Day 21 – Arugam Bay to Weliweriya

From Arugam Bay to Weliweriya

Today we left Surf & Sand Hotel early in the morning at 5.01am to the empty streets of Arugam Bay. We finally saw a three wheeler (tuk tuk), but he didn’t stop for us. Luckily the 2nd three wheeler stopped and gave us a 10 minute ride down to Pottuvil. At the bus terminal we had an early breakfast of Sri Lankan pancakes and tea.

We were told that the bus to Moneragala was leaving at 5.45am. Since we stuck out like a sore thumb with our massive backpacks a three wheel driver also offered to take us for 2,200 LKR / $17.09 AUD. We politely refused. The bus came at 5.30am and we paid only 280 LKR / $2.18 AUD for 2 people! So cheap. The bus left at 5.48am.

Just two minutes in and the countryside was dotted with peacocks grazing in the fields. And then a little later there was a convoy of cars stopped on the road, as a large elephant was crossing the road. The bus driver fearlessly drove past.

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The wildlife experience within 30 minutes was cooler and unexpected than any national park…and definitely cheaper. However, as the the bus hit the school time rush it became packed.

We arrived at Moneragala at 7.45am and hopped onto the awaiting bus bound for Colombo and paid 800 LKR / $6.21 AUD for 2 people. The bus left at 7.47am. Either highly synchronised or we were super lucky.

There was one rest stop along the way until we reached Colombo Fort / Kottuwa around 3.30pm. We called a three wheeler using the Pick Me App which took us the rest of the way home. The hour ride cost us 839 LKR / $6.51 AUD and we were back home at 5.04pm.

From east coast to west coast (roughly 368km) for 2,159 LKR / $16.74 AUD for two people. Not bad at all, however, it did take 12 hours in total and 2 buses and 2 three wheelers. Long day on the roads of Sri Lanka.