Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's surf capital and one of the best-known surf towns in Asia. A long, right-hand point break at the southern end of the bay draws surfers from around the world between April and October, and a string of other breaks within half an hour suit every level. Beyond surfing, it's a relaxed beach village with a strong community feel, close to some of the wildest national parks on the island.

Surf breaks

• Main Point — the famous right-hander, long and consistent; best for intermediate and advanced surfers. Crowded in peak months.
• Baby Point — inside Main Point, gentler and good for improvers.
• Whiskey Point — a mellow point north of town, popular with beginners and longboarders.
• Peanut Farm — two breaks south of town, good for beginners and intermediates.
• Elephant Rock and Pottuvil Point — further out, with beautiful settings and fewer people.

Surf schools offer lessons for all levels, and boards are easy to rent.

Other things to do

• Kumana National Park — safaris with elephants, leopards and large bird colonies, with far fewer jeeps than Yala.
• Lahugala National Park — a small park on the road from the hills where elephants gather around the tanks.
• Lagoon safaris at Pottuvil — boat trips through mangroves for birds, monkeys and crocodiles.
• Muhudu Maha Viharaya — an ancient temple on the beach at Pottuvil.

When to visit

April to October is the season for both surfing and dry weather. From November to March the north-east monsoon brings rain and many guesthouses close.

Getting there

Arugam Bay is remote: about 3–3.5 hours from Ella via Monaragala, 7–8 hours from Colombo, and around 3 hours from Pasikudah. Most travellers come by private driver or bus via Pottuvil.