A DAY TRIP FROM YALA

Arugam Bay

A Sunkissed Beachside Village Surf City

Arugam Bay is a tropical paradise and the perfect day trip from Yala. Renowned for its stunning sea, sand, and sun, it offers an ideal getaway for visitors. Recognised as one of the world’s top surfing destinations, this crescent-shaped beach attracts surfers and tourists with its golden sands and exceptional surf breaks. However, Arugam Bay is not just for surfers; it is also a sunny gem on the East Coast where couples can enjoy adventure, nature, and tranquillity. Visitors can explore ancient temples and wildlife between surf sessions or relax on the sun-kissed shores.

Highlights

Pottuvil Point
Panama Tank
Crocodile Rock
Kudumbigala Monestry
Kumana Bird Sanctuary
Muhudu Maha Viharaya

Location and Best Times to Visit

Arugam Bay is about two hours from Yala and easily accessible by road. Between May and September, it offers calm beaches and excellent surfing conditions.

The renowned main point break is regarded as the premier surf spot in Sri Lanka. Other popular breaks, such as Whiskey Point, Elephant Rock, and Peanut Farm, cater to surfers of all skill levels. Okanda offers a stunning surf point near Kumana National Park for those seeking natural breaks, while Baby Point within the bay is perfect for beginners.

Beyond its surf culture, Arugam Bay offers a range of activities for all kinds of travellers. Adventure enthusiasts, culture lovers, and leisure seekers can find much to explore, from pristine beaches and scenic lagoons to historic temples, along with the nearby Kumana and Lahugala National Parks.

Arugam Bay is roughly 320 kilometres east of Colombo and takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach from the capital. The route winds through picturesque landscapes and local towns as it travels from the western coast to the eastern part of the island.

The ideal time to visit Arugam Bay is from April to October, which coincides with the surf season. The weather is sunny during these months, and the waves are perfect for surfing. The peak season, especially from June to August, attracts the most visitors, primarily those coming to enjoy the waves.

Pottuvil Point

Just 6 kilometres north of Arugam Bay lies Pottuvil Point, an excellent alternative for surfers. Located on the edge of a peninsula, Pottuvil Point is celebrated for its right-hand waves and sand-bottom points, making it especially suitable for beginners. The peninsula is dotted with numerous food vendors and offers a variety of relaxing accommodations, enhancing the appeal of its consistent waves.

Panama Tank

Just 12 kilometres south of Arugam Bay, the charming coastal village of Panama (Paa-na-ma) offers a serene escape perfect for couples seeking both adventure and tranquillity. This picturesque village near the Kumana Bird Sanctuary and Heritage Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Among its many attractions is the beautiful Panama Tank, also known as Crocodile Point, which provides a lush, green landscape teeming with wildlife. The 20-minute drive from Arugam Bay to Panama Tank takes you through scenic rural villages, past the sea, and into forested areas, offering plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

Visiting Panama Tank is a unique experience. You can see numerous crocodiles basking in the sun from a safe distance. The area is also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with many rare species often seen soaring above the nearby forests.

Crocodile Rock

The lesser-known, captivating point of Crocodile Rock lies just a short distance from Arugam Bay. This rocky outcrop is an excellent surf spot that offers a more secluded alternative to the bustling Main Point. Surrounded by patches of jungle and the ocean, Crocodile Rock provides visitors with a perfect blend of wilderness and waves. The area bordering Yala National Park is rich in biodiversity so that nature enthusiasts can enjoy glimpses of Sri Lanka's beautiful fauna, including the point’s namesake crocodiles.

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock, named for its elephant-like shape, is 4 kilometres from Arugam Bay. Despite its popularity, it remains one of the least crowded beaches primarily due to its remote access. To reach Elephant Rock, one must take a tuk-tuk to the main road, followed by a short walk and sometimes wading through shallow water to get to the surf point.

Behind Elephant Rock, you'll find a tranquil lagoon with dark, murky waters flanked by a small mangrove forest. Although the lagoon adds to the area's beauty, swimming is not advisable due to safety concerns. When the tide is high, the sea floods into the lagoon, creating a unique landscape. This combination of natural beauty and adventure makes Elephant Rock a perfect spot for beginner surfers and those looking to explore the quieter side of Sri Lanka's coastline.

