“TOP 10 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN ARUGAM BAY, SRI LANKA There’s a reason why Arugam Bay hold the 5th position in the list of the world’s best surfing spots. The beach stretches for 3 km along the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka and its laid-back ambiance lures beach lovers to soak up the beach vibes. There are many surf points around the beach town ranging for beginners to seasoned surfers so adventure is never far away for those looking for their perfect wave. Did you know: Arugam Bay used to be a forgotten town until the mid-late 20th century when it was discovered by surfers. 1 )ARUGAM BAY SURFING Arugam Bay is one of the world’s top surfing destinations, so if you go all the way out there and don’t at least try to go surfing — then you’ve made a huge mistake. There are four main surfing spots to choose from: Main Point: this is the surf spot actually located in Arugam Bay. Every morning you’ll see dozens of surfers out there catching some quality waves. This is recommended more for intermediate to advanced surfers. Whiskey Point: About a 15 minute drive from Arugam Bay is this famous surf spot. It’s a really beautiful beach as well, and can provide some excellent waves for beginner surfers. You’ll also notice heaps of people on surfing lessons. Elephant Rock: about 3km south of Arugam Bay provides an appreciation of the extent of the beautiful beaches. In the early morning or evening we will have the sight of elephants roaming nearby. Yet it is a good place which provide for surf school and beginners with sandy bar and shallow water. Surfers will enjoy much more at this place 2 ) YOGA I feel like surfing destinations always seem to be yoga destinations as well, and Arugam Bay is no exception. When you’re walking up and down the main street, you’ll see that there are tons of yoga places. It’s a great way to start the day, get some exercise, and relax a bit 3 ) KUMANA NATIONAL PARK You’ll see signs all over Arugam Bay for booking a Kumana safari. This is in Yala East, so it’s definitely recommended if you haven’t done any safaris in Sri Lanka. You’ll see heaps of elephants, and if you’re lucky can spot a leopard. Sri Lankan is known for having beautiful and great safari experiences, 4 ) WHISKEY POINT FRIDAY NIGHTS Arugam Bay is also the main party destination in Sri Lanka, and Friday nights at Whiskey Point should not be missed. Beautiful people at a beautiful location, great music, and lots of dancing. Once the arrack starts pouring, you’ll be glad you went. 5 ) MAMBO’S SATURDAY NIGHTS The legendary weekly beach party at Mambos’ is an absolute must for anyone visiting Arugam Bay. It’s honestly so much fun, and was one of the highlight’s of my time in the country. I’ve been three different times now, and each time was a solid night. The music basically doesn’t stop until everyone leaves, and the hard-core party people always make it to the sunrise! The music is really groovy deep / tech-house, and the party is always bumping. 6) Pottuvil Lagoon Eco Tour The Pottuvil Lagoon Eco tour is a new initiative in the management of mangroves and wildlife in Sri Lanka. It brings together local fishermen, government officials and tourists, in an effort to conserve and protect the abundant wildlife found in Pottuvil Lagoon.During the two-hour canoe tour through Pottuvil Lagoon, you will experience the serenity and beauty of a mangrove ecosystem. The mangrove forest is home to a huge variety of birds such a sea eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, herons, darters, grebes and long-legged stilts. In the trees, you can see both varieties of Sri Lanka’s maquace monkeys. In the water lurk crocodiles, water monitor lizards, freshwater snakes and a multitude of fish and prawns. You can identify all these in the Ecotour Information Centre before you set out on the eco tour. 7) Arugam Bay TUK TUK Safari Travelling through A Bay in a Tuk Tuk enhances the local vibe and allows you to experience your destinations with all senses. The delicate wind coming in from the sides, the sounds of other vehicles and occasional wildlife, the scenic views and the feeling of Sri Lankan warmth make the Tuk Tuk safari all the more thrilling.The best part, you get a friendly Tuk Tuk driver guide who will give you the details of everything you visit or see 8 ) EXPLORE PANAMA TANK Arugam Bay is one of those rare beach destination where you can