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Arugam's second 'Tsunami'
….. several illegal constructions in Arugam Bay were demolished last week……
Illegal constructions out in coastal belt
Disna Mudalige
* More powers to CCD by new law
*Demolition costs to be recovered from offenders
The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) has decided to take strict action against illegal constructions in the coastal belt using the new powers vested in it under the amended Coastal Conservation Act approved by Parliament recently.
CCD Director General Anil Premaratne told the Daily News that court cases will be filed against owners of these illegal buildings and a fine not less than Rs 5,000 and not more than Rs 25,000 will be imposed on them at the first conviction.
He said that if the offenders who maintain the illegal constructions continue the same offence disregarding the court decision, the amended Act has the provisions to impose a fine not less than Rs 1,000 and not more than Rs 5,000 per day on them.
He said that unauthorized constructions in the coastal belt have resulted in accelerated coastal erosion and pollution and therefore the CCD has decided to strictly implement these laws.
Premaratne said that the unauthorized buildings which are built very close to the sea will be demolished and the expenses spent on them will be recovered from the offenders. He said that several illegal constructions in Arugam Bay were demolished last week and this process will also be carried out in other coastal areas.
He observed that the coastal stretch in the Southern Province comprises the majority of illegal constructions.
He also explained that legal action will also be sought for the illegal fillings of water bodies and sand mining. The amended Act has also made provisions to arrest an offender without a warrant for violating its laws and regulations aiming for an efficient coastal conservation and coastal resource management.
source:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/10/26/news26.asp
Link to Facebook page “Save Arugam Bay”:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003041452272&ref=ts
…..” Then he told me about a strange building above the bay called ‘the castle’:
‘It’s thirty years old – very old.
It was made by an English guy called Richard” …..
Arugam Bay and the surf point
Arugam Bay has been known as a top surfing area for many years now. During the season, from about May to November, it is easily the most popular destination for foreign visitors to the east coast. It’s a working fishing beach and there is quite a lot of rubbish on the sands, compared with the southern beaches, and is perhaps not the best place to come just for a beach holiday: most foreigners I met were there for the surfing. Many locals want to clean up the beach, however – see below – so this may change. For now it’s still very pretty, and quiet, if you want a place to gather your thoughts, and you can visit nearby mangroves on Pottuvil lagoon, or go to Kudimbigala Forest Hermitage to see Buddhist shrines. The Lahugala-Kitulana National Park is 16km inland from Pottuvil and large herds of elephants move there during the dry season (July and August).
Fishermen on Arugam Bay
The road from Arugam Bay is now completely open so you can travel south to Okanda and visit Yala East National Park. This park was Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay and the Arugam Bay Surf Club’
(2)…..Finally we reached Arugam Bay, a beachfront collections of shacks and hotels, stretching around the bay……
….Apparently, after dusk the road to Arugam bay becomes chock-a-block with insomniac elephants who decide to wander the roads. Hence, travelling there is dangerous…..
"Watermusic" @ Arugam Bay
Part 1: They Mostly Come Out At Night, Mostly
We strode out of Badulla station, and I was still for pushing on right through to Arugam Bay.
There was a solitary minibus tout and he offered to drive us for $50. Each.
Llyw quickly shot this down, at which point the fella, who exuded dodginess from every pore, explained why a night time voyage was so expensive-
Nocturnal elephants.
Apparently, after dusk the road to Arugam bay becomes chock-a-block with insomniac elephants who decide to wander the roads. Hence, travelling there is dangerous. Continue reading ‘Badulla-Arugam Bay’
….. Curiously Lahugala has no boundary fences or entrance fees allowing visitors to simply stroll into the park at will whilst elephants stroll right through the little hamlets and villages at its boarder and are often seen roaming around Arugam Bay at dusk…..
A Stay in the Bay
Posted on July 3, 2011 by tolivingdreams
The ride to Arugam Bay is not without incident; a few minutes in to the journey we narrowly avoid colliding with a rather large lorry, sending our hearts racing and our stomachs reeling! As we descend down the winding road to the plains below the landscape changes from lush jungle to dry bush and the roads become heavily potholed; an hour in and there’s a large bang- a flat tyre- so we pull over and Polly replaces the wheel while driver and Sam lift the tuk-tuk. We’re soon driving through the ‘Elephant Corridor’, a long straight road that cuts through the wilderness of Lahugala National Park, and sure enough, to our amazement, we spot a herd of wild elephants Continue reading ‘Living Dreams’
By Gamini WARUSHAMANA
The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in May and the thousands of people who are dependant on the tourism industry in this Eastern coastal village in Sri Lanka eagerly await the arrival of the highest number of tourists this year. The tourism industry in the country is booming after the end of terrorism in 2009 and Arugam Bay is now ready to regain its full potential.
