The Surfers Destination Arugam Bay

Explore the Sri Lankan Surfing Destination Arugam Bay on our travel post

The Sri Lankan Surfing Destination Arugam Bay known locally as “Arugam Kudah”, is a bay on the southeast coast, and a historic settlement of the ancient Batticaloa Territory (Mattakallappu Desam). The bay is located 117 kilometres south of Batticaloa, 320 kilometres due east of Colombo, and approximately 4 kilometres south of the market town of Pottuvil. The main settlement in the area, known locally as Ullae, is predominantly Muslim, however there is a significant Sri Lankan Tamil and Sinhala population to the south of the village, as well as a number of international migrants, largely from Europe and Australia. While traditionally fishing has dominated the local economy, tourism has grown rapidly in the area in recent years. Tourism in Arugam Bay is dominated by surf tourism, thanks to several quality breaks in the area, however tourists are also attracted by the local beaches, lagoons, historic temples and the nearby Kumana National Park.

Arugam Bay is the most popular surf spot and is also the only international surf competition venue in Sri Lanka. It is also rated as one of the top ten surf destinations in the world. It has also hosted most of the international surfing competitions in Sri Lanka since 2004.

Home to the best surf point in the country, it consists of a small population of population whose main occupation is fishing or in the form of tourism. Season is from April to September with North East monsoon ending. The best time to go there would be around July- September. The breaks are consistent and some tourist would tout it as world class. Heading to the beach in the morning is the usual recommendation.

Surfing

Elephant Rock

Muhudu Maha Viharaya

Kudumbigala Monastery

Kumana National Park Safari

Lahugala National Park Safari

Do some yoga

Exploring 

Surfing at one or all three of the main surfing spots:

• Main Point
• Whiskey Point
• Peanut Farm

Main Point is located in Arugam Bay itself.

Whiskey Point: 15-20 min drive from Arugam Bay. Excellent for beginners.  Surfing lessons are readily available.

Peanut Farm:  About 25 minutes from Arugam Bay.

Photo Credits

Enjoy several spectacular views on top of the Elephant Rock at Arugam Bay. Situated towards the left of the bay, getting is there is not straight forward. If you are heading there on your own it is best to jot down directions in advance. People recommend that you keep an eye out for the Navy Camp as a landmark. Otherwise rent a tuktuk and they will take you as far as possible and followed by a trek up.

Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple situated at Pottuvil in Ampara District, Eastern province of Sri Lanka. This temple which is situated near a wide beach, has been built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. Currently the ruins and remains of ancient stupas, Seema Malaka, Avasa Geya and statues can be seen at the site. Important ruins at the temple premises include stone statues of lord Buddha and two statues of old kings or gods.

This viharaya marks the landing place of Viharamahadevi, daughter of Kelani Tissa, who was destined to become the queen of King Kavan Tissa of the Rohana kingdom. According to the ancient chronicle Rajavaliya, it is stated that in the second century BC after Kelaniya was submerged by the sea due to a natural disaster, Devi the daughter of King of Kelaniya was cast to sea in a Golden Vessel to appease the gods, and washed ashore near the Muhudu Maha Vihara in Pottuwil. Later she became the main consort of king Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna Kingdom, under the name Viharamahadevi.

45 minutes away from Arugam Bay, the monastery doesn’t have an entry fee. A hidden piece of treasure forgotten among the wilderness.

Kudumbigala Monastery lies eleven miles from Panama and seventeen miles away from the Kumana Village. Kudumbigala monastic complex was built in 246 BC, during the time of King Devanampiyatissa. It was first established as a refuge for the Buddhist monks who wanted to get away from the busy Cities. Archaeologists had recovered over 200 rock caves belonging to this forgotten monastery.

The inscriptions in Brahmi script and other evidence in the recently discovered cave, Maha Sudharshana Lena, shows that Kudumbigala was established as an Aranya Senansanaya in the pre-Christian era. A stone inscription has it that the Maha Sudharshana Lena was built and gifted to the Arahats by the Giant Warrior Nandimitra, one of King Dutugemunu’s “Dasa Maha Yodayas”, the ten giant warriors.

Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka is renowned for its avifauna, particularly its large flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds coast. Kumana is contiguous with Yala National Park.

Lahugala Kitulana National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka. Despite its land area, the park is an important habitat for Sri Lankan elephant and endemic birds of Sri Lanka. The national park contains the reservoirs of Lahugala, Kitulana and Sengamuwa and they are ultimately empties to Heda Oya river.

Explore the Sri Lankan Surfing Destination Arugam Bay on our travel post