Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pottuvil Lagoon
LAGOON
The mangroves, islands and waterways of Pottuvil Lagoon are a rich ecosystem teeming
with giant monitor lizards, crocodiles, kingfishers, the occasional elephant (who does not
like to be disturbed), eagles, peacocks, egrets and monkeys. Birdlife includes spoonbills,
stilts, several kinds of kingfisher, sea eagles, pelicans and herons. Seeing them as you
cruise along on a two-hour
mangrove ecotour
(per 4-person boat Rs 2500; 6am & 4pm)
,
with only the sounds of the fisherman's pole in the water and animals in the trees, is both
exciting and serene.
The tours were designed to help conserve the mangrove forests and support local fish-
ers: they fund a community-managed credit bank, which provides low-interest loans to
locals. You can arrange a tour through most hotels in Arugam Bay, but if you can manage
the language barrier (most boat conductors do not speak English), it's best for the fishers if
you organise with them directly. Their
Hidiyapuram Fishermen's Cooperative Soci-
has an office on the south side of the lagoon; call and reserve as best you can, and
someone will meet you there. A three-wheeler from Arugam Bay costs Rs 800 return.
Mudu Maha Vihara
RUIN
Hidden away in Pottuvil's backstreets are the ancient ruins of Mudu Maha Vihara. This
lovely little site, partly submerged in the encroaching sand dunes, features a fine 3m-high
standing Buddha statue flanked by two bodhisattva figures. The
beach
just behind is wide,
beautiful and undeveloped, but not safe for swimming.
Pottuvil Point
SURFING
About 2km past the
Cooperative Society's office
, at the end of a scenic peninsula-like
stretch of sand, is beautiful Pottuvil Point, which is a slow right-hander ideal for learners.
There's a very rustic
restaurant
(mains Rs 200 to 350) here and the very luxurious Kot-
tukal Beach House. Pottuvil Point is Rs 800 return by three-wheeler from Arugam Bay.
Getting There & Away
Three-wheelers to Arugam Bay cost Rs 200.
