A vibrant town renown to be one of the best surfing towns the island can offer, Arugam bay is found in the south-east coast of Sri Lanka. And as with many of the coastal towns in the island, it offers a pristine beach with crystal clear waters and panoramic views of the prettiest sunsets on the island.

Speaking of chasing sunsets, Elephant rock which is located on the east of the bay will give you some clear and gorgeous views of the beach and the sunsets.If you’re lucky enough you might spot an elephant or two as these majestic giants pass the area. It is one of the best spots to take in the views Arugam bay can offer. For the surfing enthusiasts, there are a number of surfing spots in and around the bay area where you can rent a board and hit the waves. There are many surfing schools located around the beach that will guide you and give you your first surfing lesson! One thing’s for certain, you’ll never leave this place without a good surf session.If you’re looking to simply wade in the waters and bask under the sun look no further than the Pottuvil Beach or Peanut Farm Beach where it was rumored to have had actual peanuts growing prior to the disastrous Tsunami that hit the island in 2004.Gorgeous white sands with rock formations and thatched huts await your arrival. You can cool down or try some of the fresh local cuisine through some of the smoothie shacks or restaurants lining the beach which offers some delectable treats that only the south can offer! If you’re up to collecting some memorabilia you can find some authentic local brands catering to you with quirky beachwear, cover-ups and other handcrafted accessories. This boho inspired hippie town is the style hub of the south which is the best spot to collect some flashy souvenirs to reminisce your travels.Elephants and crocodiles are a common sight down by the lesser explored lagoons like Urani and Kottukal. Get on a boat and cruise through the lagoon waters spotting some unique wildlife the area can offer and simply soak in the surrounding scenery as you navigate through mangrove forests, a truly exhilarating experience.If historical sites entice you, explore the ruins MuhuduMahaViharaya which is located right next to a beach around 4.5 kilometers from Arugam bay. Dating back to 2000 years this historical temple was constructed by a king named KavanTissa. It includes several ruins and statues made out of stone that sits on the sand dunes and scattered cross 32 miles. A further 30 kilometers away from the bay is the Kudumbigala Monastery which is a sacred historical site built in 246 BC which served as a shelter to monks. Ruins under rock outcrops can be spotted here that would tingle the history buff in you.

Arugam bay is Sri Lanka’s response to Bondi Beach, a unique coastal town that can quench your thirst for travel with each surf and tuk ride you take. It is truly a remarkable destination for the giddy traveler in you.