Sri Lanka's hidden Pearl
Traditionally.
And before Arugam Bay was connected to the main Power grid:
There was no
Come & see My Laptop “LIVE”
But a few gifted Musicians entertained our guests.
The Old Siam View however has kept that concept throughout.
As from August 1st. – tomorrow – new bands will perform every week:
This list is about the Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay. We will try our best so that you understand this list Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay. I hope you like this list Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay. So lets begin:
Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is known as a surfer’s paradise and one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. It is one of the areas of the world that you must visit at least once in your life. With the world famous Yala National Park as its neighbour, Arugam Bay is fortunate to be surrounded by a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, elephants and crocodiles. The bay is trendy and a great place to spend at least 3 days. Use this Arugam Bay guide to plan your visit. Located on the east coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is a lively seaside town known for many things, including its beautiful palm-fringed beaches, lively surf scene, and laid-back vibe.
However, because Arugam Bay is somewhat off the traditional Sri Lankan route, this underrated gem is often overlooked by travelers and backpackers. However, we firmly believe that a trip to Arugam Bay is well worth it. Arugam Bay embodies much of what makes Sri Lanka so popular, it is a tropical beach town with many interesting attractions nearby: the fascinating Kudumbigala Monastery, the picturesque Elephant Rock and the adventurous Kumana National Park to name a few. . Of course, there are plenty of other amazing places to discover in Sri Lanka, but there is something magical about this laid-back fishing village on Sri Lanka’s relatively unspoiled east coast.
Kumana National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden delights. It is a very special place with lots of wildlife and stunning scenery! Also known as Yala East, many tourists opt for a jeep safari from Kumana National Park. It is certainly one of the best things to do in Arugam Bay if you are interested in rare wildlife. This 357 square kilometer park is much less visited than its busy neighbor, Yala National Park. Consequently, it’s not as crowded and much less of a zoo-like experience. This is true even during peak season. The density of animals in the park is lower than in other national parks in Sri Lanka, but it is not uncommon to see a leopard and other amazing animals. Like elephants, crocodiles, turtles, white cobras, wild buffalo and many birds.
One of the most popular activities in Arugam Bay is surfing, which is why it had to be number 1 on this list. The area is full of surf shops offering lessons and surfboards for rent. The bay is considered the best surf spot in Sri Lanka and attracts surfers from all over the world. It is good to know that it is a great place for amateur and professional surfers. Some of the most popular surf spots in Arugam Bay are Main Point, Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, Pottuvil Point and Elephant Rock.
Arugam Bay Beach is a great place to relax where everything moves in slow motion. The beach is a moon-shaped curl of soft, golden sand and is home to some of the best surfing in the country. Although there is a lot of fun in and around the area, such as shopping and surfing, one of the best things to do in Arugam Bay is to visit the beaches and relax. Grab a coconut, apply some sunscreen and take some time to enjoy life on the beach. Arugam Bay is just a small town with a few hundred inhabitants. Everything is scattered along a path, parallel to the coast. So even if it’s not on the beach, everywhere in Arugam Bay there’s a laid back beach scene and that’s what first drew surfers and sun worshipers to Sri Lanka.
It is well known that surfing and yoga go hand in hand; This is probably due to the calm and relaxing environment that both activities offer. As such, Arugam Bay is a top yoga destination; If you walk down the main street, you will see many yoga centers. After a long drive up the East Coast, a yoga class is quite invigorating. And yes, the trip to Arugam Bay is highly recommended to enjoy all the splendor along the way. A small and highly diverse nation, Sri Lanka offers a wonderful collection of experiences that are best enjoyed on a road trip. Join any rental car Sri Lanka has to offer and enjoy the joys of driving along the beautiful coastline.
Fishing has been a large part of the economy in and around Arugam Bay for many years. If you visit Pottuvil beach in the morning, you will see the fishermen pulling their nets onto the beach. The nets are attached to hundreds of meters of rope and take about two hours to pull out of the sea. You will also find many colorful fishing boats lining the beach at Arugam Bay. If you pass by in the morning you will see how the fishermen classify their catch before selling it.
There are plenty of other coves and beaches just a short drive from the main road, so strap your board to the roof and hit the road. Peanut Farm Beach is another epic surf spot south of Arugam Bay. This was our favorite place of all. It is a great unspoiled place with a beautiful white sand beach, rock formations, trees and thatched roof huts. It is popular for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. Not only that, they also have an amazing beach shack that serves fresh food and smoothies. There is only one guest house in the area and it consists of tree houses. It’s around the corner from Peanut Farm Beach.
