One of Sri Lanka’s top beaches, Arugam Bay in Arugam Bay, is a popular surfing spot. One of those places you must see at least once in your lifetime. Arugam Bay is fortunate to be surrounded by a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles, because of its proximity to Yala National Park. At least three days in the Bay are recommended. Use this Arugam Bay Guide to organize your vacation.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka?
In general, the weather in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, is pleasant, thanks to its location in a tropical country. May to September is the most fantastic time because the monsoon season has begun.
How to get to Arugam Bay?
From Ella
During the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., direct buses leave for Pottuvil. The road ahead will be long if you don’t take these steps. To get there, you’ll need to take three distinct buses, changing between Wellawaya and Monaragala. It will take about 7 hours.
From Colombo
Travelers arriving in Colombo can take an AC taxi for 18,000 rupees per car and seven hours to reach Arugam Bay if they want to get to Arugam Bay right away after their flight lands there.
- Bus
Arugam Bay is reachable via the day and night buses, each offering differing comfort levels. It’s worth the money to take an air-conditioned bus if you’re traveling from Colombo, a 10-hour drive. Even so, it will only cost you around 1000LKR.
- Train
Many of the most important locations in the country are connected via a railroad network. A change of venue may be necessary for those traveling from other locations. Compared to other modes of transportation, these excursions can be faster and less expensive. Plus, if you’re coming from the north, you can take the Kandy to Ella train ride, which is stunning.
- Tuk-Tuk
A tuk-tuk is the best mode of transportation to Arugam Bay. We picked up our tuk-tuk in Colombo and drove all across Sri Lanka in it for the duration of our trip. Get a 5 percent discount on your Sri Lanka tuk-tuk rental when you read our instructions.
- Pick Me /Uber
It’s possible to schedule a private transfer from Colombo using one of these apps. They’re more expensive (between LKR13,000 and LKR18,000), but they’re also faster and more luxurious.
How is the weather in Arugam Bay?
Located on the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka’s South-East coast, Arugam Bay experiences its unique weather. Rainfall in this area is significantly lower than on other islands in Japan. In addition, surfers will enjoy surfing in the months of April and August because these are the ideal months for perfect waves. Warm and tropical weather is common at Arugam Bay. In November, December, and January, the average temperature in this part of the world is 28–30 degrees Celsius. A temperature of 30 – 32 degrees Celsius is typical for the months of February and March, as is a temperature of 32 – 36 degrees Celsius for April through August.
In Arugam Bay, how long should I plan to stay?
You could easily spend a week in Arugam Bay surfing and partying, but I believe that 4-5 nights is the ideal amount of time to spend there.
Things to see in Arugam Bay
The Lagoon of Pottuvil
A picturesque inland known as Pottuvil Lagoon may be found just two kilometers from Arugam Bay. A trip to the Pottuvil Lagoon will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll be awestruck by the mangrove swamps when you paddle out into the lagoon. A variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, crocodiles, and elephants, live in these swamps. Arugam Bay’s nature can be sampled through all of them.
Panama
Located 12 kilometers from Arugam Bay, Panama is the final inhabited village. It extends into the interior of Arugam Bay before the Yala East National Park, and Panama meets as a land border. Now, Panama is endowed with a plethora of beaches, lagoons, rocks, and sand dunes to explore. Panama is a fascinating place to visit because of these different things to see and do. Crocodile Rock and Elephant Rock are two massive rocky outcrops that makeup Panama. Surfers flock to Crocodile Rock for its waves, while elephant lovers flock to Elephant Rock to see the area’s resident wild elephants.
Okanda Sri Lanka
Twenty kilometers south of Arugam Bay lies Okanda, a tiny community famous for its excellent surfing. An important shrine is located here, where the god Skanda arrived on the island (the legend says). ‘Paada Yaathra’ begins at this shrine (Pilgrimage on Foot). On the other hand, Okanda, which is the gateway to the Yala East National Park, is home to mangroves that serve as breeding grounds for aquatic birds.
Yala East National Park Sri Lanka
Yala East and Yala Ruhuna National Parks in Sri Lanka are identical twins. The River Kumbukkan Oya divides these two sanctuaries and is the primary roadblock separating them. Since then, Yala East has become a popular tourist destination as well as a habitat for rare leopards and other species. Additionally, the elephant population is higher than in Yala West, but the herds are smaller
Kumana Bird Sanctuary
Local and migratory wading birds benefit from the sanctuary’s national and worldwide recognition as an essential wetland ecosystem. A tributary of the Kumbukkan Oya River serves as the host for Kumana Bird Sanctuary. In Yala East national park, you’ll see Kumana Reservoir, which is around 20 miles away. A large variety of waterbirds can be found in this mangrove-lined reservoir. Some of the more common species of these waterbirds are herons, egrets, storks, small cormorants, and Indian darters. The Black-necked stork, a rare breed of bird, can also be seen at this bird refuge.
Crocodile Rock
Arugam Bay’s Crocodile Rock is a popular tourist attraction and has been the site of numerous crocodile sightings and a major assault. Arugam Bay’s southernmost beach is a secluded cove.
