Arugam

Arugam is a coastal town in eastern Sri Lanka that stretches along a curved bay with golden sand beaches, lined with palm trees and traditional fishing boats. The collection of houses, restaurants, and accommodations spreads along the shoreline, with the beach serving as the main focal point for both visitors and locals.

The town began as a small fishing settlement and underwent transformation after international surfers discovered it in the 1980s. This discovery brought significant changes to the local economy and introduced new infrastructure alongside growing attention from the global surf community.

The town is shaped by Muslim, Tamil, and Sinhalese communities who continue their fishing practices while navigating the rise of tourism. Visitors can watch local fishermen at work and experience how traditions coexist with contemporary changes.

Tuk-tuks and motorbike rentals are the standard ways to get around and reach nearby beaches and the Kumana National Park entrance. The best surfing conditions occur during the monsoon season when waves are stronger, though water activities are possible year-round.

The Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club trains local women to become certified surfing instructors, creating new job opportunities in the community. This program has shifted the role of women in the area and shown that water sports can be accessible to those traditionally excluded from them.