the yr when the waves are at their greatest and surfers flock right here.
Don’t go away house with out: Lonely Planet Sri Lanka (Journey Information)
The place to Keep in Arugam Bay
Regardless of it being small, there are a variety of choices to contemplate for a go to. We stayed on the Arugambay Roccos and this property is true on the seashore with comfy bungalows overlooking each the seashore and their spectacular pool.
In addition they have an onsite restaurant that prepares many various conventional Sri Lankan dishes.
Different motels to contemplate within the space:
- The Spice Path
- Bay Vista Resort Arugam Bay
- Arugambay Surf Resort
In search of an entire tour of Sri Lanka?
- Sri Lanka Encompassed 14 days Colombo to Mirissa – Discover Sri Lanka’s various cultures, vibrant colours, white sand seashores, tea plantations, rock fortresses and swaying palm timber of this tropical jewel. Identical to all of G Adventures excursions, this tour is about extra than simply seashores and gorgeous views, it’s in regards to the inspiring folks you’ll meet alongside the best way as you discover Sri Lanka.
- Uncover Sri Lanka 12 days Colombo to Negombo – (Nationwide Geographic Tour In Partnership With G Adventures) Develop into enchanted by Sri Lanka as you discover Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple and as you stroll by the tea plantations and spice gardens. Discover Wilpattu Nationwide Park with a neighborhood forest ranger looking for elephants and leopards. Come away with a deep understanding of why early Arab merchants known as this nation “Serendib,” a reputation gave English audio system the phrase “serendipity.”
- Sri Lanka Categorical 8 days Negombo to Unawatuna – Discover Sri Lanka’s pure highlights and unimaginable tradition on this eight-day tour. Soak up a spice plantation, search for elephants on safari in Udawalawe Nationwide Park, and go to a shocking tea plantation. Wrapping up in Unawatuna, this tour is designed for add-on seashore time to finish your trip.
| Really helpful Excursions | ||
| SRI LANKA ENCOMPASSED Colombo to Mirissa 14 days Small Group 12-15 Folks |
DISCOVER SRI LANKA Colombo to Negombo 12 days Small Group 12-15 Folks |
SRI LANKA LAND & SEA Negombo to Mirissa 14 Days Small Group 12-15 Folks |
| Test Worth | Test Worth | Test Worth |
Extra on Sri Lanka:
- Locations to Go to in Sri Lanka: Our Final Information
- 10 Sri Lanka Seashores You’d Be Silly to Miss
- 9 Epic Causes to Go to Mirissa, Sri Lanka
- 10 Epic Issues to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
- Yala Nationwide Park Safari: Solely Information You Want
- Safari Information to Kaudulla Nationwide Park
- Kumana Nationwide Park: The Solely Safari Information You Want
- Boogie Boarding in Sri Lanka
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