The East - Sri Lanka - page 538

though there are also cabanas and an Arabian-style tent. The restaurant offers good grub
(meals Rs 400 to 900) and it's a good place to hook up with others for a safari.
Also offers board rental.
Galaxy Beach CABANA
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 224 8415; www.galaxysrilanka.com ;cabanas Rs 3000-4000; )
A sociable place where many of the spacious cabanas are raised on stilts and hammocks
abound between the shoreside trees. Galaxy has charm and ambience: its posher cabanas
are attractive, but budget options are bare and the worn bedding needs replacing. Still, the
beachfront location is superb, and the topic exchange, board games and regular barbecues
are bonuses.
Happy Panda Homestay & Very Small Café GUESTHOUSE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 077 299 0779; www.happypandahotel.com ;r Rs 2200; )
Tiny place 50m from the beach with three simple, clean, arty rooms and a very inviting
porch-lounge area, complete with hammocks. Happy Panda is also famous for its break-
fasts (Rs 400 to 500): the French toast and tropical fruit salad with local curd both rock.
Tropicana Beach Hotel GUESTHOUSE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 077 127 2677; [e-mail] ;tw Rs 1800)
It's right on the road but the aquamarine cottages are simple and cute. Rooms only have
table fans, but the grounds boast blooming flowers and parakeets are commonly seen. The
nice couple who run Tropicana will involve you in family life.
Sandy Beach Hotel HOTEL
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 224 8403; www.arugambay-hotel.com ;s/d Rs 7500/8000; )
This fine new beachside hotel has 13 rooms - all beautifully presented, immaculately
clean and most boasting minibars, desks and very attractive furniture - and one simpler A-
frame cabana. Owner Mr Badur Khan is totally charming, an educated and well-travelled
gentleman who goes the extra mile to ensure your stay is comfortable and loves chatting
with his guests.