Kudumbigala Monastic Sanctuary

Kudumbigala Monastery was the first monastic sanctuary built by royal decree for Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka. Dating back to 246 BC during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, this ancient monastic complex was donated by Nandika-Mitta, a “giant” warrior general of King Dutugemunu’s famous army. Located in Panama, about an hour's drive from Arugam Bay, the monastery spans 6000 acres of rocky terrain. It features over 200 caves with massive stone slabs to provide monks with undisturbed meditation spaces.

Known as ‘Chethiya Pabbatha’ due to its numerous stupas, Kudumbigala is also home to Sri Lanka’s only cylindrical stupa, intended to accommodate visiting monks from Anuradhapura. Rediscovered in the early 1950s, this ancient site remains largely unknown. Perched on a hill, the trek to the top is moderately challenging. It offers stunning views, especially in the late afternoon or early evening when the monastery is bathed in the warm glow of sunset.

Muhudu Maha Vihara

Steeped in over 2000 years of history, this Buddhist temple is located on the dunes of Pottuvil. The striking white stupa is visible from Arugam Bay beach, adding a touch of historical allure to the coastal landscape. According to legend, the temple is one of two sites named the landing spot of Princess Devi from the Kelaniya kingdom, who was sacrificed to appease the gods after a tsunami beset the lands. She later became known as Viharamahadevi, the mother of the renowned King Dutugemunu, after marrying King Kavan Tissa of the Ruhuna kingdom.

At Muhudu Maha Vihara, you will see an impressive stupa surrounded by stone statues of the Buddha and two statues believed to be either kings or gods. Many ruins and artefacts are still buried under the sand, adding an air of mystery to the site. As an important location for Buddhists, this temple offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Pottuvil Lagoon

Just 4km from Arugam Bay, the Pottuvil Lagoon offers an incredible wildlife experience. Embark on a serene cruise along this 200-acre lagoon, either by boat or canoe, for a 2 to 2.5-hour safari. With its murky greenish-brown water, the lagoon appears deep but is relatively shallow. It is a stunning setting; the dark water beautifully reflects the clear blue skies above.
The lagoon is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest, where you can spot Sri Lankan macaques leaping between trees. Large crocodiles often bask in the sun on the banks or nearby rocks, providing thrilling sightings for visitors. However, the lagoon’s best-kept secret is its elephant population. In the evenings, elephants come to cool off in the water, and you can watch these magnificent creatures frolic from a safe distance.

Lahugala Kitulana National Park

Lahugala Kitulana National Park, one of Sri Lanka's smallest national parks, is a hidden gem rich in wildlife. Known for its large population of Sri Lankan elephants, this park offers a more authentic experience away from tourist crowds. It is home to endemic species such as the Sri Lankan spurfowl, sloth bear, black-naped hare, and slender loris, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

Unlike other parks, Lahugala Kitulana prides itself on its untouched wilderness, and vehicles are not allowed inside. Instead, visitors can explore on foot along the main road between Arugam Bay and Monaragala. Within the park, you'll find the Neelagiri Maha Seya, an ancient stupa dating back to the 1st century and standing 72 feet high with a circumference of 597 feet, built by King Kavan Tissa (205-161 BC).

Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park is less crowded than Yala National Park and is renowned for bird watching. It’s also an excellent spot for seeing elephants and other wildlife. Formerly known as Yala East, Kumana National Park offers a serene alternative to the crowded Yala National Park. Located within easy reach of Arugam Bay, Kumana is a barely explored hidden gem.
Established as a bird sanctuary in 1938, the park boasts over 255 bird species, including rare sightings like the black-necked stork and the Eurasian spoonbill. Thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area between April and July, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Conclusion

A popular surfer’s paradise, discover Arugam Bay on a day trip from Yala. Arugam Bay offers many cultural and natural wonders to explore. A lesser-visited destination, it offers an exciting blend of beaches, adventure, nature, and tranquillity. Whether riding the waves, discovering hidden natural wonders, or simply relaxing on the beach, Arugam Bay offers an unforgettable experience on Sri Lanka’s east coast.

Arugam Bay

A Sunkissed Beachside Village Surf City

Location and Best Times to Visit

Our Favourites

Pottuvil Point

Pottuvil Point

Panama Tank

Panama Tank

Crocodile Rock

Crocodile Rock

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock

Kudumbigala Monastic Sanctuary

Kudumbigala Monastic Sanctuary

Muhudu Maha Vihara

Muhudu Maha Vihara

Pottuvil Lagoon

Pottuvil Lagoon

Lahugala Kitulana National Park

Lahugala Kitulana National Park

Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park

Conclusion