The Crocodile Rock’s name is derived from its proximity to numerous crocodiles and its likeness to the crocodile’s shape. The Crocodile Rock is a popular tourist attraction for locals and visitors alike. Those that make it to the summit are treated to a stunning panorama, including lush paddy fields, an ocean lagoon, and a swath of golden sand beaches. Surfers are also drawn to this location for its appeal.
Since crocodile attacks are so common in this area, Crocodile Rock has been featured in numerous news stories. The Elephant Rock and Panama are just a short distance away from it at Arugam Bay. Beaches around the crocodile rock are largely unspoiled and devoid of traffic because of the rock’s dunes.
Elephant Rock
In Arugam Bay’s Elephant Rock, they are beginning surfers flock. There are pristine beaches on the island to explore, as well as the potential to view elephants wandering the area. It’s a spectacular sea-facing rock with a solitary beach surrounding it.
It gets its name not only from the elephants that wander around the rock in the morning and evening but also from its likeness to an elephant’s body shape. It’s a long story. In its natural state, the beach is untouched by the public. The beach is rarely populated due to its remote location, which can only be reached through a sand and dirt drive. On the other hand, Elephant Rock is a one-of-a-kind Sri Lankan tourist site.
Whiskey Point
Arugam Bay’s Whiskey Point is a well-known surfing and swimming spot. Those who don’t surf and those who do will both enjoy this unique and exciting spot. The beach is pristine, and the ocean is a stunning color of blue. The location is ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful break from the commotion of city life.
Surfers and non-surfers alike will have a fantastic time battling the furious waves at Whiskey Point, which is an unusual holiday destination for people of all ages. Many hotels, spas, and resorts surround the area, ensuring that visitors have a tranquil and restful stay.
The name Whiskey Point is a mystery to most people. It’s possible that the name is derived from the Tamil word for “swirling,” “Whiskey.” The moniker “Whirling Dervishes” is apt because the water in this area frequently appears to be whirling. This beach is quieter than its neighbor, Arugam Bay Beach, because no boats are departing from this location.
Monastery of Kudumbigala
In the middle of a jungle, a Buddhist monastery. That’s fantastic. To get to the base of the rock, you’ll need to drive for about 45 minutes from Arugam Bay. You’ll have a great view of the entire region if you make it to the top of the mountain.
Lahugala Kitulana National Park
Lahugala Kitulana National Park is only a 20-minute drive from Arugam Bay.
One of Sri Lanka’s smaller national parks, it’s home to the indigenous elephant species and some uncommon birds, making it an exciting place to visit. Imagine just 15.54 square kilometers of land space. However, it is still regarded as a protected area for these creatures.
Most of the park is made up of dry woodland, where 150 Sri Lankan elephants spend most of their time. At sundown is the optimum time to catch a glimpse of them at the drinking hole.
Oh, and don’t forget to look out for jackals, sloth bears, and leopards as well! It’s a must-see for any animal lover, in my opinion.
Things to do in Arugam Bay
Surfing and Diving
It’s no surprise that Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, is one of the world’s most popular surfing destinations. Thousands of surfers go from around the world to ride the incredible waves at this location. Typically, these waves have a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters on average. Arugam Bay’s prime surfing months are May through November. The wind will be mainly offshore in the first half of the day. Arugam Bay has a number of right-hand point breaks due to its placement next to a southerly swell direction.
Three-point breakers, such as “The Point” and “Pottuvil Point,” as well as the aptly-named “Crocodile Rock,” provide some of the best surfing in the world. Locals are so enamored with surfing that they’ll gladly lead you to secluded point breaks. In addition to being a great spot to surf, the Arugam Bay area is also home to a vast variety of tropical fish, making it a great site to go snorkeling. For those who enjoy scuba diving, there is the option of renting a boat and sailing to the Basses Reefs. Arugam Bay’s best scuba diving spot is here.
Explore the Wildlife
One can find some of the world’s rarest creatures living at Arugam Bay’s wildlife spectacles. If you want to see wild boar, deer, crocodiles, and huge elephants in Arugam Bay, you should take a dawn or sunset excursion (this is the best time to catch glimpses of wildlife). It’s also possible to visit Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park in the southern portion of Arugam, one of the country’s most popular eco-tourism locations. 1,300 square kilometers of this national park are home to the largest population of leopards in Asia. This wildlife coexists in harmony with the sloth bears, striped-necked brown and ruddy mongooses, marsh mugger crocodiles, a sambar, and wild boar and civet species.
Visit the Cultural Site
To go to Lahugala National Park, Magul Maha Viharaya is the first place you’ll come across. It’s a well-kept secret with origins dating back to the second century BC. There are conflicting reports about its origins, although some claim that King Dathusena commissioned it (he ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom from 516AD to 526AD). According to the stone inscriptions, these events did, in fact, take place (dates back to the 14th century). Regardless, according to mythology, King Kavantissain is said to have built this temple during the second century BC.
As a result, this site spans more than 10,000 acres and serves as a cultural and historical landmark. Intricately detailed architectural structures and extensive lily ponds make it a stunning visual representation. In addition to that, guests would be wowed by the relics of an ancient palace