Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This holiday idea covers the sites of the cultural triangle as well as some amazing beaches near Trincommalee and the central hills near Kithugalla.

Highlights include:

• Admire the 'Gathering of the elephants' in Minneriya National Park. 
• Discover the real cultural triangle with our unique experiences without ever feeling 'templed out'. 
• Enjoy the hills and the tea, without too much travel. 

The weather is perfect for this holiday during the months of May to July, when the rest of the country is being hit by the south western monsoon. While the beaches in the south and west coasts are hit by frequent rain and rough seas during this time, Trincomalee is generally bathed in sunshine, with great snorkelling and diving opportunities in the calm seas just off shore. The weather remains great for this tour right through to October.  

It’s however not just about the beach. We’ve included a few days of site-seeing in Sri Lanka’s famous cultural triangle. You will be able to take in Sigirya and Polonaruwa, before embarking on an elephant safari to see the famous ‘gathering of the elephants' which takes place from July to September.

- International and Domestic flights

- Superior & Boutique Level Accommodation. 

- Breakfast and dinner and other meals as stated.

- Chauffeur Guide - driving/ mileage/fees /living allowance. 

- Quality vehicles with air con.

Note that the price might be higher during peak travel dates such as UK school holidays. Please call us for exact details.

Day 1 depart the uk

Depart London Heathrow for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Day 2 & 3 gampaha

Arrive in Colombo, meet your guide and be driven to Casa Helaconia. A hidden gem situated within five acres of lush plantation close to both Colombo and the airport, Casa Helaconia feels a world away yet is ideally located for the first night of your tour.

Days 4 - 6  tea country & kandy

Transfer by car into the jungle clad lower hills to your next hotel, the Rosyth Estate House. The colour and vibrancy of these lower hills is astonishing after the drier east coast region and the contrast is striking. Explore the surrounding tea plantations, go for long walks and take a day trip into Kandy to see the famous Temple of the Tooth and the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.  

Days 7 - 9 the cultural triangle

Your private car and chauffeur-guide will arrive today to begin your tour of the cultural triangle. Your guide will transfer you to your hotel for the next few days. It will be located in the heart of the cultural triangle.

Spend the next few days exploring the cultural sights of Sigiriya, Pollonaruwa and Dambulla, as well as heading out on an elephant safari into Minneriya National Park to see 'The Gathering', when hundreds of Sri Lankan elephants come together beside the Minneriya Tank to breed and catch up on all the gossip.

Days 10 - 14   trincomalee, the east coast

After checking into Jungle Beach, head out for a tour of Trincomalee town, the market and the old Fort. Over the next few days you might choose to enjoy the beach, though there are plenty of interesting excursions to do if you feel like it. Please request if you would liketransport for these excursions.   

Day 15 negombo

Fly from the east coast back to Negombo where you will enjoy your final night at the charming Wallawa hotel. 

Day 16 depart sri lanka

Depart early for the airport and your onwards flight home.