Pottuvil
The gateway town to Arugam Bay — mangrove lagoons, elephant sightings and the ancient Muhudu Maha Viharaya.
About Pottuvil
Pottuvil is the working fishing town just north of Arugam Bay, where the east coast surf scene meets an ancient beachfront temple and a wildlife-rich mangrove lagoon. Sunrise elephant sightings around the lagoon are the town's little-known secret.
Top experiences
- Pottuvil Lagoon safari
Sunrise paddle through mangroves to spot wild elephants, crocodiles and eagles.
Muhudu Maha ViharayaA 2nd-century BC beachfront temple linked to the legendary Princess Viharamahadevi.
Elephant sightings at duskWild elephants regularly cross the road between the lagoon and Lahugala at dusk.
Things to do
Snorkelling at Pigeon Island
Reef sharks, turtles and coral gardens in a marine sanctuary.
Surfing at Arugam Bay's Main Point
World-class right-hand point break, mellow beach breaks nearby.
Whale watching from Trincomalee
Seasonal blue whale and dolphin encounters off the east coast.
Beach horseback ride
Long empty beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli at sunrise.
Attractions nearby
Koneswaram Temple
Cliff-top Hindu temple with sea views on Trincomalee's Swami Rock.
Fort Frederick
Colonial-era Portuguese and Dutch fort overlooking Trinco harbour.
Nilaveli & Uppuveli beaches
Long stretches of white sand fringing turquoise waters.
Pigeon Island National Park
Offshore marine sanctuary with vibrant coral reefs and reef sharks.
Pottuvil in pictures
