This wide golden beach, with a lagoon at one end and world-famous surfing points at the other, is an unspoilt tropical island utopia of soft sands fringed with swaying palms that are lapped by turquoise waves. Small fishermen’s huts are dotted along the front, as well as beach cafes and laidback guesthouses offering a relaxed, homely vibe and serving homemade breads and ice-creams. The town has a friendly, mixed community comprised of many different nationalities and religious beliefs.

Apart from relaxing on the beach and watching the fishermen come in with their catches, or surfing, there is a wealth of wildlife, history and culture to discover. Only twenty-minutes away you can see elephants grazing on the shores of the tank in Lahugalla National Park, whilst in Kudumbigala Park, south of the bay, you may be lucky enough to see leopards sleeping on a granite outcrop or a sloth bear feasting on the fallen red berries of the Weera tree. For those craving culture, there are fascinating temples to explore from Mudu Maha Vihara, which has an impressive standing Buddha statue, to Magul Maha Vihara where King Kavantissa and Princess Devi are supposed to have married. It is best to head to these spots in the early morning or late afternoon otherwise the ground is too scorching to walk on.

Most of the hotels in Arugam Bay are relaxed guesthouses and small budget properties frequented by surfers. SriLankaInStyle’s favourite is Hideaway Arugam Bay, a boutique property with a tranquil atmosphere and delicious cuisine just five minutes from the beach. We also have villa accommodation in the area: for more information, head to our ‘Villas’ section.