Located just steps from the famous surfing beach, Guitar Bay Hotel in Arugam Bay is the perfect place to start your surfing journey. Our experienced and friendly instructors are here to guide you, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to improve your skills.
Prime beachfront location
Professional surf lessons
Comfortable accommodation
Surfboard rentals & more!
Book your stay and ride the waves with confidence at Guitar Bay Hotel – where your surf adventure begins!
Whether you’re here to unwind or ride the waves, Arugambay is the ultimate beach destination in Sri Lanka. Spend your days soaking up the sun on wide stretches of golden sand, taking long walks along the coastline, or watching stunning sunrises over the Indian Ocean. The beach vibe here is calm, friendly, and perfect for relaxing with a book or a coconut in hand.
Feeling adventurous? Arugambay is a world-renowned surfing hotspot, attracting surfers from around the globe. From beginner-friendly waves to more challenging reef breaks, there’s a surf spot for every level. Take a lesson with certified local instructors or rent a board and hit the waves on your own.
Whether you’re exploring tide pools, chasing sunsets, or riding the surf, Arugambay promises a perfect blend of tropical relaxation and ocean adventure.
Discover the serene charm of Pottuvil Lagoon, just minutes away from Arugam Bay. Glide through calm waters by canoe or boat, surrounded by lush mangroves, exotic birds, and gentle wildlife like elephants, monkeys, and water buffalo.
✨ Perfect for nature lovers and photographers
✨ Peaceful canoe safaris with local guides
✨ Stunning sunset views over the lagoon
✨ A quiet escape from the surf crowds
Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Pottuvil Lagoon offers a magical experience you won’t forget.
Just a short tuk-tuk ride from the heart of Arugambay, Elephant Rock is one of the area’s most stunning and peaceful natural spots. Named for its elephant-like shape, this massive rock formation sits beside a secluded beach, offering breathtaking views, gentle waves, and a true escape into nature.
Climb to the top of the rock for a short, easy hike and be rewarded with panoramic views of the coastline, especially magical at sunrise or sunset. It’s a favorite spot for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a quiet moment away from the main surf crowd.
Located just a short drive from Arugambay, Muhudu Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple steeped in legend and spiritual significance. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the ocean and rolling sand dunes in Pottuvil, this sacred site offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Believed to be over 2,000 years old, Muhudu Maha Viharaya is said to be the landing place of Princess Viharamahadevi, who came ashore here after a legendary sea voyage. The temple ruins, scattered across the sand, include ancient stupas, moonstones, and stone statues of Lord Buddha and other figures.
This serene coastal temple is a wonderful place to reflect, take in the silence, and connect with Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. Surrounded by ocean winds and sacred relics, visitors often describe it as a spiritually moving and peaceful place.
Just 10–15 minutes away by tuk-tuk, it’s an easy stop on your way to or from a surf session or nature trip. Wear respectful attire and be mindful, as this is an active religious site.
Just an hour’s drive from Arugambay, Kumana National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Known for its rich biodiversity and peaceful surroundings, Kumana offers a raw, off-the-beaten-path safari experience in Sri Lanka’s beautiful southeast.
Kumana is world-famous for its birdlife, especially during migration season (April–July), when thousands of rare and exotic birds flock to its wetlands. Spot everything from painted storks and spoonbills to eagles, herons, and the rare black-necked stork.
Beyond birds, the park is home to elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, and jackals. Safari drives through grassy plains, lagoons, and forest trails offer close encounters with Sri Lanka’s untamed side — all without the crowds.
Unlike the busier Yala National Park, Kumana is quieter and more untouched, making it perfect for a relaxed, immersive experience. You’ll also find ancient Buddhist ruins hidden within the park, blending history with wilderness.
Easily accessible in about 1.5 hours by jeep, many local guides offer half-day and full-day safari tours from Arugambay, including hotel pickup, park entrance, and a knowledgeable tracker.
Venture off the beaten path and discover the Sangaman Kanda Lighthouse, located near the quiet village of Sangamankanda, just a short drive south of Arugambay. This historic lighthouse marks the easternmost point of Sri Lanka, where the land meets the endless horizon of the Indian Ocean.
Unlike crowded tourist spots, Sangaman Kanda is peaceful, remote, and full of raw natural beauty. The area offers stunning sunrise views — in fact, it’s one of the first places in Sri Lanka to see the sun rise each day. Perfect for early risers, photographers, or anyone looking to experience the untouched beauty of the east coast.
The lighthouse itself is small but photogenic, surrounded by open landscapes, wild beaches, and coastal breezes. While it’s not open for climbing, the surroundings are ideal for a quiet picnic or a scenic stop during a coastal drive.
Located about 20–25 minutes from Arugambay by tuk-tuk, it’s a lovely half-day trip. Combine it with a visit to Panama Village or Kumana National Park for a fuller adventure.
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