The surf capital of Sri Lanka – Arugambay, is an excellent beachside getaway with great waves, salty sea breeze, golden sands, and its wildlife. Arugambay is the place to be…
Sun, sand, and surf; the season to head to the Eastern shoreline of Sri Lanka is now. Arugambay, the island’s much-loved surf capital, is where the spotlight shines. While many roads lead you here, the Pottuvil road that winds through the Lahugala Sanctuary is the perfect greeting to your wild adventure to the East Coast. Traveling through the early morning hours or in the evening, one is bound to receive a glimpse of elephants. Knee deep in the scenic backgrounds, the gentle giants indulge in the leafy greens twisting their trunks with a spray of water. Passing the sanctuary, the road through Pottuvil is a scenic depiction of life in the East; villagers going through their day, fishermen tiring away in the waters, and luminous, neat paddy and buffaloes cooling in the ponds and goats scattered on the roadsides are a pleasant sight to watch. Funky saying glint in the sun, and surf-shaped signboards sway in welcome. Arugambay is the picture of a resort town with friendly smiles all around and refreshing thambili (king coconut) in hand. That “good vibes happen on the tides” is the theme along this coast. Tourists are seen on bicycles, scooters, or even tuk tuks heaving their surfing boards to the wave hotspots.
The Arugambay Main Point is the most popular surfing spot in Arugambay. It has ideal waves for surfing. The waves here are large and strong, thus suitable for experienced surfers to take on the bigger swells. The best views of the Arugambay Main Point can be enjoyed from Upali Beach Surf Resort and Café. The Arugambay Main Point attracts surfers from the first break of sunlight. Again and again, they ride the wave enjoying the wonderful high and low tides.
For beginners or those who wish to learn the surf sport, Whisky Point in Pottuvil is quite ideal. The whitecaps of Whisky Point are more lenient and make it easy to work for the learners. The pros come here too to enjoy the point’s cheerful swells and swirls. Climb onto the iconic rock outcrop and enjoy the view and scenic sunrise.
Another surf point close to Arugambay is the scenic Peanut Farm Point, where the rustic shrub forest and glassy lake border the beach. The swings on the beach are ideal for resting after an exciting romp with the waves.
Pottuvil Point is home to gnarly waves that appear at auspicious times well into July and August. It is mostly flat, yet the surfers rush when the elusive waves appear. Only the experienced riders dare to take on the mammoth waves that swell here. The Crocodile Rock with its soft sands is, on the other hand, another great place for beginners. The trek through the shrubs is quite exciting. Although it is quite a daring climb, hike up to the top of the rock outcrop to enjoy a blissful view.
Panama Point is a lesser-known surfing spot where its occasional left breaks are sure to please the goofy surfers. Jaunty fisherfolk with their colorful boats are sure to be around sometimes. While the Eastern Coast always pops up with new surfing points, the Panagala Point or Secret Point is one such surfing place. Reached through the rustic and rural landscape, the drive there is an experience.
After a day soaked up in the sea and rekindling your soul with rare experiences in nature, it is time to indulge. There are numerous resorts and restaurants that serve sizzling local flavors and international cuisine. Ease into the comfortable chairs, sip on a cup of coffee or a tropical beverage and pass until you’re ready to ride more waves.
Maybe it’s the salty sea air or the thrill of the waves; everyone in the Eastern surf zone has a face glowing with enjoyment and a jovial quip on their tongue. So head on over… get into vacation mode, enjoy the great waves, immerse in a laid-back holiday mode cause it’s Arugambay time!
