Arugambay Holidays

19/04/2022

Visit Fishing Villages in Arugambay
Arugam Bay has long been a small fishing village and the main livelihood of the residents. All along the main stretch of beach, you’ll see their colorful fishing boats. Walk along the beach in the early mornings to see people heading out to catch fish, or in the afternoon as they are heading in and washing off their boats and catch.

19/04/2022

Shopping In Arugambay

Arugambay besides its beach and surf waves is a great place to shop. Arugmbay boasts of some pretty cool shops.
It’s home to some authentic local brands and local bikini tailors. So if you’re looking to get a dress made or replace your bikinis this is your place!
Directly parallel to the coastline, this hippie town attracting surfer’s and sun seekers is a great place to buy all your unique locally branded clothing. From t-shirts with cute logos, to bohemian floaty dresses, it’s the style hub of Sri Lanka.

30/03/2022

Things to do in Arugambay
https://medium.com//things-to-see-do-in-arugambay-and-around-aca1183016e6

Arugambay is 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…

18/03/2022

Sangaman Kanda Lighthouse

Pottuvil is located in a small village called Sangaman on the Kalmunai road. Located about 3 meters above sea level. Sangaman Kanda Lighthouse was built in 1947. At first its height was 25 feet. It was destroyed in the 2004 tsunami and now remains a light little house with only 15 feet in height. It is the easternmost point of Sri Lanka, Sangaman kanda point. The distance between Colombo (western province of Sri Lanka) & Sangaman kanda point (eastern province of Sri Lanka), that is the width of Sri Lanka.The beaches in this area are as wide as 100 meters in some places.

18/03/2022

Sangamankandy Pilliyar Kovil

In the jungle just a few hundred meters from the main road lies an ancient shrine. It's still in use and it's a nice and quiet place in the jungle. Around it are massive stone hills. The beautiful shrine is also known as jungle Ganesh.
Jungle ganesh is the english translation of this ancient hindu temple situated in Sangamankandy Amparai. There is a lot of history behind this and the temple was said to be a Shiva temple in early times.

15/03/2022

Lahugala Tank
Lahugala Kitulana National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka. Despite its land area, the park is an important habitat for Sri Lankan elephant and endemic birds of Sri Lanka. The national park contains the reservoirs of Lahugala, Kitulana and Sengamuwa and they are ultimately empties to Heda Oya River. Originally it was designated as a wildlife sanctuary on July 1 of 1966. Then the protected area was upgraded to a national park on October 31 of 1980. Lahugala Kitulana is situated 318 km east of Colombo.
North east monsoon persist during the months November to December. Two dry periods last from May to October and January to March. The terrain of the park is flat with occasional rocky outcrops.

14/03/2022

Lahugala Kitulana National Park
Lahugala Kitulana National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka. Despite its land area, the park is an important habitat for Sri Lankan Elephant and endemic birds of Sri Lanka. The national park contains the reservoirs of Lahugala, Kitulana and Sengamuwa and ultimately empties to Heda Oya River. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary on July 1st 1966 and then the protected area was upgraded to a national park on October 31st 1980. Lahugala Kitulana is situated 318 kms east of Colombo.
The annual rainfall of the area is about 1,650 millimeters. Northeast monsoon continues during the months November to December and the two dry periods last from May to October and January to March. The terrain of the park is flat with occasional rocky outcrops. Nearby is Magul Maha Vihara built for the occasion of the marriage of King Kavantissa to Princess Viharamahadevi. Later the Vihara is believed to be offered to the Sangha community. The national park’s vegetation is classified into Sri Lanka dry-zone dry evergreen forests. Dominant grass species Sacciolepis interrupta is a main food source for elephants.
This national park is used by elephants traditionally as a feeding ground. A herd of 150 is attracted by Sacciolepis interrupta grass which is common around the Lahugala tank. Endemic Toque Macaque, Tufted Gray Languor, Sloth Bear, Golden Jackal, Rusty-spotted Cat, Fishing Cat, Sri Lanka Leopard, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Indian Pangolin and Indian Hare are the other mammals found in the park. Many wetland birds found in Lahugala Kitulana include Great White Pelican, purple heron, Painted Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Anas spp., White-bellied Sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Common Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and White-throated Kingfisher. Spot-billed Pelican, Asian Openbill and Woolly-necked Stork are also recorded visiting the wetland. Last recorded sighting of Knob-billed Duck, now thought be extinct in Sri Lanka, occurred here. Red-faced Malkoha and Sri Lanka Spur Fowl are two endemic birds that occur in the park.
The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society has initiated a project to establish an electric fence to protect four villages near the southern boundary of the park. Poaching, logging, fuel wood collection, grazing are the prominent threats to the park.

