Friday, September 12, 2008

Arugam bay

A seven hour drive from Colombo to south east, approximately 220 km, take you to the famous surfing bay of Arugam which is located remote south east part of Sri Lanka close to pottuvil, a famous tourists destination . The pottuvil town, a 4km drive for the bay, is closest town center with majority muslism living in the area. Arugam bay is surrounded by a thick band of jungle about 70 km wide, roaming with wild elephants , tigers and birds , making it a paradise for tourism. Among those jungles are Lahugala National Park which is about 10 miles inland abounded with birdlife migrates to its wetlands and the huge Yala National Park which starts about 20 miles to the south. Arugam Bay is also the gateway and only access to the Yala East National Park.

On an average day, a wave can stretch as long as 150-300 meters and in a perfect day it could expand up to 500 meters. There are three break points surrounding the arugam bay "The Point", "Pottuvil Point" and "Crocodile Rock".

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Cool Surfing Shots

Arugam Bay - World Best Surfing destination

Arugam Bay was awarded the Highly Commended Best Destination award at the World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Awards Ceremony at Excel in Docklands, London on 14th November 14, 2007. Out of the thousands of nominations received, Costa Rica and New Forest were the other two nominees.

Arugam Bay is classed among the top ten surfing destinations in the world। The village itself is a delightful experience. There are no big hotels. The community has developed tourism by dint of their own hard work and imagination.Three star establishments rub shoulders with low-key stilt cabins and coconut palm leaf cabanas, and tourists share the beach with local fishermen.The wild and rugged scenery, elephants meandering at the edge of the village, abundant birdlife, and mysterious archaeological sites have made this a long-time favourite destination for travellers.The three ethnic groups - Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims, work and live in harmony. The population of 3,000 families is made up mostly of small family managed hotels/guest houses and restaurants.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Inspirational Sri Lankan Photography

This photographer is Agron Dragaj. A Kosovar born professional photographer who currently lives in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. He did humanitarian aid work in Sri Lanka during the Tsunami and constantly publishes his works in magazines like Daily News Sri Lanka, UNHCR publications and many more. He is also the founder of the photography agency The wideangle.

Punniyadi

Thambalagamam

Trincomalee

Trincomalee

Fieldof thirst

Kantale

School Girl- Kinniya

Out of Dark

Muhamalai

Nuwara Eliya

Arugambay

Colombo

Colombo

Habarana

Jaffna