Arugam Bay is a small east-coast town with a relaxed, surfers’ atmosphere. It is known for one of the best surf breaks in Sri Lanka, and it is also a good base for quiet beaches, lagoons and wildlife.
A short history
Arugam Bay was once a quiet fishing village on the east coast, and its waves attracted surfers from around the world who helped turn it into a small travellers’ destination. Fishing is still important to the local community, and the town is far quieter than the larger resorts on the south and west coasts.
Getting there
Arugam Bay is a long drive from Colombo, roughly seven to eight hours, and about three and a half hours from Ella, so most visitors reach it as part of a wider tour. Kumana National Park is around an hour to the south.
