Sri Lanka & The East Coast
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Sri Lanka & The East Coast
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Sri Lanka & The East Coast

An idea for your holiday

This itinerary explores some of the best wildlife and cultural sights of Sri Lanka and is structured carefully to incorporate a beach stay on the east (rather than the usual 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:

  • Spend four days completely unwinding on some of the island's best beaches, much less-visited than the south coast.
  • 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
  • Discover the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history.
  • Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and marvel at its panoramic views and ancient frescoes.
  • Experience village life firsthand with immersive rural adventures via tuk-tuk, bike, and more.

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

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

  • International flights (if required)
  • Guides, drivers & their tips
  • Accommodation
  • Specified meals & snacks
  • Your immersive experiences
  • Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

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 & 5 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 6 - 10 Ancient capital and the EAST COAST  

Depart your hotel on the outskirts of Wilpattu. En route to the east coast, you skirt across the northern tip of the Cultural Triangle. The journey takes you past Anuradhapura, where you can stop to explore the ancient capital. Anuradhapura is an important and interesting cultural site and a neat place to break up the journey. After lunch, continue onwards to the east coast, arriving in the early afternoon. Here, you’ll have a five-night stay at a lovely beach resort and time to fully unwind in beautiful surroundings, spend your days on the beach, and take a boat ride to the nearby lagoon. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments surrounded by the sound of the jungle, or enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine at the resort’s beachfront restaurant.

DAYS 11 - 13  CULTURAL TRIANGLE  

Travel from Jungle Beach south back into the Cultural Triangle, heading towards your hotel near Sigiriya Rock. Spend time with your guide discovering the best sights in the area, such as the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You will also have the 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 area’s history and the life and work of villagers.  

DAYS 14 & 15 kandy

Next, you’ll head south to Kandy. Here, you’ll go on a guided walk through the city, which is an opportunity to learn about its history, see the sights, and experience its food culture. From fresh fruits in the market to tempting roadside snacks and baked goods, there is a range of treats to tuck into.

DAY 16 FLY HOME

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

 

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Every holiday we create is unique. One of our team can talk you through your options...

Hotels & Villas
featured above

Roo Mansala

Roo Mansala, Sigiriya

A small, boutique hotel in the Cultural Triangle with spacious rooms, fantastic views, and an ideal location for visiting the nearby sights.

Thamaravila

Thamaravila, Wilpattu

A private and peaceful hideaway with just five chalets spread over 9 acres of land, a 10-minute drive from Wilpattu National Park.

The Notary's House

The Notary's House, Pannala

A charming, calming six-bedroom lake-side hotel. Manicured gardens, coconut groves, headspace. The perfect place to ease into Sri Lanka

Uga Jungle Beach

Uga Jungle Beach, Trincomalee

Exotic beach-side resort near Trincomalee, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of Sri Lanka's east coast.

Villa Rosa

Villa Rosa, Kandy

A villa style, boutique hotel; offering personal comforts, great food and the finest views of any hotel in Kandy

Experiences & Activities
featured above

Anuradhapura Ancient City

Anuradhapura Ancient City, Anuradhapura

The ancient city of Anuradhapura points to a civilisation of great sophistication over 2000 years old.

Climbing Sigiriya and Cycling Tour

Climbing Sigiriya and Cycling Tour, Sigiriya

Conquer the mighty rock fortress and cycle through its shadow

Contrasts of Kandy

Contrasts of Kandy, Kandy

Explore the rich history of Kandy, including the Royal Botanical Garden and Queen's Hotel.

Dambulla Cave Temples

Dambulla Cave Temples, Dambulla

Beautiful and decorative cave temples hidden into rocks and ccaves at Dambulla

Kayaking and Elephant Watching in Kalawewa National Park

Kayaking and Elephant Watching in Kalawewa National Park, Anuradhapura

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Polonnaruwa

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

Sigiriya and Village Farm experience

Sigiriya and Village Farm experience, Sigiriya

Visit local farms and learn firsthand about the life and work of the villagers, enjoy a home-cooked lunch and visit the stunning Sigiriya rock fortress

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

Wilpattu National Park Safari

Wilpattu National Park Safari, Wilpattu

Take a trip to Sri Lanka's largest National Park and immerse yourself in the wilderness.

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Every ETG journey is unique.
Let us inspire you
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Your next adventure starts with a conversation...

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