glimpse wildlife and driving through the Panama Tank is a definite must. Just a 15 minute ride from Arugam Bay, Panama Tank flaunts a stunning landscape where you can spot a few crocodiles. Keep your cameras ready because you’re obviously going to want to take as many photos as you can. 09) Special Helicopter Tour at Arugam Bay Special Helicopter Tour was organized by the Chamber of Tourism and Industry, Sri Lanka with the support of IWS Aviation Pvt Ltd to mark the World Tourism Day at Arugam Bay recently. In order to view the natural beauties of Arugam Bay in the Pottuvil division, large number of local and foreign tourists participated on this aerial trip. They were able to view the Arugam Bay Sea, Jungle, dwelling land like Ullai and Pottuvil views on this trip. The number of tourists frequenting this health resorts at Arugam Bay is increasing day by day. A good number of tourists are expected to visit this area in last several years. The Bay is situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast and 320km from Colombo and can reach within 7 hours via Monaragala. The beach is a wide sweeping sandy area in front of the village 'Ulla', is an attraction for swimming all year round. The beach isn't the only attraction in the area. The countryside of the village of Arugam Bay brings about loveliest sceneries that span over mangrove, jungle, lagoon, river, rice fields and dunes. The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in April and ends in October. During the season the wind is predominantly offshore. Two kilometers inland from Arugam Bay is the scenic Pottuvil Lagoon. 10) Arugambay to Ella: How to get to Arugam Bay from Ella:The distance between Arugam Bay and Ella is 87 km. The road distance is 137.2 km. A) Nine-Arch Bridge in Ella One of the highlights in the mountain village Ella is the 30-meter high Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. With a small 30-minute walk through the jungle, you will reach a piece of beautiful architecture that is hidden between lush green tea fields. It is allowed to walk on the bridge and it’s one of the things you must do in Sri Lanka. B) Ravana Ella Ravana Ella can be spotted on Ella -Wellawaya main road. Kirinidi Oya is the water course for this beautiful cascading waterfall. Many of the Sri Lankan waterfall can be spotted in middle of the jungle, with some lengthy routes. But since this falls is located just next to the main road, everybody can reach this without any trouble. So this becomes very popular sightseeing spot for photography. Ravana ella is related to the famous Indian epic Ramayana. According to the story king Ravana captured the prince Seetha and kept her hidden in a cave which is located behind the Ravana falls. During the dry season water level reduces drastically and Ravana falls becomes very skinny, but again becomes majestic during the up stream rainy seasons. Locals who are travelling to upcountry used to stop by the ella and get shower at here C) Adisham Bungalow If you are staying in Ella for more than a day or two and visiting Haputale, do not miss this monastery which is a highly recommended tourist attraction in the area. Open for sightseers only on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. A 4 km drive from Haputale will lead you to Adisham, a monastery run by Benedictine Monks. Wrapped in the tranquillity of the misty hills, Adisham Bungalow attracts every eye that falls on it. The pages of history reveal that the creator of this enthralling place is Sir Thomas Lister Villiers in 1931. Sir Thomas Lister Villiers Sir Thomas Lister Villiers was born in 1869 in Adisham, an ancient village which lies in the hollow of the Kent country side. He was the son of Reverend Prebendary Henry Montegu Villiers who belonged to Clarendon family and his mother was Lady Victoria Russell the daughter of (Grandfather of Sir Thomas Lister Villiers) who was twice the prime minister of Britain (1846 – 52, & 1865 – 66). As leader of the Whig party, he was most responsible for changing its name to the Liberal Party. There are several tea estates and Hindu Kovils also at near Adisham bungalow. Up side of bungalow is a eucalyptus forest and downside of bungalow is railway between Haputale and Idalgashinna railway stations. Garden of Adisham is a fruit estate and flower estate. Jams, ”

“the roof top cafe is amazing! view of the bay, chilled Wind, nice sofa and really good breakfast and coffee”