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Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast

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Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast
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      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
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Experience Travel Group

Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast

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This Sri Lanka highlights itinerary explores the classic sights but is structured to incorporate a beach stay on the east, rather than the south coast. The weather on the east differs from the rest of the island and is the best place for sunshine in the summer months.  The east also offers some of Sri Lanka's calmest waters with excellent snorkelling and diving available offshore.

As always, this suggested holiday includes our exclusive local experiences and tried and tested boutique hotels.

Highlights Include:

  • Stay on the edge of the scenic Knuckles mountain range and discover the fascinating tea growing process with your local guide
  • Spend four days completely unwinding on some of the island's best beaches
  • Head out on safari in Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest national park, which is a lot more peaceful and less crowded than other parks in the country
  • The services of our in-country support team and expertly trained guide on hand at all times

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday, fill in the form below.

DAY 1  DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo.

DAYS 2 & 3 THE NOTARY’S HOUSE    

Meet your local chauffeur-guide on arrival at Colombo Airport before being transferred to your boutique hotel where you will be for a two-night stay. Spend your first full day relaxing here amidst the tropical gardens and a coconut grove.

DAYS 4 - 6  HILL COUNTRY   

You will be transferred into the scenic hill country today by your chauffeur-guide where you will stay on the edge of the Knuckles mountain range for three nights. Spend a day with your guide exploring the beautiful tea fields, learning how tea is are grown, picked and processed. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the pickers and perhaps even carry one of the tea baskets. On your second day, take a guided walk or cycle ride through the local villages.

DAYS 7 - 9  CULTURAL TRIANGLE  

Spend time with your guide discovering the best sights in the Cultural Triangle, such as the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. There is also an opportunity to experience rural life in the area as you travel around the scenic countryside on local transport (tuk-tuk, bike, on foot or even a tractor). With your guide, you’ll learn firsthand about the history of the area and the life and work of villagers.  

DAYS 10 - 14 EAST COAST  BEACH & RELAXATION

It’s time for some relaxation on the east coast beaches. Here you’ll have a five-night stay at a lovely beach resort; time to fully unwind in beautiful surroundings.

DAYS 15 & 16 WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK  SAFARI ADVENTURE

Your driver will transport you west to Wilpattu National Park, one of the most important conservation areas in the country. During your two-night stay, you’ll enjoy a full day in the park for an authentic wilderness adventure, keeping watch for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and an array of beautiful birdlife. Wilpattu is a lot less busy than other parks in the country, making for a much more peaceful location to venture out on safari without the tourist crowds.

DAYS 17 & 18 COLOMBO   

Spend your last two days in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital and home to a delicious array of street foods, brilliant shopping opportunities and fascinating history. Weave through the busy, commercial area of Kotahena on a tuk-tuk tour, where you’ll discover remnants of its colonial past. Take to the streets on foot with your guide as they open up the cultural heart of the city to you, giving you a real insight into the influences, traditions and cultures that have shaped the city over the centuries.

DAY 19 FLY HOME

Your driver will drop you at Colombo airport to depart on your flight back to the UK.


As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week tip-inclusive holidays start from roughly £4,000 per adult. We offer substantial child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Aliya Resort & Spa

Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya

A spacious and modern resort with views of Sigiriya Rock and a great swimming pool and spa.

Ashburnham Estate

Ashburnham Estate, Elkaduwa

Set in the midst of a working tea plantation on the edge of the Knuckles mountain range.

Lake Lodge

Lake Lodge, Colombo

Next to the Beira Lake in Colombo's city centre, Lake Lodge is easily the best value hotel in the area.

Nilaveli Beach Resort

Nilaveli Beach Resort, Trincomalee

Cosy wooden beach huts set right on the sand facing a pristine stretch of beach with a laid-back atmosphere.

The Ibis

The Ibis, Wilpattu

A small property situated on the outskirts of Wilpattu National Park with lovely gardens and friendly staff.

The Notary's House

The Notary's House, Pannala

A charming six-bedroom hotel set amidst manicured gardens, offering a calm and serene space to relax into your Sri Lankan holiday.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park, Sigiriya

Jeep safari for elephant spotting around Minneriya Lake and surrounding National Park

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka's third ancient captal, home to some of the finest stone carvings and monuments

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya

One of the unofficial wonders of the world - a spectacular, must-visit ancient site full of mystery and intrigue

Tea Factory Visit

Tea Factory Visit, Nuwara Eliya

See the inner-workings of a tea factory and follow the process from plucking the bud to brewing a cup

Temple of the Sacred Tooth

Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Kandy

Former royal palace turned temple - home to Sri Lanka's most sacred religious relic

Upgrade to one of Sri Lanka's best hotels: Ulugalla in the cultural triangle. This stylish boutique hotel is an oasis of calm to return to after some full on site-seeing. 

Ulagalla Resort

Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura

Contemporary style amidst a huge forest landscape - Ulagalla is one of the few truly boutique hotels in the 'Cultural Triangle'

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast '

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

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Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Why choose Sri Lanka
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Regions of Sri Lanka
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The South Coast
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
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    • The Revitalise Collection
    • Immersive Escapes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family Travel
      • Holiday Inspiration by Theme
      • Where to go when
  • Inspiration
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    • Travel Soon
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