Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is a surfer's paradise and one of the best beaches in the country. It is one of those places in the world that every traveler should visit at least once in a lifetime.
Arugam Bay beach is located 342 KM (212 Miles) From Colombo in Ampara district, Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It is one of Sri Lanka's most well-known surfing spots among travelers. Arugam Bay beach is a stunning sight that you should not miss; it will take your breath away.
Arugam Bay beach is located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeastern drift of the Indian Ocean. The bay is almost 320 kilometers (200 mi) due east of Arugam Bay and covers roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) south of the market town of Pottuvil.
Best Time To Visit Arugam Bay Beach
The climate is tropical, with more rainfall in the winter than in the summer. The average annual temperature is 27.20 degrees Celsius, and the average annual rainfall is 1493 millimeters. May to September is the dry season and the best time to surf Arugam Bay. The best surf time is in July, August, and September. Because of the larger swells, more of the surrounding breaks are also working. Typically, the winds are offshore in the morning, swinging onshore at lunch, and dying off for the sunset surf.
How To Visit Arugam Bay Beach
Arugam Bay is a little off the beaten path in Sri Lanka. The best way to get to Arugam Bay is to travel from Trincomalee (5 hours) to Ella (2.5 hours). If you are visiting here from Colombo, there are several ways to get to Arugam Bay.
Things To Do In Arugam Bay
1. Climb up Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock locates to the south of Arugam Bay. Elephant rock is a fabulous place to enjoy the sea view from the land, and it is well worth visiting because it provides a breathtaking view of the Arugam Bay beaches. Furthermore, the walk to Elephant Rock is incredible, and it is best to take a walk early in the morning or late in the evening to see the elephants roaming nearby.
2. Surfing in Arugam Bay
The Arugam Bay region is well-known for its fantastic surf breaks. The 'Main Point' is one of the Bay's main surfing areas, located south of the bay. This is a perfect point break with a stone/reef base and a few incidental barrels. Whiskey Point and Pottuvil Point to the north, Elephant Rock, Peanut Farm, and Okanda to the south are some of the zone's other breaks.
3. Safari to Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park locates to the south of Arugam Bay. The National Park contains diverse biodiversity of plants and animals, including elephants, crocodiles, deer, buffaloes, etc.
Must Read: Complete Guide to Kumana National Park
4. Visit Okanda Devalaya
Okanda Devalaya locates on the jungle path of Kumana Panama to the south of Arugam Bay. Okanda Devalaya is a place that devotees frequently visit. In July, there is a large festival in the Okanda Devalaya, and pilgrims from all over the island attend this beautiful religious event.
5. Kudumbigala Monastery
The Kudumbigala Monastery is located eleven miles from Panama and seventeen miles from Kumana Village. The monastery is in the middle of a jungle. You'll need about 45 minutes to get to the bottom of the rock from Arugam Bay. The climb is not easy, but you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire region.
6. Muhudu Maha Viharaya
Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple with over 2000 years of history. The breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean and sand dunes is not to be missed. The weather in the area is sweltering. If you don't like getting tanned, avoid going there during the midday sun. A hat and a water bottle are required. It's a Buddhist temple, after all. Respect the culture by dressing appropriately.
Credit For Rasthiyaduwa
7. Sangaman Kanda Lighthouse
Sangaman Kanda (Sangamankanda) is Sri Lanka's easternmost point. The beaches are still unspoiled and can stretch for 100 meters in some places. The Sangamon Kanda Lighthouse, which stands 25 feet tall, was built in 1947. This lighthouse was destroyed in the 2004 tsunami, and only 15 feet of the lighthouse remain.
Sangamon Kanda Lighthouse is located on the Potuvil-Kalmune highway. This is a small hillock next to the road. However, it is said that to reach the lighthouse, which marks the country's most eastern point, you must walk through several private lands.
8. Lagoon Safari at Panama lagoon
Another way to relax is to go on a Panama lagoon safari and watch the wildlife come down to the water's edge. It's more about relaxing and reconnecting with nature. Furthermore, the Panama Crocodile tank is a well-known crocodile viewing location, and the surrounding area is beautiful, with fertile paddy fields.
