Snapshot
Sri Lanka’s picturesque East Coast is enjoying a renaissance. The sun-kissed beaches and exotic marine. For a tropical holiday during the European spring and summer, Sri Lanka’s East Coast glistens with possibilities. Passikudah Bay has beaches to rival the Maldives; Arugam Bay possesses a marvellous chilled-out vibe, and Kumana and Gal Oya national parks have a serenity that will appeal to the traveller seeking to get off the beaten track. We have designed two days in the Cultural Triangle en route and, at the end of the tour, return west, depending on your preference either by Galle or Kandy. The best East Coast weather is from March to September, although out of season also has its rewards. Surfing season in Arugam Bay is from about June to August.
Our Opinion
Travelling is half the fun on this East Coast tour that puts great thought into how to make the journey to and from the East Coast particularly memorable
Don`t Miss
- Whale and dolphin-watching expedition off the East Coast
- Snorkelling, scuba diving and catamaran sailing in Pasikudah
- The 17C Dutch Fort, lagoons and waterways of Batticaloa
- Surfing in the laid-back beach settlement of Arugam Bay
- Jeep safari into Kumana National Park
- Ancient Buddhist rock sculptures of Maligavila
Package Includes
- Accommodation in a shared double / twin room
- Include water bottle when travelling
- Free Wi-Fi
- Chauffeur-guide and vehicle for the duration of the tour (including leisure days)
- Both airport transfers
- Expert advice and support prior to and during the tour
Terms & Conditions
- Price shown is a starting price and is subject to change, depending on travel dates / the number of people travelling etc.
- Price shown is based on two people sharing a double / twin room
- See our Booking Conditions for more details
Want to change this itinerary? That’s cool with us.
Tailor-made is what we do. Just let us know your ideas by email or phone and we’ll get right back.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of your 10 days Sri Lankan East Coast holiday tour itinerary
- Time Duration :
6 - 7 hours (private car or optional domestic flight to Trincomalee)
- Attractions :
Scenic drive through lush landscapes
- Activities :
Relax after the journey, explore the local area, sunset beach walk
- Accommodations :
- Luxury: Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes or Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
- Mid-Range: Pigeon Island Beach Resort
- Budget: Amaranthe Bay Resort
- Attractions :
Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick, Nilaveli Beach
- Activities :
Visit Koneswaram Temple, explore Fort Frederick, relax at Nilaveli Beach, snorkeling, or scuba diving at Pigeon Island
- Accommodations :
Same as Day 1
- Attractions :
Trincomalee Harbor, Pigeon Island National Park
- Activities :
Early morning dolphin and whale watching tour, snorkeling at Pigeon Island, seafood lunch on the beach
- Accommodations :
Same as Day 1
- Time Duration :
1.5-2 hours
- Attractions :
Scenic coastal route, Batticaloa Lagoon
- Activities :
Explore the Batticaloa Lighthouse and Dutch Fort, kayaking in the lagoon, check-in at a beach resort
- Accommodations :
- Luxury: Uga Bay or Anantaya Resort & Spa Passikudah
- Mid-Range: Amaya Beach Passikudah
- Budget: Sun Aqua Pasikudah
- Attractions :
Pasikuda Beach, Coral Reefs
- Activities :
Jet skiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling; private sunset cruise
- Accommodations :
Same as Day 4
- Attractions :
Kalkudah Beach, Local Villages
- Activities :
Beach day at Kalkudah, bike tour through local villages, couples’ spa treatment or beach yoga
4
- Accommodations :
Same as Day 4
- Time Duration :
3-4 hours
- Attractions :
Scenic coastal drive, Pottuvil Lagoon
- Activities :
Wildlife boat safari at Pottuvil Lagoon to see elephants, birds, and crocodiles, sunset at Arugam Bay
- Accommodations :
- Luxury: Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing or The Blue Wave Hotel
- Mid-Range: Bay Vista Hotel
- Budget: Surf & Sand Hotel
- Attractions :
Arugam Bay, Main Surf Point, Peanut Farm Beach
- Activities :
Surf lessons (ideal for beginners and pros), explore nearby beaches, beach BBQ, and bonfire
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
- Accommodations :
Same as Day 7
- Time Duration :
1-hour drive from Arugam Bay to Kumana
- Attractions :
Kumana National Park
- Activities :
Full-day wildlife safari focusing on birdwatching, elephants, leopards, and more; picnic lunch in the park
- Accommodations :
Same as Day 7
- Time Duration :
6-7 hours (optional domestic flight from Batticaloa)
- Attractions :
Optional Colombo city tour
- Activities :
Last-minute shopping, visit local markets and landmarks, private transfer to the airport
- Accommodations :
Luxury: Shangri-La Colombo (if staying overnight)
Mid-Range: Cinnamon Red Colombo
Budget: City Hotel Colombo 02
1. Accommodation Costs (Per-Person Options)
Luxury
Trincomalee (3 nights): Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes or Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Pasikuda (3 nights): Uga Bay or Anantaya Resort & Spa Passikudah
Arugam Bay (3 nights): Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing or The Blue Wave Hotel
Colombo (1 night): Shangri-La Colombo (optional stay if departing next day)
Mid-Range
Trincomalee (3 nights): Pigeon Island Beach Resort
Pasikuda (3 nights): Amaya Beach Passikudah
Arugam Bay (3 nights): Bay Vista Hotel
Colombo (1 night): Cinnamon Red Colombo
Budget
Trincomalee (3 nights): Amaranthe Bay Resort
Pasikuda (3 nights): Sun Aqua Pasikudah
Arugam Bay (3 nights): Surf & Sand Hotel
Colombo (1 night): City Hotel Colombo 02
2. Transportation Costs
Private Car with Driver
Optional Domestic Flight (Colombo to Trincomalee / Batticaloa to Colombo)
Airport Transfers
3. Activities and Excursions Costs
Entry Fees & Excursions (per person):
Trincomalee: Koneswaram Temple Entry
Fort Frederick: Free Entry
Pigeon Island Snorkeling
Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour
Batticaloa: Kayaking in Batticaloa Lagoon
Bentota: Water Sports Package (Jet Ski, Banana Boat, etc.)
Pasikuda: Jet Skiing, Windsurfing, Paddleboarding, and Snorkeling
Pottuvil Lagoon Safari
Kumana National Park Safari
4. Meals
Breakfasts: Typically included with hotel stays.
Lunches and Dinners
5. Miscellaneous Costs
Tips for Driver and Guides
Souvenirs and Snacks
Optional Add-Ons (Additional Cost per Person)
Yoga & Wellness Retreat
Scuba Diving Certification
Private Whale Watching Yacht Experience
Cultural Excursions
Helicopter Transfers
Total Cost Calculation (per person)
Final Cost per Person:
Luxury: $3,785
Mid-Range: $2,785
Budget: $1,985
These estimates cover accommodation, transportation, activities, meals, and miscellaneous expenses. Optional add-ons provide extra experiences and customization based on preferences. Let us know if you need additional breakdowns or any adjustments!
