Situated in the district of ampara, approximately 314Km from Colombo, Arugam Bay is known as one of the three surfing spots in the world. This typical fishing village to the south of the small town ofpottuvil can be reached via A4 from Colombo. The unspoilt town of Arugam BAy offers an abundance of opportunities for those with a passion for water sports and underwater photography.
Climate
Located in the dry zone, the area is rich in bird life and wildlife in the widespread jungle areas, wetlands and lagoons nearby. It has its own specific climate with very little rain compared to the rest of the island. The average temperature in November, December and January is around 28 - 30 degrees Celsius. It is also often windy during this period. In February and March as well as in September and October the temperature is around 30 - 32 degrees Celsius. With the sun at its zenith in April, it can get rather hot and humid during that time with temperatures going up to 36 degrees Celsius.
THINGS TO DO:
- Surfing
Arugam Bay is renowned for its fantastic waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. Although you can surf here all year round, the season is from April to October with the average height of waves being 1.5 to 2.5 meters. Main surf spots are Pottuvil point, Main Break and Crocodile Rock
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| Surfing |
- Dive:
You can do some good snokelling around Augam Bay. If you are a serious scuba diver, charter a boat and head for the Basses Reefs, it is a "must see" dive site in Sri Lanka
- Wildlife Spotting:
Catch a rare spectacle of elephants strolling across the A4 through the Lahugala elephant corridor. The best time to catch a glimpse of the wildlife such as elephants, wild boa, deer and crocodiles is before dawn or at sunset.
- Bird Watching:
Be over-awed by the flocks that migrate to the Arugam Bay aea in the months of November and December.
Explore
Muhudu Madu Viharaya :
Between Arugam Bay and Pottuvil lie the ruins of a Buddhist temple on the sand dunes with fairly well preserved stone statues. Lt is believed that the temple was built where princess Vihara Maha Devi had disembarked.
Muhudu Madu Viharaya :
This boasts of the best – preserved moonstone in all of Asia, with a special feature of the Mahout carved on the back of the an elephant. The Magul Maha Vihara, Constructed during the reign of King Dhatusena, is also to be the Place where the royal wedding of king Kanantissa and Princess Vihara Maha devi had taken place. Lt is located eight kilometers west of Pottuvil along the A4 main road.
Pottuvil Point :
The highest Place in Pottuvil, popular With Surfers ,this is a long deserted beach. Wild elephants can often be seen around the area.
Crocodile Rock :
From afar the rock look like a set of sun bathing crocodiles. The area is Wild, with elephants and eagles sweeping overhead.
Okanda:
Another popular surfing sport located around 28 Kilometers south of Arugam Bay, The Okanda kudunbigala Heritage reserve and a small ancient shrine dedicated to God of Kataragama, Skanda, Can be seen in the area.