14/03/2022

Hulannuge Tharulengala Rajamaha Viharaya
Hulan Nuge Tharulengala Raja Maha Viharaya ( Tharulengala Forest Hermitage) on a 633 feet high rocky hill called Karadahela in Lahugala Divisional secretariat in Ampara district is a fine example of the grandeur of the ancient Digamdulla heritage. Built by King Kanvantissa before the 2nd centenary BC it has been developed constantly throughout the ancient Eastern history.
This temple has been known as the Karadahela Viharaya and as Habutugala Viharaya in the ancient past. Currently functioning as a forest hermitage, today this temple covers over 20 acers of thick jungle scattered with stone ruins long since buried with time. Unfortunately no proper excavations have been carried out on this site by the Archaeology Department.
Today, the area is administrated by the Chief Prelate of the Kudumbigala forest monastery. Kudumbigala is about 40 kms west of the Kumana forest sanctuary in the Yala East National Park, dates back to the Third Century and was a reputed Buddhist monastery in the East.
Hulan Nuge Tharulengala Raja Maha Viharaya ( Tharulengala Forest Hermitage) has two unique attractions. The temple house A 41 foot reclining Buddha Statue Made out of bricks and clay which is considerd the 2nd oldest reclining buddha statue in the country. This statue lies in a drip ledge cave which is 175 feet long, 41 feet deep and 31 feet high drip ledged cave which serves as the main image house at the entrance of the temple. Unfortunately this statue has not escaped the treasure hunters and has been badly damaged by them.
Once the plastered and mural adorned inner walls and ceilings of this cave had given away to the perils of time revealing earlier drawings of Vedda community, who had called the caves their home prior to the construction of the monastery. The drawings include scenes of hunting, war and animal flocks, suggesting a pre historic life style that was long lost. The entrance to the cave is adorned with a simple rock carved stairway and a moonstone that lie in ruins today.

11/03/2022

Cycling Tour
Bicycle tours across the village is the easiest way to gather community experience and observe the numerous intricacies of nature and culture. In addition to being a healthy endeavor bike touring could liberate you to experience a substantial dose of the village’s serenity of life. Bicycles are available daily for rent at our front office

11/03/2022

Buduruwagala, Wellawaya
Buduruwagala is ancient Buddhist temple in wellawaya,Sri Lanka.Buduruwagala is located about four miles southeast of Wellawaya in Monaragala district. It dates back to 9th or 10th century.The carvings with seven statues are believed to be coming from Mahayana school of thoughts. The gigantic Buddha statue still has its original robe and some orange strips that reminds us once it was brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha's right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.

09/03/2022

Ellewala Ella (Waterfall)
Ellewala Ella is a small but beautiful waterfall lying in the Monaragala District accessible from the Ella – Wellawaya Road. This waterfall lies hidden inside the jungle about 5 km from Wellawaya Town.
The LCWF list the Ellewala Falls in Ratnapura District. This may be either a mistake or a different but unknown Elle Wala Waterfall. The Ellewala Ella listed here belongs to the Monaragala District.
Coming from Wellawaya, travel 3 km on the Ella Road to reach the Rathmal Vehera Ancient Temple. Take the road opposite to the temple which will lead to the waterfall. Last few kilo meters are said be rough and not suitable for a vehicle with low ground clearance. You may need 4 wheel drive vehicle or a tuk tuk. To reach the fall, you will need to walk few hundred meters in to the jungle.

09/03/2022

Biso Pokuna Galabedda
Stays of a palace sophisticated lies at the village of Galabedde 10.5 km towards Monaragala upon the Pottuvil street. This features an appealing sluice gate, ponds, moats, ramparts and the stays of a palace consideration in direction of being the regional princess Sugala Devi, courting again in the direction of the 12th Century. The pool of the princess within the palace back garden is a person of the masterpieces of historical Sinhala architecture.
The pool is produced out of robust rock with 4 h2o inlets in opposition to 4 facets. The h2o flows in just the pond throughout the mouth of the legendary creature, Makara. This vacationer attractiveness is a remarkable spot for travelers who appear inside of Sri Lanka towards check out the miracles of historic monuments. Biso Pokuna is an archaeological site which includes the stays of a palace and a remarkable powerful rock pond which intended for princess “Sugala” within just 12th-century Advertisement. There upon dry season, consequently no water at all, yet looks about 10 feet or as a result deep. Worthy of going to this masterpiece exactly expend a number of minutes of your year.

