Arugambay

MAGUL MAHA VIHARA
            Between Buttala and Pottuvil and situated at Lahugala, famous for large herds of elephants even during the day, is the ancient Magul Maha Vihara built by King Dathusena between 516 -526 BC. Later, Vihara Maha Devi wife of the Parakrama brothers renovated the jungle covered shrine and installed one 

of the most exquisite moonstone carvings in Sri Lanka. The above information was found in a rock inscription dating back to the 14th century AD. You will be amazed by the extent of the ruins and their exquisite design.
Arugam Bay is well known among the serious surfing community, but the perfect wave is only one of its attractions. Dolphin pods, beloved of the local fisherman, often play in the bay, and the surrounding country is thick with wildlife, birds and extensive monastic ruins. Sastharvila, Kudumbigala, Muhudu Maha Vihara and

 Tarulengala are ancient Buddhist ruins in the vicinity dating back from the timeless past. Nearby Okanda, an important (though isolated) Hindu shrine, is on the pilgrim route from Jaffna in the north to Kataragama. Okanda is also the gateway to famous Kumana Villu, where water birds nest, and the Yala east national park with miles of unexplored golden beaches.