Sometimes hard to find and with elephants blocking your path, this hike is sure to be an adventure. Elephant Rock in Arugam Bay is the perfect sunset or sunrise spot to relax, enjoy the view of grazing buffalo and perhaps spot a wild elephant.
If you’re visiting one of our favourite Sri Lankan towns with epic surf, insane wildlife and delicious food you should also add climbing elephant rock beach to your list. A quick pit stop on the way to or from Peanut Farm Beach, we think this mini hike is worth the detour.
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Where Is Elephant Rock Arugam Bay?
South of Arugam Bay Town around a 5 minute drive you will find the entrance down to the rock. Elephant Rock and Elephant Rock Beach is tricky to find as it is nestled down dirt tracks surrounded by military bases. Our blog will talk you through exactly how to get there and what to expect. The total drive will take you around 15 to 20 minutes.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
How To Get To Elephant Rock?
We struggled to find the parking initially but we share the exact route you need to take below. The easiest way to reach Elephant Rock is via scooter or tuk tuk. You can hire a tuk tuk taxi driver who will know exactly where to go or head off on your own adventure in a rental.
Directions:
- Head south out of Arugam Bay Town, away from Pottuvil
- Turn left off the main road when you see a sign for the special task force entrance. There was also a small Elephant Rock Sign Here
- Keep left and follow the dirt track until you see a sign for the air force, take this right turning. (You can also go straight (red line on the map) but the road is hard to get past in a tuk tuk)
- Follow the track and before the air base turn left, this should bring you to a small lake
- Follow the lake around (this doesn’t look like a road)
- At the end of the lake you should pull into a small, Sandy parking area
- Walk towards the beach and you will find Elephant Rock
If those directions sound confusing don’t worry, there’s multiple different routes you can take but in the end you should find the beach, any local will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Pottuvil is the much more local town just nextdoor to Arugam Bay, why not try the amazing Pottuvil Lagoon Safari to see crocs, elephants and more!
About Elephant Rock Arugam Bay
The rock is situated in-between the sea and a lagoon which makes a great lookout point to try and spot dolphins, elephants, crocodiles as well as get an uninterrupted view of Sri Lanka’s coastline. Unlike the south this coast feels wild and untouched, another reason we absolutely love Arugam Bay.
From the bottom of the rock head round towards the lagoon, this is the easiest place to start the climb. When we visited, two police officers were on watch at a checkpoint at the base of the rock. The climb is very short, perhaps ten minutes but you’ll want to visit in the morning or evening to miss the blistering midday sun.
These Sri Lankan Cooking Classes will teach you how to make Rice & Curry!
The first part of the walk looks over towards Arugam Bay town and over crocodile rock, half way up you’ll reach a statue of Buddha and from here it’s a short climb across the rock to the top. The rock has a path for you to follow and we managed it easily in flip flops, Kate actually went barefoot.
The top of the rock is a great vantage point to try and spot any elephants that may be lurking nearby. Although we didn’t see any from the top, on our way around the lake we drove past a huge male elephant around 15 meters away!
Elephant Rock Beach and Surf Spot
You will also find Elephant Rock Beach at the base of the climb. Golden sand stretches far along the coastline and in high season you’ll find a good surfing spot here. The spot is normally less crowded due to the off-road access making it a great place to come, especially if you have your own tuk tuk.
The surf spot on Elephant Rock Beach is perfect for beginners with long gentle waves. Read more here: In-depth guide on Arugam Bay’s Surf Spots.
Top Things To Do Arugam Bay Map
Elephant Rock Common Questions
Final Thoughts on Elephant Rock, Arugam Bay Sri Lanka
Elephant Rock is a great short climb to get views over lagoons, the ocean and stretching golden sand. With the potential to spot wild elephants and a great sunset point this is not to be missed during your stay at Arugam Bay. Although the drive is a little off the beaten track and you may get lost on the way we think that’s part of the adventure!
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Essential Items for Sri Lanka
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
The week sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high DEET percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes.
Water Shoes – Lightweight with Protection
Stay protected from sea urchins with these shoes. Also useful for trekking to waterfalls and snorkelling. We also love our microfibre towel and dry bag.
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