09/03/2022

Magul Maha Viharaya
Magul Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Lahugala, Ampara District of Sri Lanka.The temple lies on the northern edge of the Lahugala National Park, about 22 km off from Siyambalanduwa town and about 11 km off Pottuvil town.Lahugala has been part of the Kingdom of Ruhuna in ancient Sri Lanka. The ruins of Magul Maha Vihara are one of the major tourist attractions of the Eastern province. This temple is also an archaeologically protected monument of the country.
The history of Magul Maha Vihara possibly dates back to the period of King Kavantissa (205-161 BC) who ruled the Kingdom of Ruhuna in ancient Sri Lanka. There are evidence that suggests that the king has built this temple in the 2nd Century BC on the exact location where he married the princesses Viharamahadevi, the daughter of King Kelani Tissa. Other sources claim that King Dhatusena (463-479 AD) built this temple while many other monarchs renovated it through the centuries later. There is a stone inscription at the site of this temple that dates back to the 14th century which supports the latter view

09/03/2022

Okanda Murugan Kovil on the rock
The vicinity of Arugam Bay also caters to travelers who like to experience the spiritual or religious culture of the area. The Okanda Malai temple, locally known as Ukanthamalai Murugan Kovil is a famous place of Hindu Worship in the eastern coast. It is dedicated to the Lord of Kataragama and is a popular pilgrim’s destination because of the belief that it is the recreation of divine power.Your tour begins when our driver picks you up from your Arugam Bay hotel. After you are comfortable in the vehicle, we will start our journey to the Kovil, going through Panama and then towards the Kumana-Panama jungle road. The area has seven rocks which are believed to be sacred and are climbed by pilgrims of all ages. After climbing the rock and reaching the summit you will be able to see a shrine with a triangular dagoba adjacent to a pond. The walls are made colorful by several paintings and the interior is decorated with carvings and more paintings of several Hindu deities. The pond on the other hand, is regarded as a holy blessing and pilgrims do not leave the premises without bathing in it. It is said that the water cures all ailments of the body. The jungles surrounding the shrine are believed to be inhibited by holy spirits who protect the pilgrims from getting lost, wild animals and answer prayers.
The view that will definitely steal your breath away is the vista of the landscapes surrounding the rock. Enveloped on three sides are the lush jungles and looking straight ahead will offer you unobstructed views of the turquoise beach.

08/03/2022

Buddangala Monastery
This Sri Lanka's oldest monastery (Buddangala) is situated in a mountain over 500 feet high. The Dagoba has been enshrined with the relics of Buddha and his two leading monks Seriyuth and Mugalan's remains. King Saddatissa (brother of Great king Dutugemunu) expanded this monastery. In 1964, a lone Buddhist monk named Dhammananda from Kalutara arrived in this ruined monastery. He cleared the jungle around Dagoba, and the image house. He cleaned the caves where the Arahant monks were meditating before so that new monks can live in them. From the meditating caves one can see the paddy fields of Akkaraipattu, which the Sinhalese farmers no longer have the access or the security to work in. Also in the breath taking view is the Rassagala Mountain. Despite all the difficulties, 12 Buddhist monks continue to live and meditate in the caves.

08/03/2022

Dighavapi Temple
Dighavapi (Pali, "long reservoir") is a Buddhist sacred shrine and an archaeological site in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka, boasting of historical records dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Water reservoirs, called "tanks", were an important feature of the hydraulic civilization of ancient Lanka, and temples and cities were built around them. The importance of Dighavapi is connected with legends about visits to this site by the Buddha himself, and many allusions to Dighavapi in the ancient chronicles as well as in the Pali literature. It has also played a role in the political history of the region. In more recent (medieval) times, the Sinhalese kings have settled Moor and Dutch settlers in the neighboring areas.

04/03/2022

Lagoon Safari
Going on a 2-hour lagoon safari is one of the popular things to do in Arugam Bay. The beautiful untouched lagoons, Kottukal or Urani, holds many crocodiles, elephants can be spotted, and other wildlife.

