Travelling south along the east coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is the last town one comes across south east of the island. It is one of the ten most popular surfing spots in the world and is found on one of the most beautiful tropical coasts in the world.
Unlike other busy coastal towns frequented by tourists, Arugam Bay will offer you with a remote rural life and a quiet atmosphere. The village of Arugam Bay is 5 km south of Pottuvil and on the edge of Yala East National Park. Inner to this coastal village one finds a stretch of a `jungle.
Wild elephants roam the coastal plain and the small Lahugala National Park is found about 16km inland. Lahugala has been an elephant viewing site for years, in large herds. Also for bird lovers, it is a place where birdlife abounds in the wetlands.
Therefore, Arugam Bay is a place for surfers, water sports lovers and wildlife viewers. A number of reasonably priced hotels and guest houses are available along the coast that suffered immensely due to the tsunami. The location is open to tourists throughout the year.
The best time of the year for surf is between May and November when the predominant wind is offshore for at least the first half of the day. Due to ease of travel presently, Arugam Bay has become a major tourist destination. For fresh sea food lovers it is an ideal place.