PROGRAMME : Surfing at Arugam bay.(standard)
DURATION : 6 Nights / 7 Days.
PERIOD :Valid till 31-Oct-2005

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival & transfer to a hotel in Colombo (HB)
Arrival and transfer to a Hotel in Colombo.
COLOMBO

Like many capital cities in developing countries, the face of Colombo is quickly changing. Skyscrapers now tower over the streets where old buildings once stood and modern shopping malls attract locals and foreigners alike in search of a bargain. However, in some parts the ‘Old World’ charm is retained, such as the 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest include the Pettah markets, the old Parliament in the Fort district, the new parliament in Thimbirigasyaya, and a wide variety of churches, mosques and temples that are sentiment to the many different religions that dominate the country. In terms of shopping, there is a wide range of colourful fabrics, batiks, handicrafts and other souvenirs. Clothes are also especially good value and there are a number of specialised outlets sure to satisfy the most serious of shoppers! Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.
After lunch till evening at leisure or optional surfing or diving on your own.

Day 2 - Colombo - Arugambay (HB)

Leaving to “Arugambay” Bungalow / campsite after early breakfast. This Bungalow is situated at the tail end of the “Kuda Kalliya” road facing the Beautiful Eastern Beach. (Long drive approximately 7 to 8 hours.) Fashionable ARUGAMBAY is the most famous surfing location in Sri Lanka and it’s popularity has grown on an international level to make it a key location on the international surfing circuit. Although the surf is not in the same league as that found in Hawaii and Australia, the bay offers good all-round right-breaking waves of up to 1.6 metres, making it an ideal place for beginners, and with a consistent water temperature of 24-28 0C, there is no need for wetsuits! As an alternative to surfing, early morning canoe rides in the lagoon are an exciting way of observing lotus flowers, mangroves and the bio-diversity of birds in an incredible setting. When taking the very narrow channels, with walls of vegetation to each side, one can encounter bathing elephants a few metres from your canoe. For the more cautious customer, it is possible to restrict canoeing to interconnected large ponds that will take you right up to the ocean. The modern and spacious KUDAKILLIYA SURF BUNGALOW is situated at the tail end of the “Kuda Kalliya” road, facing the beautiful eastern beach. From it’s upstairs lodging compartment and observation deck, you can see the world famous surfing point of Arugam bay - “Crocodile rock” (3 km south of Arugambay itself). To the south-east, you can see the Lahugala Jungles in the distance, and to the south and south-west you can wonder at the rich biodiversity of the lagoon. In addition to the 8 people that can be accommodated in the bungalow itself, a further 30 people can stay in a luxury campsite (using the bungalow as a common facility centre). Lunch on your way. Evening at leisure or go for a walk along the beach to explore the soundings. Dinner an over night at the camp / Bungalow.

Day 3 - Arugambay (HB)

Early in the morning you may go for a canoe ride in the lagoon & then surfing.

A CANOE RIDE IN THE LAGOON.

Lotus flowers, mangroves and a he diversity of birds form an unbelievable surrounding. When taking very narrow channels, with walls of vegetation to your sides … one has to be bit careful, as you may encounter bathing Elephants, few meters away from your canoe. If you don’t want to be that adventures it’s advisable to restrict canoeing to interconnected large ponds, which will, drove you to the ocean. You may try your luck in canoeing in the ocean too. After the canoe ride, the full day is there for you to do surfing. Dinner and over night stay at the Bungalow or camp.

Day 4 - Arugambay – Panama - Kumana (HB)

After breakfast leaving to Panama along the bumpy road to Kumana.

PANAMA

In the historic Digamadulla in Ampara District, is the Lahugala provincial secretarial division representing a cluster of villages by the name of Panam Paththuwa. This secretarial Division constitutes of five Sinhala Buddhist villages, namely: Panama, Lahugala, Hulannuge, Bakmtiyaava and Kumana. The original occupants of these villages in the recent history were the Sinhalese people who escaped from the Uwa Wellassa during the uprising against invading English armies in the year 1818. KUMANA – HINDU TEMPLE

Just before entering the bird sanctuary- Kumana, on to your left, you will see the Sri Murugan Kovil [temple], which is dedicated to God Katharagama. Both Singhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka worship God Katharagama, and thousands of devotees flock together, here during the festival season. It’s believed that God Katharagama landed on this premises when he first arrived in Sri Lanka. From the temple, at a 10 minutes walking distance you will the beautiful beach with very fascinating surfing waves. Lunch at the site. Surfing till the Sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at a campsite closer to a fishing hut. [Wadiya] - These fishermen are there right through out the year collecting lobster. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to experience this unique way of living.

Day 5 - Kumana (HB)

Surfing till the Sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 6 - Kumana - Arugambay (HB)


After breakfast leaving to the Bungalow again.

“KUDUMBIGALA” - BUDDHIST MEDITATION CENTER

On the way stop at “Kudumbigala” an ancient Buddhist meditation center, covered over more than thousand of acres. There is a “Sthupa” positioned at the end of a 20 minutes climb, on top of a rugged rock. From there the panorama was filled with thick jungle, huge rocks springing from the green arms of Mother Nature and the blue waves of the surfing point that you experienced yesterday. Back at the Bungalow More surfing till the sunset.

Day 7 - Departure from Arugambay
Leaving to Colombo / Airport after early Breakfast.

- End of Programme -