Things to Do

Things to Do

Make the most of your stay with carefully selected experiences that bring you closer to nature, adventure, and peaceful moments.

Wild Safari

Wild Safari

Step into the wild and witness animals in their natural environment, guided through landscapes filled with excitement and discovery.

Lagoon Safari

Lagoon Safari

Enjoy a calm and scenic boat ride through tranquil lagoons, surrounded by mangroves, birdlife, and untouched natural beauty.

Beach

Beach

Relax along pristine shores, feel the soft sand beneath your feet, listen to the waves, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.

Fire Site

Fire Site

Spend peaceful evenings by the fire, enjoying warmth, quiet conversations, and a calm atmosphere under the stars.

Site Visits

Site Visits

Explore nearby attractions and places of interest that reflect the culture, environment, and beauty of the surrounding area.

Places to Visit

Explore nearby historical and heritage sites that reflect the rich culture, spirituality, and ancient history surrounding Arugam Bay.

πŸ›• Historical & Heritage Sites
Muhudu Maha Viharaya

Muhudu Maha Viharaya

πŸ“ Distance: ~6 km

An ancient Buddhist temple believed to date back over 2,000 years, this sacred heritage site is linked to Queen Viharamahadevi and King Kavantissa. Visitors can explore ancient stupas, stone pillars, and peaceful coastal surroundings.

Magul Maha Viharaya

Magul Maha Viharaya

πŸ“ Distance: ~17 km

Hidden within the forest near Lahugala, this archaeological temple is believed to be the royal wedding site of King Kavantissa and Queen Viharamahadevi, featuring ancient ruins and monastery remains in a serene jungle setting.

Kudumbigala Monastery

Kudumbigala Monastery

πŸ“ Distance: ~28 km

A remote forest monastery complex dating back to the 3rd century BC, with hundreds of meditation caves and a rare cylindrical stupa offering breathtaking panoramic views of jungle and coastline.

Lahugala Kota Vehera

Lahugala Kota Vehera

πŸ“ Distance: ~15 km

An ancient Buddhist archaeological site featuring historic stupas, stone columns, and monastery structures that reflect the region’s deep cultural and religious heritage.

Okanda Shrine

Okanda Shrine

πŸ“ Distance: ~32 km

A historic coastal pilgrimage site visited by devotees traveling to Kataragama, surrounded by untouched beaches, fishing villages, and dramatic coastal landscapes.

Veherakema Archaeological Site

Veherakema Archaeological Site

πŸ“ Distance: ~25 km

A lesser-known archaeological site near Panama village featuring ancient rock shrines and monastery traces, perfect for travelers who enjoy peaceful and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

πŸ„β€β™‚οΈ Surfing Spots & Beaches Around Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay Main Point

🌊 Arugam Bay Main Point

πŸ“ Distance: ~2–3 km
⏱️ Travel Time: 5–7 minutes

The iconic surf break that put Arugam Bay on the global map. A world-class right-hand point break with long, peeling waves during peak season (April–September), perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers chasing classic Indian Ocean rides.

Baby Point Arugam Bay

πŸ„β€β™€οΈ Baby Point / Inside Point

πŸ“ Distance: ~2–3 km
⏱️ Travel Time: 5–7 minutes

Located next to Main Point, this gentler and protected break is ideal for beginners and surf lessons. Smaller waves and easy paddle-out conditions make it a favourite for learners and longboarders.

Peanut Farm Surf Spot

🌴 Peanut Farm Surf Spot

πŸ“ Distance: ~6–7 km south
⏱️ Travel Time: 12–15 minutes

A scenic and relaxed beach break featuring two surf peaks β€” one mellow for beginners and another stronger wave for intermediate riders, surrounded by coconut palms and a laid-back beach atmosphere.

Elephant Rock Arugam Bay

🐘 Elephant Rock Surf & Beach

πŸ“ Distance: ~6–7 km south
⏱️ Travel Time: 12–15 minutes

Known for its majestic rock formation and peaceful setting, this spot offers mellow right-hand waves ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers, plus a beautiful beach for sunset walks and swimming.

Whiskey Point Surf

πŸ₯ƒ Whiskey Point

πŸ“ Distance: ~4–5 km north
⏱️ Travel Time: 10 minutes

A lively surf spot with fun rolling right-break waves and a sandy bottom, making it ideal for beginners to intermediate surfers. The area is also known for its vibrant cafes and sunset beach vibes.

Lighthouse Point Beach

πŸ—Ό Lighthouse Point Beach & Surf

πŸ“ Distance: ~12–13 km north
⏱️ Travel Time: 25–30 minutes

A quieter and less crowded surf destination with multiple right-hand breaks and stunning coastal scenery, perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers seeking peaceful waves.

Okanda Surf Point

🌊 Okanda Surf Point (Advanced)

πŸ“ Distance: ~28–30 km south
⏱️ Travel Time: 45–60 minutes

A hidden gem for experienced surfers featuring powerful waves along a rugged and pristine coastline. Ideal for confident surfers looking for uncrowded, unforgettable rides.

🐘 Wildlife & Nature Activities Near Arugam Bay
Kumana National Park

🦁 Kumana National Park (Yala East)

πŸ“ Distance: ~40–45 km
⏱️ Travel Time: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hrs

One of Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries and a paradise for birdwatchers. Famous for migratory birds, lagoons, and rich biodiversity, the park also offers sightings of elephants, crocodiles, deer, peacocks, and other wild mammals during guided jeep safaris.

Lahugala Kitulana National Park

🐘 Lahugala Kitulana National Park

πŸ“ Distance: ~20–22 km
⏱️ Travel Time: 45 min – 1 hr

A smaller yet highly rewarding park known for its herds of Sri Lankan elephants around lakes and lagoons. With abundant birdlife and fewer crowds, it offers a peaceful and intimate safari experience close to Arugam Bay.

Panama Wetlands Bird Watching

🐦 Panama Wetlands & Bird Watching

πŸ“ Distance: ~25 km
⏱️ Travel Time: ~45 minutes

A haven for bird lovers, these wetlands attract herons, egrets, storks, kingfishers, and migratory waterfowl. Early morning birdwatching tours offer a peaceful nature experience in a scenic wetland ecosystem.

Kumana River Ecotours

🐊 Kumana River Ecotours

πŸ“ Distance: ~40 km
⏱️ Travel Time: ~1 hr 30 min

A unique eco boat tour through mangroves and river channels where you can spot crocodiles, water birds, monkeys, and lush flora. Ideal for photographers, families, and nature enthusiasts.

Elephant Herd Watching Lahugala

🦌 Elephant Herd Watching (Village Route)

πŸ“ Distance: Near Lahugala & Panama (varies)
⏱️ Travel Time: ~30–60 minutes

During the dry season, wild elephant herds move between lagoons and forest patches around Lahugala and Panama. Guided jeep tours provide safe and respectful viewing of elephants in their natural habitat.

Night Safari Kumana Lahugala

πŸ… Night Safari Experiences (Seasonal)

πŸ“ Distance: Depends on park & operator
⏱️ Travel Time: Varies

A thrilling seasonal experience through licensed operators, offering chances to see nocturnal wildlife such as civets, porcupines, night birds, and other animals in their natural nighttime environment.

From sunrise safaris to peaceful nights by the fire, every moment here is designed to slow you down and reconnect you with nature.
🌿 Nature-Inspired Stay
🦁 Adventure Nearby
πŸ”₯ Evening Fire Experience
🌊 Peaceful Surroundings