Kudumbigala Monastery is a 45-minute tuk-tuk ride from Arugam Bay. It is a place that you will love if you are a history buff! It is estimated that this Buddhist monastery was founded in the year 246 BC. It was built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It was used by monks who wanted to escape the city and follow a path to enlightenment. Don’t forget to explore the nearby hiking trails and caves, and climb to the top next to the monastery for beautiful views of the area. The climb to the highest viewpoint takes about 1.5 hours, so the best time to do it is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the jungle, rocks, and coastline.
As for the tourist spots, Arugam Bay has some great shops. It is home to some authentic local brands and local bikini tailors. So if you need a dress made or want to replace your bikinis, you’ve come to the right place! Sitting directly parallel to the shoreline and attracting surfers and sunbathers, this hippie town is a great place to stock up on all your unique, locally branded clothing. From cute logo t-shirts to flowy, boho dresses, it’s the style hub of Sri Lanka. There are other quirky pop-up shops that also sell beach towels and handmade seashell souvenirs.
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. However, there are two monsoon seasons on the island. On the east coast, where Arugam Bay is located, the monsoon season runs from November to January, so avoid this period. The best time to visit Arugam Bay if you want to surf is during the months of June to September. This is also the high season and the best time for snorkeling and diving. However, if snorkelling and diving are not activities that interest you, you can also visit Arugam Bay between February and May.
If you are just looking for a relaxing night, Hideaway Arugam Bay is a great place to unwind. There are loungers spread out on the floor, as well as a happy hour between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. The Hideaway is a boutique guest house on Arugam Bay opposite the main surf beach with a lovely laid back vibe. It is a family friendly guest house set in 6 acres of lush tropical gardens in the heart of the city. So if you’re looking for a great way to end a day at the beach, be sure to add Hideaway to your list of things to do in Arugam Bay. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more lively, we’ve heard good reviews about Whiskey Point.
I hope you understand and like this list Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay, if your answer is no then you can ask anything via contact forum section related to this article. And if your answer is yes then please share this list with your family and friends.
source:
https://www.bollyinside.com/articles/best-things-to-do-in-arugam-bay/#Yoga_in_Arugam_Bay
After visiting the Mudu Maha Vihara at Pottuvil, we came to the Pottuvil bazaar passing Arugam Bay – the sun-drenched and palm fringed coastal paradise. We had a glorious view of the deep blue sea and the sea spray was most welcoming. A number of colourful guest houses and homely cottages stood on both sides of the road which were once occupied by windsurfers.
From Pottuvil, we turned left on the Siyabalanduwa – Moneragala road, beguiled by the panoramic views of the serene rural landscape. Lush green paddy fields that run as far as eye can see and the shade of Kumbuk trees beside the road protected us from the late afternoon sun.
Having driven around 12 kilometres from Pottuvil, we emerged into the wildlife country of Lahugala-Kitulana and reached the jungle village of Lahugala on the edge of the sanctuary where we were greeted by some villagers who were drying maize on the side of the road.
Royal marriage
At the edge of the jungle, the nameboard of this ancient place indicated to the Magul Maha Vihara. The name of this sanctuary literary means ‘the wedding temple’, an unusual title for a Buddhist place of worship. But, history narrates a tale of the royal marriage between Princess Viharamaha Devi, daughter of King Kelanitissa of Maya Rata and King Kavantissa (205-161) of the Magam Ruhunu Kingdom.
The Magul Maha Vihara is believed to be a temple complex with a vibrant history dating back to the times of King Kavantissa who ruled the Ruhuna Kingdom. However, varying sources claim that King Dhatusena (453-473 AD) built the complex, while various other monarchs renovated it through the centuries. From all the legends that surround the Vihara, the most arresting is the story of King Kavantissa and Princess Viharamaha Devi.
0
Facebook Twitter Email Messenger WhatsApp Viber
TEXT AND PIX BY MAHIL WIJESINGHE
16 July, 2022
The Dagaba at the Magul Maha Viharaya
After visiting the Mudu Maha Vihara at Pottuvil, we came to the Pottuvil bazaar passing Arugam Bay – the sun-drenched and palm fringed coastal paradise. We had a glorious view of the deep blue sea and the sea spray was most welcoming. A number of colourful guest houses and homely cottages stood on both sides of the road which were once occupied by windsurfers.
From Pottuvil, we turned left on the Siyabalanduwa – Moneragala road, beguiled by the panoramic views of the serene rural landscape. Lush green paddy fields that run as far as eye can see and the shade of Kumbuk trees beside the road protected us from the late afternoon sun.
Having driven around 12 kilometres from Pottuvil, we emerged into the wildlife country of Lahugala-Kitulana and reached the jungle village of Lahugala on the edge of the sanctuary where we were greeted by some villagers who were drying maize on the side of the road.
