You can breakup the journey with an overnight stop in the “Hill Country”, Kandy, or Ella/Haputale are recommended, the scenic drive down to ABay is stunning. Prices vary good bartering a must! Price currently is $100 -$150 one way per vehicle.

Public transportation. - Bus 10-12hrs, leave Colombo twice daily for Pottuvil, 5:00 am (“Direct”) & 8.00pm stopping at Pottuvil a “Tuk-Tuk (three wheeler). Bus fare is from Rs200 – 250 one way. The cost of the Tuk-Tuk from Pottuvil to Arugam bay will be around Rs100. Bus’s leave Pottuvil via Monaragala to Colombo at 7.00am & 5.00pm arriving 6.00pm & 4am respectively.

Train- Great way to see the hill country! Tea estates, waterfalls and stunning countryside, Badulla being the final stop, then bus (130rs) or van from there. ($40-$55)

Money... In Sri Lanka as a whole “Atm’s” are common, unfortunately, that facility does no exist in the Arugam Bay area, nearest are Monaragala or Ampara 80 kms away! So bring cash! USD, GBP or Euro. Banking facilities are very limited.

Safety…Arugam Bay is very safe, although on the East Coast, it is far south of the trouble areas. The UK FOC travel warnings state that the troubled areas are north of Pottuvil, Arugam Bay is south.

When to go? - March to October for the east coast (around Arugam Bay) although apart from January (can be extremely wet) this is the “Dry Zone” of Sri Lanka so visits can be rewarding at other times.

What to take? - Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen! Surf Board, booties. Mozzie repellent for the evenings.

Cover up away from the beach and when visiting local temples, towns, markets etc. Life away from the beach is a more conservative style in respect of local cultures and religions.

Contact Us

Rocco’s Hotel
Main Street
Arugam Bay
Pottuvil
Phone: + 94 7766 42991
Fax: + 92 6026 30972
Email: info@roccoshotel.com