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 , 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 fishers: 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 Society 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.
