6 x Best Things To Do in Arugam Bay

The coastal town of Arugam Bay, known for having one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, does not disappoint in terms of beauty and simplicity. It is a long drive from the capital city of Colombo, about 8 hours distant, but it is well worth the wait. It has progressively become a public favorite for many excellent reasons, as it is surrounded by a line of unending palm trees and, of course, the Indian Ocean in all its glory.

Photo by Etienne Boulanger on Unsplash 

The fact that Arugam Bay is one of the top surfing destinations in the country is the primary reason for its popularity. It is unquestionably the town's centerpiece and the most popular attraction, attracting surfers from all over the country and the world to its shores. The beautiful waves that are ideal all year and the height of the waves all contribute to enormous crowds on Arugam Bay's beaches.

It is also a perfect setting for simply relaxing and unwinding - for regeneration and recharging oneself from the daily stresses. Listen to the peaceful sounds of the waves breaking in the background while reading a book you've been meaning to read for a long time and let the days pass you by in a fog.

Arugam Bay is near the Kumana Bird Sanctuary, which is approximately one hour distant and convenient for avid bird watchers. Kumana is well-known for being one of the best spots in the world for bird watching, with over 430 species of birds recognized thus far. 

1. Surfing in Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is one of the world's best-surfing destinations, so if you travel out there and don't try your hand at surfing, you've made a tremendous mistake. When you arrive at Arugam Bay, you'll find that it's overflowing with trendy stores offering all kinds of surfing-related services, such as gear rental and surf training.

With its crescent-shaped bay, Arugam Bay Beach is suitable for beginners who want to learn to ride the waves, while surfing sites like Main Point and Elephant Rock are ideal for those who are more experienced.

2. Kudumbigala Monastery

Kudubigala is Sri Lanka's very first Buddhist monastic sanctuary. The monastery dates back to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa in 246 BC, and it is thought to have been donated by Nandika-Mitta, one of King Dutugemunu's army generals. This historic monastic complex is located in Panama, about an hour's drive from Arugam Bay, and it spans 6000 acres of a rocky outcrop. Within the complex, Kudumbigala includes around 200 caves, each with large stone slabs to ensure the monks' privacy when meditating.

3. Pottuvil Lagoon Safari

You can go on a 2-hour lagoon safari, one of the most popular activities in Arugam Bay. Many crocodiles, elephants, and other wildlife can be seen in the lovely unspoiled lagoons of Kottukal or Urani. We propose Azi Taxi for your transportation. Yala National Park is located a few kilometers from Arugam Bay and is a great site to see more wildlife, such as leopards.

4. Kumana National Park

The Kumana National Park is an 18,149 hectares national park comprising a 200-hectare natural lake marsh, visited by many migrating birds. The national park not only protects bird species but also breeds and roosts them. Regular birds that can be seen include Pelicans, Spoonbills, Herons, White Ibis, Egrets, and Little Cormorants.

5. Muhudu Maha Vihara

The Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple with a history of over 2000 years. The temple is located on the Pottuvil sand dunes, and the stunning white stupa can be seen from Arugam Bay beach. The shrine is thought to be where Princess Devi of the Kelaniya kingdom landed after her father was compelled to sacrifice her to placate the gods following a tsunami. Princess Devi arrived in the Ruhuna realm and married King Kavan Tissa; she is better known as Viharamahadevi, mother of the legendary King Dutugamunu.

6. Lahugala National Park

Lahugala National Park is about a 20-minute drive away. It is unique because, despite being one of Sri Lanka's smallest national parks, it is home to native elephant species and some endemic birds. It was established in 1980 and covered an area of about 11,100 hectares. This national park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Lahugala National Park is known for its elephant population, one of the largest in Sri Lanka.

Other species in the park include sloth bears, leopards, and spotted deer. The park is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Sri Lankan axis deer, Sri Lankan junglefowl, and the Sri Lankan leopard.

In addition to its rich biodiversity, Lahugala National Park is also a popular destination for tourists who come to see the wildlife and experience the park's beauty. The park offers a range of activities, including wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature walks.

7. Visit Elephant Rock

Elephant Point is one of many beautiful bays in the Arugam region. Elephant Rock is located at the end of this bay and is an excellent site to climb to obtain a panoramic view of the entire area. The road to get there is not the most obvious, yet it only takes 20 minutes.