04/03/2022

Elephant Rock Arugambay
Elephant Rock is a sweet lookout that has an awesome view of the surrounding coastline. It is an easy 5-minute climb to the top. Right below the rock is a popular surf spot so you get a great aerial vantage point to watch the surfers riding waves all the way into the beach. This area is apparently quite dangerous in the evenings due to crocodiles and elephants so keep an eye out for these animals.

04/03/2022

Kudumbigala Temple
Kudumbigala is in Panama Village of the Panama Secretariat Division in Ampare District. It is on the road from Panama to Ruhunu National Park. It is situated in an area paved with large rock boulders and rock surfaces surrounded by a thick jungle. There are rock caves with drip-ledges and some of them having inscriptions of the Pre Christian era. Remains of structures are found in some of the rock surfaces and the large rock known as Kudumbigala contains remains of two Dagobas.

04/03/2022

Muhudu Maha Viharaya
Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple situated at Pottuvil in Ampara District, Eastern province of Sri LankaThis temple which is situated near a wide beach, has been built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. Currently the ruins and remains of ancient stupas, Seema Malaka, Avasa Geya and statues can be seen at the site. Important ruins at the temple premises include stone statues of lord Buddha and two statues of old kings or gods.
This viharaya marks the landing place of Viharamahadevi, daughter of Kelani Tissa, who was destined to become the queen of King Kavan Tissa of the Rohana kingdom. According to the ancient chronicle Rajavaliya, it is stated that in the second century BC after Kelaniya was submerged by the sea due to a natural disaster, Devi the daughter of King of Kelaniya was cast to sea in a Golden Vessel to appease the gods, and washed ashore near the Muhudu Maha Vihara in Pottuwil. Later she became the main consort of king Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna Kingdom, under the name Viharamahadevi

04/03/2022

Arugambay Beach
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.

04/03/2022

Panama Crocodile Tank
Panama Crocodile Tank is situated in Arugam Bay. It is also known as the famous crocodile point. If you are riding to Panama Crocodile Tank from Arugam Bay, it will be a short trip. Panama Crocodile Tank is situated in the Eastern Province. It is not the regular tanks you see in other places. You may even call this one more deadly than others as you will understand by its name. This place is home to one of the most dangerous predators on earth, the epic crocodile. You will be able to see a dozen crocodiles in this area so be sure to keep a safe distance. Back in 2016 Sri Lankans found a massive crocodile stuck in a canal. Somehow it was discovered that this crocodile is one of the largest crocodiles recorded in the world. The Panama Crocodile Tank might be just the place for you to get some thrilling experience watching at these huge crocodiles.

02/03/2022

02/03/2022

Kebiliththa Devalya (Shrine)
Maha Siyambalawa Devalaya in Kebiliththa also popularly known as Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya is small shrine deep inside the block IV of the Yala National Park. The general belief is that that Deity Kataragama spends most of his time at tranquil Kebiliththa in meditation.

This davalaya has no fixed buildings but few statues around a Small Tamarind (Siyambala) tree. This Tamarind Tree is about 9 feet high but quite old. This tree is said to be a offshoot of the original tamarind tree which has stopped growing after few years. After the original tree died, the deity Kataragama has selected another tamarind tree lying little way from the devalaya.

The Kataragama Devalaya at Kataragama draws thousands of devotees every day but Kebiliththa draws only a handful of the most devoted to Kataragama. This site is believed to be have great spiritual powers thus a visit require preparation for at least a week ahead. The visitors must stay away from all forms of meat, fish or eggs atleast a week ahead and the process of worshiping and offering puja is also more stringent and trip needs to be done with great faith and dedication.

02/03/2022

Sithulpawwa Ancient Temple
Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery, believed to date back to 2nd century BC. The monastery straddles a collection of rocky outcrops and caves deep in the heart of Yala National Park. There are said to be hundreds of caves and shelters within and around the complex, that have housed monks (for centuries) who came to the site to further their education as well as to meditate.
The solitude and serenity of the monastery carry a quiet, calming spiritual vibe and confirms its original name which was “hill of the quiet mind”. It is natural to find yourself mentally travelling back in time to imagine what life was like during the era of Sri Lankan kings 2,200 years ago. A visit late afternoon is best – the light is particularly magical on the forest below and the cool breeze brings with it the chatter of birds readying for the night, giving a gentle reminder of the wild location of this monastery.
Guests are accompanied by one of our rangers. The drive to and from the site also snakes through the National Park and animal sightings (elephant, deer, wild boar, and even leopard on rare occasion) are common.