Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka: travel guide
East coast surf town with a long point break and elephant country inland
Sri Lanka's premier surf town on the east coast, famous for the long right-hand point break at Main Point, laid-back cabana stays, and nearby Kumana National Park.
About Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a small, relaxed surf town on Sri Lanka's east coast, and is known for the long right-hand point break at Main Point. Its simple cabanas and beach cafes give it a different feel from the southwest coast.
Away from the waves, you can take a lagoon safari at Pottuvil, visit the Kudumbigala monastery or climb to the Elephant Rock area for coastal views. Kumana National Park, known for birds and elephants, lies to the south, and quiet beaches are within a short ride.
It suits surfers, beach lovers and anyone happy to slow down. The surf and weather are best from about May to September, when the east coast is at its driest.
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Currency
- LKR
- Time zone
- Asia/Colombo
Last updated
Top places to visit in Arugam Bay
Elephant Rock (Peanut Farm) Beach
Beach · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Quiet stretch of beach north of Main Point with a distinctive rock outcrop, popular sunset spot and a gentler surf break for beginners.
Main Point Surf Break
Activity · 4.3 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
World-famous long right-hand point break, the heart of Arugam Bay's surf scene, best April-October.
Kudumbigala Monastery
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Ancient forest hermitage on a rock outcrop south of Arugam Bay near Panama, with meditation caves and panoramic views over Kumana.
Pottuvil Lagoon (Crocodile Rock / Whiskey Point safari)
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Mangrove lagoon behind Arugam Bay explored by boat safari for crocodiles, elephants and birdlife, also a scenic surf break.
Things to do
- Arugam Bay Surf Lesson Activity · 2 h · from LKR 6,000 per person
- Kumana National Park Full-Day Safari Wildlife · 10 h · from LKR 35,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Arugam Bay to Kumana National Park Safari Day 10 h · from LKR 38,000
Where to stay in Arugam Bay
- Main Point / Ullae
Surfer hub right by the main break, cabana-style guesthouses.
- Pottuvil
Quieter, closer to the lagoon and Pottuvil Point / Whiskey Point breaks.
Hotels
- Stay Golden Arugam Bay
- Hideaway Arugam Bay
- Bay Vista
Where to eat
- Ranga's Beach Hut sri_lankan, seafood · about LKR 720 per person
- Mambo's international, sri_lankan · about LKR 720 per person
- Bambini's Cafe cafe, italian · about LKR 720 per person
Getting to Arugam Bay
Nearest airport: Colombo (CMB), about 219 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Scooter Rental
- Tuktuk
- Walking
Best time to visit Arugam Bay
- Jan rough · Arugam Bay: NE monsoon, Maha. The surf season here is Apr-Oct; Dec-Feb is off-season.
- Feb rough · Arugam Bay: NE monsoon, Maha. The surf season here is Apr-Oct; Dec-Feb is off-season.
- Mar 30°C
- Apr 31°C
- May 31°C
- Jun 32°C
- Jul 32°C
- Aug 32°C
- Sep 31°C
- Oct 30°C
- Nov 29°C
- Dec rough · Arugam Bay: NE monsoon, Maha. The surf season here is Apr-Oct; Dec-Feb is off-season.
More in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions about Arugam Bay
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Arugam Bay?
- The highest-rated places in our Arugam Bay guide are Kudumbigala Monastery, Elephant Rock (Peanut Farm) Beach, Pottuvil Lagoon (Crocodile Rock / Whiskey Point safari), Main Point Surf Break.
- Where should I stay in Arugam Bay?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Arugam Bay: Main Point / Ullae, Pottuvil.
- How do I get around Arugam Bay?
- Ways to get around Arugam Bay covered in our guide: Scooter rental, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
- What is the weather like in Arugam Bay?
- Average daytime highs in Arugam Bay run from 29°C in Nov to 32°C in Aug.