Road Trip along the Untouched East-Coast of Sri Lanka Road Trip along the Untouched East-Coast of Sri Lanka

Road Trip along the Untouched East-Coast of Sri Lanka

Looking for a super unique and completely off-the-beaten-path experience in Sri Lanka? Explore the untouched east coast of Sri Lanka! Since the civil war ended many years ago, the full east coast has opened its door to tourism. Places like Trincomalee, Nilaveli, and Pasikuda have gone through some huge developments. Self-drive through Sri Lanka and have a whole new experience in the country.

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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Road Trip along the Untouched East-Coast of Sri Lanka

Take your time to pull over and see wild animals like monkeys, buffalos, and many more. Spend the night at Pasikudah Beach or Batticaloa. Click here to see all hotels in Pasikuda.

road trip east coast sri lanka city

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.

road trip east coast sri lanka jeep sunset

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.

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 ebook
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.

road trip east coast sri lanka jeep
22/08/2023 https://www.saltinourhair.com/sri-lanka/road-trip-east-coast-sri-lanka/
Blog comments (19)

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  • Jodie

    Hi, when did you go? Did you experience any trouble with getting fuel along thr route due to recent fuel shortages?

    • Salt in our Hair

      Hi Jodie, we were in Sri Lanka before the fuel shortages, so can’t give any insight there, sorry. However, we’ve heard things are starting to get better in the last few months 🤞

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