Beach holidays in Sri Lanka are more than just the equivalent of the Maldives, with never-ending white sandy beaches, coral islands and shimmering blue seas, the east coast is distinctly different from the coastal areas of the rest of the island. Arugam Bay, famously known as one of 10 best surf spots in the world, is best for surfing from July/August when the swells are high and the wave breaks are thrilling. But it is not all about sun and surf on the East Coast. Explore ancient ruins and rock sculptures dating back centuries, untouched wilderness where elephant roam free. Two kilometres from Arugam Bay is the beautiful mangrove ecosystem of the Pottuvil Lagoon. The tour, by traditional outrigger canoe, lasts two hours and lets you get very close to the abundance of wildlife the mangrove has to offer. There are two national parks close to Arugam Bay. Lahugala is 12km from Pottuvil - you will probably pass t through it on your way to Arugam Bay. Near Pottuvil Point in the jungle is the Magul Maha Viharaya, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist temple that was reconstructed in the 14th century and contains ruins that include a palace and a monastery.
A large lagoon is to one side, where wild elephants congregate for an evening 'shower'. On the other, the gardens in front of the restaurant open directly on to the broad sweep of Arugam Bay and the Indian Ocean - many miles of pristine tropical beaches deserted but for the clusters of fishermen's boats dotted here and there, and little thatched villages huddled just above the waterline, where small children jump up and down and scream with excitement at the sight of a visitor. All rooms & cabanas have mini bar, fans, mosquito nets & repellents, attached bathrooms, private terraces or balconies and with sea view. All ground floor rooms & cabanas have direct access to a big private beach garden. No AC in any rooms for environmental reasons. The rooms are well ventilated with fresh sea breeze & fans.
Beautiful Villa in a Tropical paradise. The Villa is situated on the idyllic East Coast of Sri Lanka. In the middle of The Bay, just 100 meters from the beautiful white sandy beach surrounded by magnificent nature and close to Lahugala National Park. The house can accommodate up to 12 people, it has 5 different bedrooms AC or non AC all with attach western style bathrooms. You will find all you need in the rooms. Double bed with large mosquito net, wardrobe, writing desk, chair, towels, bed linen, ceiling fan, etc. Natural materials and self made furniture's against a white background makes the colonial look. All wood work, furniture's, doors and windows are made on the spot by the local workers. All the wooden windows have wooden shutters and make it perfect to regulate the amount of light and privacy you want in the living room. The Villa have satellite television and can accommodate up to 12 people, 5 bedrooms all with attach bathrooms
Hideaway is an oasis of lush tropical greenery in the heart of Arugam Bay, a short stroll to the gorgeous east-coast beaches. A homely guest house with comfortable cottages and a/c rooms, Hideaway is situated on a six-acre estate amidst swaying palms, flowering shrubs and fruit trees and attracts numerous varieties of birds and the occasional monkey and mongoose. Although Hideaway doesn't have direct access to the beaches, a five minute stroll takes you to one of the main surf points on the bay. There are several room categories at Hideaway including five Double Rooms (in the main building); five individual cottages (of which two are spacious family cottages); and twp2 a/c villa rooms in a newly-built two-storey villa towards the front of the property. All rooms and cottages open out to the landscaped gardens. The upstairs a/c room has beautiful, distant views of the Indian Ocean. All rooms and cottages have private verandas and attached bathrooms with showers (no h/w).