Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay, known locally as "Arugam Kudah", is situated
on the Indian Ocean in the dry
zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast, and a historic settlement of the ancient Batticaloa Territory
(Mattakallappu Desam). The bay is located 117 kilometres (73 mi) south of Batticaloa, 320
kilometres (200 mi) due east of Colombo, and approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of
the market town of Pottuvil. The main settlement in the area, known locally as Ullae, is
predominantly Muslim, however there is a significant Sri Lankan Tamil and Sinhala population
to the south of the village, as well as a number of international expatriates, largely from Europe
and Australia. While traditionally fishing has dominated the local economy, tourism has grown
rapidly in the area in recent years. Arugam Kudah's literal Tamil translation is "Bay of Cynodon
dactylon". Tourism in Arugam Bay is dominated by surf tourism, thanks to several quality
breaks in the area, however tourists are also attracted by the local beaches, lagoons, historic
temples and the nearby Kumana National Park.