Arugam Bay is one of the world’s top 10 surf locations, known for its fantastic waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. The best time for surfing here is between May and November when strong winds are offshore for at least the first half of the day.
There are only a few tourists at Arugam Bay
However, some small scale hoteliers, tour guides and shop owners are disappointed because still there are only a few tourists at Arugam Bay. Continue reading ‘Tourism at Arugam Bay should be sustainable’
Be FREE @ Arugam Bay !
- Arugam Bay “Freedom Beach” Cabanas
These family run cabanas have recently been refurbished. They are sporting new tiled bathrooms, ceilings, mosquito nets and verandas. The garden now has grass and feels so good underfoot.
Come and enjoy a touch of family life in Arugam Bay. Beautiful home cooked traditional Sri Lankan food as well as western dishes for those desiring a touch of home. Sunday Roast on request. Party BBQ’s and Buffet Dinners for those wishing to celebrate a special occasion. Birthday Cakes made to order.
The family also provide Tuk Tuk Hire, Taxi Bookings, Wildlife Safari’s, Boat Trips, Surf Lessons and Surfboard Hire. This is truely a family run business by one of the original families from Arugam Bay. So remember Freedom Beach Cabanas, Samanthi’s Restaurant and Thaththa’s Tea Shop for all your holiday needs in Arugam Bay.
Email – FreedomBeachCabanas@hotmail.co.uk or
FreedomBeachCabanas@gmail.com
source:
http://www.paddle4relief.co.uk/blog/index.php?s=Arugam+Bay&searchbutton=Go!
(0)
An Arugam Bay Fish B4
An early morning fishing session in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, saw this beautifully marked Rock Fish come to the Dinner table @ Samanthi’s Restaurant. The fish was caught on a jointed plug that has proven to be successful in the coastal waters in Devon.
The fish had already escaped once, having broken the 4kg breaking strain line following a series of powerful dives into the sharp reef. Unfortunately for the big mouthed greedy fish, it chose to go for a second plug that had been quickly tied to the main line, this time with a short 70lb leader, and cast out into the same spot.
It not only looked beautiful but tasted fantastic. Samanthi’s Restaurant can be found next to Freedom Cabanas at the southern corner of Arugam Bay, only a very short walk to the highly prized right hand point break.
An Arugam Bay Fish. There after
source:
http://www.paddle4relief.co.uk/blog/index.php?s=arugam&searchbutton=Go!
(0)Coastal conservation and management a must:
Disna Mudalige
The southeast coast of Sri Lanka gleams with new vigour and light with the dawn of peace. This area which people dared not to go for decades due to terrorist threats is now wide open for both local and international tourists. It has become a tourism ‘hotspot’ with its wide array of tourist attractions. However, the need of a well planned coastal zone management is strongly felt with the tourism expansion in this coastal stretch.
The coastal stretch from Pottuvil to Panama includes bays famous for surfing and bathing, coastal waters rich with fish resources, lagoons providing ideal niches for prawns, crabs and lobsters, rich mangrove stands, wide sandy beaches for beach lovers and tall sand dunes for those who seek adventures.
The Beach at Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay
The tourist season in Arugam Bay in the Southeast coast starts in March with the favourable windy atmosphere for surfing. Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing areas in Asia. As estimated about 100,000 tourists visit Arugam Bay during the season which extends till October. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay, a tourism hotspot’
Are you an avid surfer?
If so, you may instantly recognize the name Arugam Bay. Even if you are not, you may be interested to learn more about this popular tourist attraction.
- The Surf Boards can be rented at many outlets at Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a sleepy little hamlet 320 km due east of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city and is ranked among the top ten surf destinations in the world. In this article I am going to tell you 5 good reasons you should make a visit to Arugam Bay.
Arugam Bay is not your typical surf destination with modern facilities. It is more a community based destination, where little guest houses and the odd star rated hotel lie side by side. This does not make it any less attractive to regular visitors who make repeat visits every year. Although this destination was devastated by the 2004 tsunami and the conflict, the enterprising community of Arugam Bay have brought the destination back to its old glory.
- Brilliant roads. by Maga, Photo by: Lovely Arugam Bay on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=108552872497906
Much improved roads, which have reduced travel times by almost an hour and a half and the return of peace has made Arugam Bay a destination you should not miss visiting.+
Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Arugam Bay:
- It is the third highest ranked among the world’s top ten surfing destinations. So, if you are a surfing enthusiast or are interested in learning to surf this is just the location for you. You need not even bring your gear along, as you can hire surfing gear from local outfits, who also provide training for newbie surfers. It boasts of over 10 surf points and the waves are great between April and October and it also is the scene for local and international surfing competitions staged during this period.
