Coming in at number 8 on Lonely Planet’s “Best In Asia” list, Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is not a destination to be overlooked. This popular little surfing town has a lot more to offer than just a great swell. Though you’d be a fool to not at least give surfing a go there.
It’s a Surfer’s Paradise
The main draw to this coastal town is the surf. It’s widely known as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Whether you are a professional surfer or you’ve never even seen a board, Arugam Bay has a surfing experience for everyone. The swell on the main beach, aptly named Main Point, is a bit heavier so best left to those with a bit of experience. But Whiskey Point is only a short tuk-tuk ride away and an excellent place for learners to find their feet on the sea.
Yoga Retreat Treat
Where there is surfing there is yoga. We can hypothesise as to why – maybe it helps loosen those muscles tightened by a days surfing or maybe both activities flourish in tropical coastal towns – or we can just accept that that’s the way it is. Many of the surfing schools in Arugam Bay offer Yoga classes, as do the hostels and wellness centres in the town.
Muhudu Maha Viharaya
For those wanting to take their spiritual experience beyond the yoga mat, Mahudu Maha Viharaya is not far away. A Buddhist temple by the sea, surrounded by 2000-year-old ruins – stunning. The Mahudu Maha Viharaya is only a 15-minute scooter ride from Arugam Bay.
Nature at its Finest
Surrounded by lagoons, mangroves, rivers and jungle, Augama Bay is the perfect place to see exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes. A bit of a drive from Arugam Bay (roughly an hour and a half) is the Kumana National Park. Here you can see elephants, leopards, white cobras and just about every jungle animal you could imagine!
The A-Bay vibe!
More than what you do, it is the place and its laid-back surfer-town vibe that keeps travellers returning to the little town year after year. Do everything or do nothing at all. For tourist and locals alike, Arugam Bay is a haven for chillers. The shop owners are friendly and laid back, the tourists are laid back. The town itself is so laidback it may as well be laying down!
Have you been to Arugam Bay? Let us know about your trip in the comment section below.
For even more motivation to visit Sri Lanka check out our post: Pack Your Bags and Start Planning Your Trip to Sri Lanka.
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