Arugam Bay: Where Serenity Meets Adventure-by Kalani-eLanka Nestled on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay stands as a testament to the marriage of tranquility and thrill, making it a sought-after destination for both leisure seekers and adrenaline enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class surf breaks, and the mesmerizing blend of local culture, Arugam Bay offers an unparalleled experience to all who step onto its golden shores. At the heart of Arugam Bay’s allure lies its fame as a surfing paradise. Known affectionately as ‘A-Bay’ by surf aficionados, the coastline plays host to a variety of waves catering to all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice eager to catch your first wave, the consistent breaks, such as the renowned Main Point and Whiskey Point, offer an exhilarating experience. Beyond the thrill of the surf, Arugam Bay is embraced by nature’s gifts. The nearby ...

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AN ODYSSEY  –  THE SEARCH FOR HERITAGE  (Part 2) – by Bernard VanCuylenburg PROLOGUE. Saying “Goodbye” is never easy. The “Goodbyes” I bid to the Staff at Nilaveli Beach Hotel after a relaxed idyllic holiday following the first leg of my tour was hard. This was where I cut my teeth on life’s road and the ties that bind me to this Hotel were, and remain very strong. But there was a long road ahead, a road I never travelled before. Travice Ondaatjie, whose late Dad Mr.George Ondaatjie was my Boss when I worked for Nilaveli Beach Hotels Limited drove up to Nilaveli on Friday the 24th and told me that on Sunday the 26th March we would leave for Passekudah, Arugam Bay and travel down the Eastern seaboard right down to the Lahuggala National Park in Amparai to visit the archaeological sites there, and then head for Wellawaya and ...

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Forging Revolutionary Paths. In the Sea. Tamil Females ‘breach’ Arugam Bay – By Michael Roberts Source : thuppahis “The Rise of Sri Lanka’s Female Surfers,” — An Article by Zinara Rathnayaake with Snaps by Tommy Schultz, …. Introduction by Glenn T Goodwin:  “A new, all-women Surf Club in Sri Lanka is enriching the country’s burgeoning surfing scene while defying cultural expectations. I had a chance to live in Sri Lanka for three weeks doing humanitarian relief work after the 2004 tsunami. The tragedy of lost lives and communities just made the harsh vibe of a chronic politically torn culture even more tense. Although much of the east coast was obliterated, I did get a chance to surf at Arugam Bay, (one of the favorite spots for Aussie surfers and one of mine too, my memory still reminds me of the sweet waves at Arugam). When I came across this article, I was stoked ...

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When to visit Sri Lanka: the best times to go for the beach, the festivals, and to beat the crowds by LONELY PLANET   From finding the sweet spot between the monsoons, to experiencing the liveliest cultural festivals, here are the best times to visit Sri Lanka © Cavan Images / Getty Images   Source:.lonelyplanet.com If anywhere deserves the title of a true year-round destination then it’s Sri Lanka. Like neighboring Maldives, its proximity to the equator ensures pleasantly warm, stable temperatures whatever the season, while its annual dual monsoons means that while one side of the country is taking a soaking, the other is primed for afternoons on the beach.  On top of this is a calendar chock-full of festivals and holidays, offering a unique cultural highlight for visitors almost every month. So whether you’re looking for the best time to hit the beach, spot wild elephants in a national park, hike to the summit of ...

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Riding High on Ocean Waves-by Hannah Ellis Petersen Shamali Sanjaya (centre) with members of the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club Source:Dailynews Women and girls have challenged conservative attitudes  in the hallowed surf spot of Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka Growing up in a small fishing village along the East Coast of Sri Lanka, Shamali Sanjaya would often sit on the beach and look out at the boisterous waves. She would watch in envy as others, including her father and brother, grabbed surfboards, paddled out into the sea and then rode those waves smoothly back to shore. “I longed for it in my heart,” she said. But as a local woman, surfing was strictly out of bounds for her. In Sri Lanka’s conservative society, the place for women was at the home and it was only the men, or women tourists, who were allowed to ride the hallowed waves in Arugam Bay, ...

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Crocodile Rock – archaeological site in Arugam Bay By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Situated in Arugam Bay in East Coast of Sri Lanka, a surfers’ paradise, Crocodile Rock is also known as “Elephant Rock”, according to many tourists. The site is known as “Crocodile Rock” due to its elongated ‘snout’ shape. In reality, the name is derived due to mugger crocodiles that access this site via the adjoining Heda Oya (Oya meaning stream in Sinhala). At times, there are mugger crocodiles basking in the sun on Crocodile Rock. Situated around 320 kilometers east of Colombo adjacent to the Indian Ocean, Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing sites in the world. Crocodile Rock is situated at the river mouth where Heda Oya falls to the sea, towards east of *Sastrawela Mani Naga Pabbatha Viharaya. The area of Crocodile Rock is a popular beginner as well as intermediate surfing site.  Crocodile ...

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Expats & Travelers: Arugam Bay, Hippy Market in Sri Lanka       “One of my favorite things about Sri Lanka is the mix of Western and Eastern cultures and influences. I love local food, culture, and all things Sri Lankan, but as an American away from home, I also miss Western markets, music, food, and friends. Arugam Bay, the small surf town in the East, has a great mix of both. Here’s a look at my month here” Johnny FD     ...

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