10 Surf Spots. Ideal for beginners. And professionals
- During November to April the sea is fine for swimming and snorkeling and conditions are just right if you are looking for a quiet get- away. The prices for accommodation can get pretty low and you can find a pretty decent room with basic facilities for around $15 per night.
Romantic Bungalows. To suit all budgets. Here is one of "Hideaways" best
- If you are a wild life enthusiast your excellent wild life sanctuaries are just minutes away from this destination. The Lahugala sanctuary famous for elephants is not more than a 20 minute drive from here. You may even pass some of these majestic beasts if en-route if you take the inland route to arrive here. The Kumana bird sanctuary lies just 10km south of Arugam Bay and birds from as far as Siberia are known to migrate to this location to escape winter.
Truly Free & Wild Elephants. Right next to the road. No fence!
- The sand dunes at Panama allow you to wander around an unspoilt stretch of land, and even go on a jeep safari to the dunes. The Pottuvil dunes are much closer, but it is situated in the midst of a busy little town, but none the less attractive in its own little way.
A shephard cowboy in the Panama dunes or the Wild East
- The area close to Arugam Bay also boasts a host of ancient monuments. The Kudumbigala archeological reserve is host to monastic caves dating from around the 12th Century AD. The ancient Okanda temple dedicated lord Skanda situated on a rocky outcrop south of Arugam Bay is believed to be featured in “Sinbad the Sailor’s tales”. Monuments related to the Southern kingdom of Magama almost a thousand years old are found in Pottuvil town, by the dunes and within the Lahugala sanctuary. They are said to be built to honour the mother of the warrior king Dutugemunu of the Anradhapura kingdom.
Ancient Temples and shrines. Adore the area all around Arugam Bay
The attractions of Arugam Bay are so, numerous and cater to visitors with different interests. It is just amazing that so many attractions should lie so close together. Coupled with the extremely friendly service by the villagers who run the facilities, I would strongly recommend that you visit here especially if you are on a tight budget.
- Friendly local management (Of the SVH and Hideaway shown here)
AUGAM BAY IS AN ALL YEAR ROUND DESTINATION.
With the best and most predictable climate in Asia!
The only dry and sunny place on the island this entire November 2010
A typical winter in Arugam Bay
http://ezinearticles.com/?Arugambay—5-Reasons-To-Visit-Arugambay-Surfers-Paradise&id=5523244
(3)Becky Lucas tours Sri Lanka to reach the world’s new surfing hotspot
Arugam Bay: Sri Lanka's Surf Capital
I’m sitting in the back of a rather bespoke mini-van: fur lines the floor, stickers speckle the ceiling, and Boney M rocks the stereo. The car has already been stopped by the police twice – though not for the crazy interior. Rather, I’m in Colombo, heading from the airport to the train station, and, 16 months after the end of the civil war, police stops are as much a part of getting around as horns and dodging stray dogs. My destination? Arugam Bay, the country’s surfing capital. I’ve tried the sport in Dubai, though not mastered it, mainly due to the flatness of the Gulf – as well as the early starts. Instead of hiring a limo – an affordable option, no less – I’ve chosen to brave the 10-hour train journey from Colombo right to Arugam on the east coast.
My first lesson to impart: book ahead. Continue reading ‘My destination? Arugam Bay, the country’s surfing capital’
Sripala’ s Place is one of the most original and oldest establishment of Arugam Bay.
They are situated near famous Surf Point for many years.
Sripala & Family, at Arugam Bay
Arugam.info has just been notified of a legal case to relocate them.
As soon as we receive confirmation and further information, details will be published here.
For now, please send us your old memories so that we can add them to our “Old Arugam” section. To document the Bay’s history.
Send them to: arugam.info@gmail.com
And all will be published here:
http://www.arugam.info/old-arugam/
Tsunami Scars and Wounds
We awoke in our cabana on our first full day in Arugam Bay. No conventional windows in our nest on stilts—just large drop-down and lift-up shutters that open unglazed sea-view portals allowing balmy tropical breezes to flow unimpeded through the large room.
