Author : Karandeep
With the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waves rolling onto its golden shores, Arugam Bay allows time to slow down and lets you cherish laid-back beachy days.
This southeastern gem takes the personality of a coastal paradise, wherein travelers sip fresh king coconut water under palm-thatched cabanas and feast on grilled lagoon prawns at sunset.
Wander through the ancient ruins of Muhudu Maha Viharaya and indulge in stories about a forgotten queen who sought refuge 2,000+ years ago. Listen to tales of the Bay’s history as an old Arab trading post. Even better, explore the elephant-filled waters of Pottuvil Lagoon or walk around the wreckage of an age-old Buddhist monastery in Sangamankanda Point.
Regardless of whether you’re visiting to ride world-class waves or learn about the way of life of local villages, an Arugam Bay travel guide would help.
Remember, the abundance of experiences and cultural encounters make this coastal hideaway a world of its own.
6 Places to Visit in Arugam Bay
Beyond the waves, Arugam Bay holds gems that only the most curious travelers explore. Factually, it’s a beach town where Tamil and Sinhalese cultures bond and fisherman still cast their nets as they have for generations.
Here are six places we’ve included in your Arugam Bay travel guide:
1. Chase the First Light at Sangamankanda Point
Most travelers usually flock to Arugam Bay’s beachside sunrise spots. But just 20 kms south of this location is the easternmost tip of Sri Lanka where the first rays of sunrise of the island cast its graceful grow on the Indian Ocean.
What makes this place special? The journey itself. You’ll drive through rugged jungle trails and pass sights of small fishing hamlets and herds of wild buffalo. Eventually, you arrive at a secluded stretch of untouched coastline.
Also, the lighthouse ruined by the 2004 tsunami acts as a silent witness to the sea’s power. Sit back and sip on a warm ginger tea from a roadside vendor as the sky explodes in hues of orange and pink, long before Sri Lanka wakes up.
Tip: Chat with local fishermen and request a makeshift beachfront meal made from freshly caught crabs or prawns.
2. Paddle Through the Mangrove Forests of Pottuvil Lagoon
Among Ceylon’s most flourishing ecosystems, Pottuvil Lagoon lies a mere 4 kms north of Arugam Bay. Zigzag your way through a maze of mangroves and floating lily beds in wildlife-rich waters for a canoeing experience of a lifetime.
Think about it. You’re pushing off into the still waters at dawn, the only sound being the distant trumpeting of elephants. Maybe you’ll hear the occasional splash of a monitor lizard slipping into the lagoon.
Your guide will paddle silently and point out mugger crocodiles camouflaged on the banks and flocks of painted storks wading through the shallows. If your stars are aligned, expect to see elephants swimming between islands of dense greenery.
Tip: Book a traditional dugout canoe tour for a quieter, eco-friendly experience. Also, take binoculars along as Pottuvil Lagoon is home to rare birds like the black-necked stork.
Bonus Read: Discover a list of exciting things backpackers can do in Sri Lanka.
3. Experience Arugam’s Bay Hidden Surf Spot (Peanut Farm)
Let the herds of tourists continue flocking to the go-to surf spot of Arugam Bay, Main Point. You can skip the crowds and quietly head to the local surfers’ best-kept secret, Peanut Farm.
It’s beautifully decked away between a pretty jungle trail and a deserted, dune-lined waterfront spot. You can ride gentle waves for beginners or punchy barrels at the outer break.
Once a peanut plantation, this hidden cove is now a safe space for free spirits like you who crave surf and solitude. Take it easy once the sun sinks and unwind at a driftwood beach shack with wood-fired seafood and ice-cold Lion beers.
It wouldn’t hurt to go for early morning glassy waves and zero crowds. Remember to stick around for an evening beach bonfire that involves the warm hospitality of locals. And if you’re itching for an off-grid experience, camp overnight under starry skies.
Tip: Visit Whiskey Point and Elephant Rock for surf experiences away from the mainstream spots.
4. Feast on a Traditional Tamil Seafood Curry at a Local Home
Stray off the strip of Arugam Bay where life moves slow and tradition still holds strong. You can either try Ullae and Panama, Okanda and Lahugala, or rent a tuktuk and follow your instincts to a nearby village.
