Arugam Bay
This ungainly-looking, rickety roadside party HQ creaks with action almost around the clock. It hosts a slew of party nights, with everything from tech-house DJs to local reggae bands rocking the dance floor. Expect to make new friends amid the rollicking atmosphere. Should you need it, there's a short menu of Thai-flavoured dishes.
Look for the classic British phone box outside.
14 MILES
This 357-sq-km park, once known as Yala East, is much less frequently visited than its busy neighbour, Yala National Park. Consequently, it's a far less…
0.24 MILES
This long crescent of sand, partially shaded by coconut palms, is as good a reason as any to visit Arugam Bay. In season, its appeal to surfers is obvious…
6.86 MILES
About 12km west of Pottuvil lies this evocative 5th-century ruin, set in a peaceful forested spot. Probably built by King Dhatusena (r 459–77), the site…
13.11 MILES
The superb 47-sq-km site of Kudumbigala Forest Hermitage is a marvellous jumble of forgotten Sigiriya-style outcrops set in dense jungle. Over 200 shrines…
13.73 MILES
Though relatively small, the main temple here has a colourful gopuram (gateway tower) and is a major point on the Pada Yatra pilgrimage to Kataragama…
1.99 MILES
Out near the ocean east of the centre are the ancient ruins of Mudu Maha Vihara. This moody little site, partly submerged in the encroaching sand dunes,…
6.07 MILES
Off the A4 between the 308km and 309km posts is Kotawehera, the ruined remains of an ancient brick stupa, which enjoys a magnificent situation upon a…
0.24 MILES
This long crescent of sand, partially shaded by coconut palms, is as good a reason as any to visit Arugam Bay. In season, its appeal to surfers is obvious…
1.77 MILES
This small neighbourhood mosque takes its name from its traditional colours. Pottuvil is a largely Muslim town.
1.99 MILES
Out near the ocean east of the centre are the ancient ruins of Mudu Maha Vihara. This moody little site, partly submerged in the encroaching sand dunes,…
2.61 MILES
A small church near the roundabout where the A4 highway makes the sharp turn between its route west and north.
6.07 MILES
Off the A4 between the 308km and 309km posts is Kotawehera, the ruined remains of an ancient brick stupa, which enjoys a magnificent situation upon a…