01
Arugam Bay and surf coast
The district contains Sri Lanka's best-known east-coast surf base and several nearby breaks.
Eastern Province
Explore Ampara District
Ampara District brings together Arugam Bay's surf scene, Pottuvil lagoons, dry-zone wildlife and long stretches of Sri Lanka's south-east coast.
37
places
8
towns
6
experiences
Destination guide
Why visit Ampara District?
Ampara District is one of Sri Lanka's most varied east-coast travel regions. Pottuvil and Arugam Bay attract surfers, while lagoons, protected areas and temples reward travellers who explore beyond the beach.
The district works best with a flexible road-based itinerary because many of its strongest experiences are spread out.
When to go
May to September for the main surf and beach season
Conditions on the east coast are generally more settled in these months, while wildlife and lagoon experiences vary through the year.
District highlights
What makes Ampara special
02
Lagoons and wildlife
Pottuvil-side lagoons and protected dry-zone landscapes add birding and wildlife experiences.
03
Rural south-east
Temple routes, farming country and smaller towns contrast strongly with the surf scene.
Choose your travel style
Explore by experience
Start exploring
Popular places in Ampara District
BeachesArugam Bay Beach
Pottuvil
Arugam Bay Beach is a beach in Pottuvil.
AttractionsBuddhangala Raja Maha Viharaya
Ampara
Buddhangala Raja Maha Viharaya is an attraction in Ampara.
AttractionsBuddhangala Temple
Ampara
Buddhangala Temple is an attraction in Ampara.
AttractionsChadayanthalawa
Ampara
Chadayanthalawa is an attraction in Ampara.
AttractionsChildren Park
Ampara
Children Park is an attraction in Ampara.
AttractionsCrocodile Rock
Ampara
Crocodile Rock is an attraction in Ampara.
Historical PlacesDeegavapi Maha Stupa
Ampara
Deegavapi Maha Stupa is a historical site in Ampara.
Historical PlacesDeeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya
Ampara
Deeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya is a historical site in Ampara.
AttractionsEastern Point Of Srilanka Post Box
Akkarepattu
Eastern Point Of Srilanka Post Box is an attraction in Akkarepattu.
AttractionsGreen Park
Ampara
Green Park is an attraction in Ampara.
AttractionsHimidurawa Bund / Mini Waterfall
Ampara
Himidurawa Bund / Mini Waterfall is an attraction in Ampara.
WaterfallsHimidurawa Mini Waterfal
Ampara
Himidurawa Mini Waterfal is a waterfall in Ampara.
Find your base
Browse towns in Ampara District
Build an itinerary
Trip ideas for Ampara District
1 Day
Arugam Bay base
Surf, beach and explore nearby Pottuvil-side scenery.
2 Days
Surf and lagoon
Add a lagoon or wildlife-focused morning.
3 Days
Ampara explorer
Include an inland temple, rural or protected-area route.
Getting there & around
Road travel is the main way to reach Arugam Bay and much of Ampara District; long-distance buses connect major towns.
A scooter, tuk-tuk or driver can be useful locally, but road safety and distances should be considered carefully.
Local travel tips
- Check surf conditions and use experienced local instructors if learning.
- Wildlife areas should be visited with responsible operators.
- Expect long road distances between coastal and inland attractions.
- Carry cash because smaller towns may have limited card facilities.
Plan with confidence
Frequently asked questions
Is Arugam Bay in Ampara District?
Yes. Arugam Bay is one of the district's main visitor bases.
What else is there besides surfing?
Lagoons, wildlife, temples, beaches and dry-zone countryside.
How many days do I need?
Three or more days works well if you want both surfing and wider district exploration.
Explore Other Districts
Planning a trip to Ampara District?
Build a day-by-day itinerary or get a realistic budget before you go, both take less than a minute.
Explore Sri Lanka by Province
Move from island-wide discovery into regional guides, districts, towns and individual places.