The grounding personalities of Tamil fishing families will give you a glimpse of culinary traditions over generations. Use your social skills and befriend a local for a complete gastronomic experience.
Once you’ve locked in a friendship and made it to their home, expect to sit on the floor with banana leaves being your plate. A fragrant prawn curry cooked with thick coconut milk and tamarind ladled beside a mound of steaming red rice reaches you. Next to it, a fiery crab curry with its shells coated in a paste of roasted spices and crushed chili tempts you. You may even get some karuvaadu (sun-dried fish curry) if lucky.
Keep in mind that there are no forks or spoons in such homes — you eat with your hands and do the mixing with your fingertips. Don’t be surprised to see your fingers stained with turmeric at the end of your meal!
5. Book a Night Safari in the Panama Elephant Corridor
The real wildlife of Arugam Bay begins to stir as the sun sets over the eastern coastline. Elephants, leopards, and other nocturnal creatures move freely between the jungle and the wetlands here, sticking to the same migratory route for decades.
Unlike commercial safari parks, the Panama Elephant Corridor is quite raw, with no fences and no crowds. The local guides are often farmers-turned-trackers, taking you through narrow dirt tracks as you move into the deep ends of the wilderness.
Stay aware of the sounds of chirping cicadas and the desultory hoot of an owl filling the air. You’ll feel the tension of anticipation about elephants appearing from the shadows of tall grasslands. Don’t forget, you must be entirely silent since they can hear low-frequency sounds far beyond human capability.
Ask your guide for a hole-through-the-bushes spot near the Panama Lagoon under the silvery sky. Chances are you’ll see a wild elephant pair of a mother and calf with their bodies reflecting in still water.
6. Discover the Lost Kingdom of Muhudu Maha Viharaya
Dated to at least 20 centuries ago, not too many travelers manage to visit this primeval Buddhist temple near the sand dunes of Pottuvil. The intriguing historical narrative here comprises the story of Queen Viharamahadevi who is the mother of the famouns King Dutugemunu.
As per the legends, the Queen was set adrift in a boat as a sacrifice to appease the gods. The original culprit was the king of Kelaniya, her father, who was under scrutiny for angering the sea. By the grace of the King of Ruhuna, she was married off after she reached the shore. Moreover, the Muhudu Maha Viharaya is believed to mark the very spot where she first set foot on land.
The temple is now half-buried in shifting sand dunes that lend it an otherworldly quality. Look for the towering white stupa and the ancient stone statues of royal figures.
Rest assured, this place gives you the pleasure of standing alone in an open landscape of sand, sea, and sky. This is contrastive to what the crowded temples of Anuradhapura and Kandy have to offer.
FAQs
While surfing is a highlight, the best way to explore Arugam Bay’s hidden gems is by renting a tuk-tuk or a scooter. This gives you the freedom to visit the secluded beaches, village markets, ancient ruins, and wildlife-rich lagoons without being tied to mainstream tourist spots.
Yes! Visit the Pottuvil Pola Market for a truly local experience. This weekly market buzzes with spice traders, fishermen selling the morning’s catch, and vendors offering traditional Tamil sweets. It’s a great place to sample street food and buy fresh cinnamon, dried seafood, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Absolutely! In the quieter areas, elephants have been spotted wandering along the shore at dawn or dusk, especially near Elephant Rock and Panama Beach. You might also see sea eagles, reef sharks near the rocks, or bioluminescent plankton glowing in the waves at night.
Sri Lankan villages, especially around Arugam Bay, are deeply traditional. Always dress modestly when visiting temples, remove shoes before entering a local home, and greet elders with a slight bow or a respectful “Ayubowan.” If invited for a meal, it’s customary to eat with your hands.
While Arugam Bay is not a party hub, it has a relaxed beach nightlife scene. You’ll find bonfires, acoustic music, and reggae beats at places like Mambo’s or The Hideaway. Full moon and surf competition nights sometimes bring fire-dancing performances and all-night gatherings on the beach.
Bonus Read: Access this 7-day trip guide for your trip to the island nation of Sri Lanka.
You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
