Sri Lanka - Arugam Bay 2014

Last weekend happened to be a long weekend down here in the tropics as February 14th is not only Valentine's Day, but also  a 'Full Moon' which means 'Poya' (A Buddhist Custom) and declared a National holiday where people are given time off to learn and meditate upon the teaching of the Buddha. As i am a Christian and follow a different practice, i took the chance and head out of Colombo like several others. Colombo pretty much converts to a laid back, traffic free metropolitan city with several of the Corporates and shops shutting down. People who come from the villages head back to their homes during this period which contributes to the less hussle and bussle in the city.

This time it is Arugam Bay. Undoubtebly the best surfing spot in the island with several breaks. If you speak to the locals in the area, they will boast of it being in the top 10 in the world. However, i believe this is exaggerated even though it seems a good place for the beginners from doing my own research. The amazing part is, the town is actually a fishing village which co-exists with the little restaurants and cabana type lodging. There are several parts which must be explored and out of the way from Arugam Bay which is beautiful and isolated during 'Off Season'. When the season comes, it is very much crowded. I am yet to see it at its peak time and hope to return in August/September for the annual international surfing competition.the.  a bit e   It is around the  8th time i came to this part of the country. This time i came alone and had the chance to drive down to some parts i had not been before. Panama is just fantastic! Its got a narrow part of a lagoon coming and meeting the sea at which point there are several large boulders at the entrance. Its just awesome for fishing as it is quite deep next to the rocks and you can camp out on the rocks. There is also a little bay area for a swim when it is off season. Crocadile Rock, Elephant Rock, Peanut farm, Kumana are areas you must sea.