Kudakalliya, Arugum Bay

Kudakalliya sits on the bay south of Arugambay, at the edge of Kudakalliya village. It has the beach in front and a river with an island, a jungle and paddy fields at the back. You are in the wilderness here, there is usually not a soul on the miles of beach, but you may spot wild elephants on the island or near the lagoon. The popular surf point, Elephant Rock, is about a 20 minutes walk away along the beach.

The house is as eco-friendly as possible, with termite mud-covered walls, illuk-thatched roof and freshwater drawn from its well. The ground floors are polished cement while there are wooden floors upstairs. Electricity has been provided recently, so there are both fridge and fans for the still days and nights. There are solar panels as well for back-up. Handcrafted wooden furniture, antique boat lamps and cushions covered with handloom fabrics complete the essentials. It can sleep up to eight people. On the upper floor, there are two double bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms and showers. A further 4 beds are on the covered veranda, with drop-down bamboo blinds all around. There are two additional toilets, and a double shower area on the ground floor and an open-air shower in the garden. A large sundeck provides undisturbed sunbathing by day. By night it is the perfect viewpoint for sunsets, moonrises and stargazing.

A large open dining area is situated on the ground floor. There are two staff on the premises who will cook meals to your requirements in the separate main kitchen. Another fully equipped kitchen is there for guests who want to cook their own food. Meals depend primarily on what is available on the market, fish and seafood depending on the catch of the day, fruits and vegetables in limited varieties.

Around the bungalow, there is much to see and do. Long walks on the beach to both Ulla bay or Elephant Rock and beyond are a lovely way to while away the days. There are excellent swimming and surfing spots near Elephant rock and in Ulla bay. Boat rides, dolphin watching, fishing trips can be arranged. Outings to Okanda Hindu temple and Kudimbigala Jungle Hermitage can be organised through the helpful staff at the bungalow.

Safaris to Kumana bird sanctuary (part of Yala National Park): great for bird watching, spotting of wild boar, deer, elephants, wild buffalo, crocodile and even leopard if you are lucky. Lahugala National Park is also situated in this area and is famous for its big herds of elephants. There are also numerous ancient temples in the area which have not been crowded with tourists yet as hardly anyone knows them, and the staff will be happy to take you there.

Arugam Bay itself is one of the world's greatest surf points. Surfing is best here between May and September.