Road Trip along the Untouched East-Coast of Sri Lanka

Road Trip East Sri Lanka

The best way is to rent a Jeep and drive 250 kilometers along the coast split over two days. This is an incredible way to stop and drive where ever you would like, met super friendly locals who barely see tourists and maybe spot some elephants while driving.

Day 1: Sri Lanka Road Trip

Rent a Jeep and start your trip from Trincomalee. Driving on the East Coast of Sri Lanka is quite easy; the roads are good, enough gas stations, and traveling at a slow pace.

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Day 2: Incredible ride to Arugam Bay

Day two is the most beautiful part of the trip. During this 4-hour drive, you will pass national parks, rice fields, beautiful palm landscapes, and untouched beaches. The route will end in Arugam Bay. This is the hotspot on the Sri Lankan east coast.

Near Arugam Bay, there is a chance to spot wild elephants on the side of the road. Do leave them alone, drive, keep a distance, and admire their beauty.

Our favorite hotels in Arugam Bay 😴

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Cozy Bay

Arugam Bay

Stardust Hotel

Arugam Bay

Atteriya CHILL

Arugam Bay

See available hotels in

Arugam Bay

Check available hotels

Check available hostels

During the two days of driving, there will be enough gas stations and supermarkets to recharge. Fuel prices are as low as the price of water :-)

Jeep Rental Sri Lanka

Rent a Jeep via Sri Lanka Jeep Tours for just $40 a day (minimum rental 7 days). Have all the freedom to stop whenever while driving by yourself.

The route can also be done by Tuk Tuk or rental car, but you can’t go offroad with them, and a Jeep is way cooler, right?

Sri Lanka on the go. Never miss a spot! From planning to exploring and everything in between – this is your pocket guide to Sri Lanka! Grab your ebook here

Drivers License Sri Lanka

You need an International driver’s license in Sri Lanka to be able to drive a car. We were told you also need to get an additional license from an office in Colombo. Though, the police checked our papers multiple times without any trouble.