Arugam Bay Surfing, Kumana National Park and Panama Culture

Arugam Bay, the surfing capitol of Sri Lanka situated in remote eastern shores close to rural village of Panama and Kumana National Park. In addition to it being primarily a surfing destination, Arugam Bay area is home for many Buddhist ancient historical sites and many Hindu pilgrimage sites.

Arugam bay area is still in it’s pristine condition due to its remote location and not many travelers venturing in to that area for mainstream tourism, so Arugam Bay is a destination where you could experience authentic Sri Lanka teamed up with great wildlife and epic cultural experiences in addition to surfing.

Magul Maha Viharaya, Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Kudumbigala and Tharulengala are very important and historical sites while Okanda Hindu Temple is an historical pilgrim site for Hindu/Tamils. If you are traveling to Arugam Bay and Panama area during the month of July you could witness centuries old ritual of foot pilgrimage to Kataragama Deity shrine through Kumana National Park and Yala Block II’s strict natural reserve by Tamil people all the way from north of Sri Lanka. During this pilgrimage devotees makes several rest and overnight stops inside Kumana and Yala National Parks despite the risk. This is a spectacular sight which is a unique Sri Lankan experience to watch.

Kumana National Park is very closely located to Arugam Bay and is a great spot to see Leopards, Elephants, Bears and many verities of birds without crowds. So Kumana is a very authentic wildlife experience where you could do as a day trip from Arugam Bay or even camp out inside the park in tents by the river. In our opinion Kumana is the most authentic wildlife experience in Sri Lanka specially when camping inside the park.

Panama is a rural village near Arugam Bay where one could witness the typical rural village life sights such as village vendors, farmers, fishermen fishing in lagoons in traditional style and their day to day village chorus. There are numerous lagoon and mangroves in the area where one could take traditional catamaran boat ride to observe the wildlife and birds. Arugam Bay remains one of the best off the beaten experiences in Sri Lanka.