Royal marriage
At the edge of the jungle, the nameboard of this ancient place indicated to the Magul Maha Vihara. The name of this sanctuary literary means ‘the wedding temple’, an unusual title for a Buddhist place of worship. But, history narrates a tale of the royal marriage between Princess Viharamaha Devi, daughter of King Kelanitissa of Maya Rata and King Kavantissa (205-161) of the Magam Ruhunu Kingdom.
The Magul Maha Vihara is believed to be a temple complex with a vibrant history dating back to the times of King Kavantissa who ruled the Ruhuna Kingdom. However, varying sources claim that King Dhatusena (453-473 AD) built the complex, while various other monarchs renovated it through the centuries. From all the legends that surround the Vihara, the most arresting is the story of King Kavantissa and Princess Viharamaha Devi.
According to legend, Viharamaha Devi, daughter of King Kelanitissa volunteered to sacrifice herself to the sea. She was safely carried over the ocean waves, reaching ashore at a place near Pottuvil, not far from Lahugala, where the encounter between King Kavantissa and the princess led to their marriage. The legend tells that the marriage ceremony was conducted on the grounds of the Magul Maha Vihara where the King had later built the Temple to celebrate the auspicious event.
The Magul Maha Vihara, according to the inscription, was originally known as the Ruhunu Maha Vehera. The Vihara appeared to have fallen into ruin for 200 years and lay abandoned in the jungle. At the beginning of the 14th Century, the temple was brought back to former glory by Queen also of the name Viharamaha Devi, wife of Buwaneka Bahu IV of Gampola and Parakramabahu V of Dedigama who renovated and donated many acres to the temple.
Ornamental moat
Shading our eyes against the late afternoon sun, we first saw an ornamental moat with lotus blossoms, with wide stone terraces leading down to it which showcases the style of the Anuradhapura period. Rectangular in shape, the Vihara was bordered by a moat in ancient times.
Having crossed the moat by a causeway, we entered the main entrance. We were thrilled by gazing at the marvelous antiquated ruins. We were surrounded by four ceremonial gateways, each one of them carved from stone and adorned with moonstones, balustrades and rows of pillars. Each gateway is aligned with others. The compound is laid out in straight lines. In this compound, one can see the remains of magnificent structures on stone platforms. It is a monastic complex, with an image house, a Dagaba, a Bodhigara, numerous guard stones and a chapter house. Surrounding the central quadrangle is vast area with walkways and numerous stone structures.
The magnificent tank which once gave it life, now strangled by creeping vegetation, runs along the Eastern side of the Vihara.
On the Eastern side of the temple is a renovated Dagaba in the temple ground. The four entrances to the Dagaba are well preserved. Each such entrance is flanked on either side by stone carved seated lions perched on stone slabs of the stone railing encircling the Dagaba.
To the West of the Dagaba is the much famed Bodhigara – the Bo tree shrine – known among people as the Magul Poruwa (marriage podium) of King Kavantissa and Queen Viharamaha Devi. It is believed that the Poruwa was later converted to a Bodhigara that housed the Bo Tree within the circular structure that is similar to a flower.
Pohoya Seema Malakaya
The surrounding platform has carvings with a frieze of lions and flower vases, which are thought to have been constructed during the middle of the Anuradhapura era. Proceeding to the Left where the ruins of what is thought to be the Pohoya Seema Malakaya (Chapter House) stood, we stopped to inspect the moonstone, the carved stone steps and the balustrades that have been marvelously preserved.
The moonstone engraved here is held in much prominence as this is the only one in Asia that has the mahout astrid the elephant. Consisting of many half circles engraved with designs such as Liyavel; an intricate design incorporating vine like patterns, lotus petals and animals, the moonstone is deemed as a portrayal of the cycle of birth.
Finally, we came across a massive image house around nine feet in height with a standing torso of a Buddha statue erected in the middle and upright stone pillars around it. The statue is believed to have been broken into pieces in the past. It has been restored by the officials of the Department of Archaeology.
The entrance has a plain moonstone and two guard stones depicting the figures of Bahiravaya (guardian demon).
With the sun setting into the far horizon, we had to end our journey at the Magul Maha Vihara. We came back to the car park contemplating that we have only managed to scratch the surface of the hidden treasures. After having a refreshing cup of Beli Mal, we proceeded to Kotiyagala in search of many archaeologically important places.
source:
https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/07/16/lahugala-magul-maha-vihara-steeped-history
Arugam Forum
Arugam Photo Galleries on Picasa
Old Website
Press Coverage
Surf Forecast for Arugam Bay
TODAY’s Comments