Lovely Arugam Bay, a moon-shaped curl of soft sand, is home to a famed point
break that many regard as the best surf spot in the country. It’s a tiny place, with
a population of a few hundred, and everything is dotted along a single road
which parallels the coast. So in other words, the epitome of the laid-back beach
scene that first drew surfers and sun-seekers to Sri Lanka. If you’re not a surfer, there are plenty of other draws: beachfront guesthouses, oceanside restaurants and a mellow, swing-another-day-in-a-hammock kind of
vibe that’s totally removed from the brash west-coast beach resorts. Arugam Bay
also makes a great base for several adventures in the surrounding hinterland. During the low season (November to April) things get extremely quiet and many
places close altogether, but it can also be a serene time to visit, with few tourists
and verdant landscapes.

•  Arugam Bay Beach

This long crescent of sand, partially shaded by coconut palms, is as good a reason
as any to visit Arugam Bay. In season, its appeal to surfers is obvious but
throughout the year it is simply a lovely place to kick back and unwind. The
southern half of the beach supports a busy fishing community with wooden
shacks for the hard-working crews jumbled together at the top of the sand. At
dusk, locals residents gather here for a chat and a paddle. Surf schools and board rental
Arugam Bay owes its popularity to its solid surf credentials, and, as such, there
are a number of surf schools and board rental spots near the sand. Safa Surf
School and old favourite Dylan’s Surf Company are two good options, offering
board rentals, repairs and lessons. Accommodation near Arugam Bay Beach
Most local hotels and guesthouses are located virtually on the high tide line. Many of these family-owned enterprises have a homespun charm and what they
may lack in terms of polished exteriors, they make up for in the warmth of their
welcome. A few small hotels compete for guests, offering air-conditioning and
hot water showers, but given the cool night breezes and the tropically hot
daytime temperatures, these conveniences are not wholly necessary. Most
guesthouses have shared shady terraces for home-cooked meals. Low-season
discounts of 20% to 50% are common.