Arugam Bay. Beach. Not exactly overcrowded
Clapboard–gapped in places–provided rudimentary walls that did little to stifle the predominant thunder of the breakers below. I was the one who had the pleasure of opening up the room on our first morning and looked out across this beautiful bay in brilliant morning light, amplified in the golden sand receiving the white surf to the whitely, lightly hazed horizon, all under the bluest sky. Topical birds with colourful sounds sang pagan matins from the palms around the exquisite, but rather neglected grounds—for here, as it would become apparent in the rest of Arugam Bay, motivation seems to be still floundering in currents of hopelessness left over from ebb and flow of conflict and tsunami floods. After our small dinner of cold vegetable rotis from the previous night, we were very hungry for breakfast; so after dressing and a quick visit to the water’s edge to anoint each other with the waters of the Indian Ocean, we headed out to the main road where we hoped that our experience of unmotivated food vendors of the night before would look like something different in the morning light View From Our Room at Rock View
View from Rockview guesthouse
View From Our Room at Rock View
. We were surprised to find little change. One rather busy place seemed to have its clientele, but refused to tell us their prices for food until it had been checked out along a chain of people into the dark inside. We were invited to enter with no answers provided, until our insistence brought an answer Continue reading ‘Canadian Visitors view of Arugam Bay’
Over the last weekend I visited the Eastern Province with a group of friends. Having left Colombo at 4.00 in the morning, after almost a seven hour journey, we reached our destination; Arugam Bay.
"Arugam Bay"
By Kanchana Ratwatte
The closest access to this much sought-after surfing beach of Sri Lanka is via Ratnapura, Uda Walawe, Wellawaya, Monaragala, Siyambalanduwa and Pottuvil. While on the way, passing Uda Walawe and Lahugala, we did see quite a few elephants. The road network as in the case of all main roads in the Eastern Province, was well laid out with a new carpet and the drive was one great experience.
As we entered the bustling township, the first observation was the number of tourists that had gathered for the internationally publicized surfing festival which had concluded the previous weekend. Continue reading ‘Kebilitta, Arugam Bay And Kumana’
Daily News. by Philip Fernando
…… Places like Kalpitiya, Pasikudah, Kuchchaweli, and Arugam Bay-the surfing haven, Yala, Wilpattu, Koneswaran temple in Trincomalee or Unawatuna beach-just to name a few- are entering the tourist lexicon like Banda Aceh or Pattaya Beach…..
Underpinning the tourist revival is the fact that Sri Lanka is emerging a popular destination for many seeking to fill their leisure amidst the country’s idyllic setting. The laid-back and the debonair are being increasingly lured to our shores as an assured place for respite or revelry.
Golden beaches and tropical climate, main tourist attractions. File photo
More importantly, the country’s stunning diversity embodying cultural sites, historical treasures, the sun-drenched beaches and trendy urbane hotels promises it to be a captivating destination.
It is also a fact that professionalism inherently linked to tourism, the new tier in social networking had been well-articulated by Sri Lankans practising this trade. Its vexing demands are met quite competently by thousands who are in it for good.
Sri Lankans seemed quite adept at it now. The long drought brought on by the terror war did not dim their hopes. Continue reading ‘Travel industry poised for a spirited upsurge’
By M. Naushad Amit
Sri Lanka, as a global tourist destination, has many wonders on offer to its visitors who come with different plans during their stay in this beautiful pearl shaped island situated in the Indian Ocean. Within Sri Lanka itself, there are many holiday destinations which are popular among local and foreign tourists alike. But the unspoiled beachfront of Arugam Bay is a beautiful location yet to be explored by holidaymakers.
Arugam Bay. A popular Surf Destination
Though Arugam Bay is gradually picking up in popularity among the locals as an infrequent getaway, it has been a surfing haven for foreigners for three decades. Even during the peak of the 30-year long ethnic war that affected tourists arrivals, Arugam Bay catered to many foreigners, especially surfers, who found the waves there a special treat to their surfing ‘needs’.
Arugam Bay, which is located near Pottuvil in the country’s east coast, is rich in bird life and wildlife in the surrounding jungles, wetlands and lagoons nearby. Being an area with links to ancient kingdoms, there are many remnants in the jungle from old Buddhist culture. Just outside Pottuvil, behind the dunes, are excavations of a 2000-year-old temple, the Modu Maha Vihare. About 3,500 people live in and around Arugam Bay. It consists of three small villages, where fishing and farming are the main livelihoods. Since Arugam Bay is reputed to be one of the world’s best surfing points, the number of foreign surfers to visit the location has increased. To meet the demands, many in Arugam Bay have shifted their interest and trades into tourism. Though the area lacks luxury hotels, the limited number of beachfront resorts and cabanas provide the best in tourist hospitality.
Ranga of Beach Hut fame
Comfort Zone
One such resort with a difference is ‘Ranga’s Beach Hut’, where guests get to enjoy a totally new experience in hospitality. Ranga’s Beach Hut which is located at two different places neighbouring each other, is owned by Continue reading ‘Ranga’s ‘Shorepiece’’
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