Are you an avid surfer? If so, you can instantly recognize the name Arugam Bay. Even if you’re not, you might be interested in learning more about this popular tourist attraction. Arugam Bay is a small quiet village 320 km east of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, and is ranked among the top ten surfing destinations in the world. In this article I am going to tell you 5 good reasons why you should visit Arugam Bay.

Arugam Bay is not your typical surf destination with modern facilities. It’s more of a community-based destination, where the tiny guesthouses and the odd star-studded hotel sit side by side. This does not make it less attractive for regular visitors who repeat the visit every year. Although this destination was devastated by the 2004 tsunami and conflict, the enterprising community of Arugam Bay has restored the destination to its former glory. Much improved roads, which have cut travel times by nearly an hour and a half, and the return of peace have made Arugam Bay a must-see destination.

Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Arugam Bay:

1. It is the third highest ranked among the top ten surf destinations in the world. So if you are a surf enthusiast or interested in learning to surf, this is the place for you. You don’t even need to bring your gear, as you can rent surf gear from local teams, who also provide training for novice surfers. It boasts of having more than 10 surf spots and the waves are excellent between April and October and it is also the scene of local and international surfing competitions that take place during this period.
2. From November to April the sea is fine for swimming and snorkeling and conditions are perfect if you are looking for a quiet getaway. Accommodation prices can be quite low and you can find a fairly decent room with basic facilities for around $15 a night.
3. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, excellent wildlife sanctuaries are just minutes from this destination. Lahugala Sanctuary, famous for elephants, is no more than a 20-minute drive from here. You may even pass some of these majestic beasts if you are en route if you take the inland route to get here. Kumana Bird Sanctuary is located just 10km south of Arugam Bay and birds from as far away as Siberia have been known to migrate to escape the winter.
4. The sand dunes in Panama allow you to wander through a stretch of pristine land and even go on a jeep safari to the dunes. The Pottuvil dunes are much closer, but it is situated in the middle of a busy little town, but no less attractive in its own way.
5. The area near Arugam Bay also has a large number of ancient monuments. The Kudumbigala Archaeological Reserve is home to monastic caves dating back to around the 12th century AD The ancient Okanda temple dedicated to Lord Skanda situated on a rocky outcrop south of Arugam Bay is believed to be featured in “The Tales of Sinbad the Sailor” . Nearly a thousand-year-old monuments related to the southern kingdom of Magama are found in the village of Pottuvil, next to the dunes and within the Lahugala sanctuary. It is said that they were built in honor of the mother of the warrior king Dutugemunu of the Anradhapura kingdom.

The attractions of Arugam Bay are so numerous and cater to visitors with different interests. It is simply amazing that so many attractions are so close to each other. Coupled with the extremely friendly service from the villagers who run the facility, I highly recommend you visit here, especially if you’re on a budget.