Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay runs on the opposite monsoon to the west and south coasts, so it's the place to go from May to September when the rest of the island can be wet. It's Sri Lanka's best-known surf town, built around a famous point break, with a handful of other breaks nearby for different levels. Away from the water, there's a lagoon safari for crocodiles and birdlife, and the old beachside ruins at Muhudu Maha Vihara. It's a laid-back place — beachfront cafes, surf shops, and not much else, which is the appeal.