Are you looking for a tropical getaway that combines sun, sand, and surf? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka’s nature and culture? If yes, then Arugam Bay is the perfect place for you.
Arugam Bay is a small town on the east coast of Sri Lanka, about 320 km from the capital Colombo. It is one of the most popular and best surfing destinations in the world, attracting surfers of all levels and backgrounds. But surfing is not the only thing that Arugam Bay has to offer. It is also a gateway to some of the most amazing attractions and activities in the country, such as wildlife safaris, ancient temples, lagoon tours, and more.
In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Arugam Bay, covering everything you need to know before you plan your trip. We will tell you how to get there, when to go, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and what to expect. By the end of this article, you will be ready to pack your bags and book your tickets to this sandy heaven.
How to Get to Arugam Bay
There are several ways to reach Arugam Bay from different parts of Sri Lanka, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the most common options:
By bus:
Taking a bus is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to Arugam Bay from Colombo, Kandy, Ella, or the airport. There are direct and indirect buses that run daily, and the journey takes about 7 to 10 hours. The bus fare ranges from 500 to 1000 LKR (2.5 to 5 USD) per person. The main bus station in Arugam Bay is located near the bridge on the main road.
By road:
If you want more comfort and flexibility, you can hire a private car or a taxi to take you to Arugam Bay. This option is more expensive, but it allows you to stop along the way and enjoy the scenery. The journey takes about 5 to 8 hours, depending on the traffic and the route. The car or taxi fare ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 LKR (75 to 125 USD) per vehicle. You can also rent a scooter or a bike in Arugam Bay to explore the area on your own.
By train:
Taking a train is another option to get to Arugam Bay, but it is not very convenient or fast. There is no direct train to Arugam Bay, so you have to take a train to Batticaloa or Ella, and then take a bus or a taxi to Arugam Bay. The train journey takes about 8 to 12 hours, and the train fare ranges from 300 to 1000 LKR (1.5 to 5 USD) per person. The train station in Batticaloa is about 120 km from Arugam Bay, and the train station in Ella is about 80 km from Arugam Bay.
By flight:
The fastest and most expensive way to get to Arugam Bay is by taking a domestic flight. There are several airlines that offer flights from Colombo, Kandy, or the airport to Ampara, which is the nearest airport to Arugam Bay. The flight journey takes about 45 minutes, and the flight fare ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 LKR (100 to 200 USD) per person. The airport in Ampara is about 60 km from Arugam Bay, and you have to take a bus or a taxi to reach the town.
Our recommendation:
The best way to get to Arugam Bay depends on your budget and time. If you are looking for a cheap and easy option, take a bus. If you are looking for a comfortable and flexible option, take a car or a taxi. If you are looking for a fast and convenient option, take a flight.
Best Time to Visit Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay has a tropical climate, which means it is warm and humid throughout the year. However, there are some seasonal variations that affect the weather, the waves, the crowds, and the prices. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit Arugam Bay:
Weather:
Arugam Bay has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season lasts from May to September, and the wet season lasts from October to April. The dry season is the best time to visit Arugam Bay, as the weather is sunny and pleasant, with an average temperature of 30°C (86°F). The wet season is the worst time to visit Arugam Bay, as the weather is rainy and stormy, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F).
Waves:
Arugam Bay is famous for its consistent and quality waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. The best time to surf in Arugam Bay is from May to September, when the swell is big and the wind is offshore. The waves can reach up to 6 feet (2 meters) high, and there are several surf spots to choose from, such as Main Point, Whiskey Point, and Peanut Farm. The worst time to surf in Arugam Bay is from October to April, when the swell is small and the wind is onshore. The waves can be as low as 2 feet (0.6 meters) high, and there are fewer surf spots to choose from.
Crowds:
Arugam Bay is a popular and busy destination, especially during the peak season. The peak season lasts from June to August, when the weather is perfect and the waves are epic. This is the time when Arugam Bay is crowded with surfers, backpackers, and tourists, who come to enjoy the beach, the nightlife, and the vibe. The off-season lasts from November to March, when the weather is poor and the waves are weak. This is the time when Arugam Bay is quiet and empty, with only a few locals and travelers, who come to relax and chill.
Prices:
Arugam Bay is a relatively cheap destination, compared to other places in Sri Lanka. However, there are some price differences depending on the season. The peak season is the most expensive time to visit Arugam Bay, as the demand for accommodation, food, and activities is high. The prices can be up to 50% higher than the off-season. The off-season is the cheapest time to visit Arugam Bay, as the demand for accommodation, food, and activities is low. The prices can be up to 50% lower than the peak season.
Our suggestion:
The best time to visit Arugam Bay depends on your goals and preferences. If you are a surfer or a thrill-seeker, go during the dry season, when the waves are awesome and the atmosphere is lively. If you are a nature lover or a peace-seeker, go during the wet season, when the wildlife is abundant and the town is calm.
Where to Stay in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a cozy guesthouse, a luxury resort, or a beachfront cabana, you will find something that meets your needs. Here are some of the best accommodation options in Arugam Bay:
The Hideout:
The Hideout is a boutique hotel that offers stylish and spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a yoga studio. The hotel is located in a quiet and green area, about 10 minutes walk from the beach. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, hot water, and a balcony. The price ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 LKR (50 to 75 USD) per night, depending on the season and the room type. [Book The Hideout]
Stay Golden:
Stay Golden is a beachfront hotel that offers comfortable and colorful rooms, a garden, a restaurant, and a surf school. The hotel is located right on the main beach, where you can enjoy the view and the sound of the waves. The rooms are equipped with fan, Wi-Fi, mosquito net, and a private bathroom. The price ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 LKR (15 to 30 USD) per night, depending on the season and the room type. [Book Stay Golden]
The Spice Trail:
The Spice Trail has an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a restaurant and bar in Arugam Bay. Located around 70 metres from Arugam Bay Beach, the hotel with free WiFi is also 1.1 km away from Pasarichenai Beach. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
Muhudu Maha Viharaya is 3.7 km from the accommodation, while Crocodile Rock is 4.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Batticaloa International Airport, 117 km from The Spice Trail. [Book The Spice Trail]
Gecko:
Gecko is a budget-friendly guesthouse that offers simple and clean rooms, a shared kitchen, a lounge, and a rooftop terrace. The guesthouse is located in the center of the town, close to shops, restaurants, and bars. The rooms are equipped with fan, Wi-Fi, and a shared bathroom. The price ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 LKR (5 to 10 USD) per night, depending on the season and the room type. [Book Gecko]
Arugam Bay is a place that will make you fall in love with Sri Lanka. It is a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the thrill of surfing and the tranquility of nature. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the rich and diverse culture of the island. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories and have the time of your life.
We hope that this guide has given you all the information and inspiration you need to plan your trip to Arugam Bay. We are sure that you will not regret visiting this surfing paradise. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and happy travels!
