Arugam Bay

Fishing boats are still drawn up on the sand in front of the main strip, and the surf breaks a short walk from the guesthouses. Because the east coast's dry season overlaps with the south-west monsoon, Arugam Bay lets travellers visit Sri Lanka in the northern-holiday months of July and August.

• The main point works for intermediates; Main Point, Whiskey Point and Peanut Farm cover beginners to advanced.
• It pairs with Yala National Park, about 1–1.5 hours south.
• July and August — poor months on the south coast — are reliable here.

Surf the main point

A long right-hander breaking over rock and sand; hire a board from the beach shacks.

Lagoon kayak at Pottuvil

Early morning for birdlife; go with a local guide.

Lagoon safari

Mangrove and crocodile spotting trips run from Pottuvil — ask about guide credentials.

Day trip to Panama and Okanda

A quieter stretch of coast and the path to Kush Loggala.

April to September is the dry window on this coast; June to August is the busiest period with surfers. From October to January the north-east monsoon makes sea conditions unreliable.

Regional detail, month by month: weather calendar.

Three to four nights if you surf. Two nights if you are using it as a Yala base.

About 5–6 hours by road from Colombo; buses run via Monaragala. The nearest rail head is Pottuvil on the coastal line — check current services with Sri Lanka Railways, as timetables change.

Walk the strip; tuk-tuks for the outlying breaks and Yala entrances.

• —Mosquitoes are more of a issue here than on the west coast — repellent and a net matter.
• —Facilities are simpler than in the south; carry cash for smaller guesthouses.
• —The sea at the main point is rocky underfoot; reef shoes help.