Sri Lanka Highlights and East Coast Discovery
Journey through Sri Lanka’s most iconic landscapes on a route that blends heritage cities, wildlife rich parks, misty hill country and the sunlit shores of the east coast. This itinerary captures the island’s finest highlights from ancient kingdoms and lush tea gardens to coral islands and UNESCO treasures. With a balance of adventure, culture and seaside relaxation, this journey offers a complete and vibrant exploration of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Highlights and East Coast Discovery 10N and 11D
Duration
10 Nights / 11 Days
Theme
Landscape · Coastal· Adventure
Route
Negombo > Pinnawala > Sigiriya > Dambulla > Kandy > Nuwara Eliya> Ella > Yala > Mirissa > Katunayake
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Negombo and Overnight in Negombo
Arrive at the airport where your guide welcomes you before transferring to the coastal town of Negombo. Spend the evening relaxing by the beach or lagoon as you settle into island life. Overnight stay in Negombo.
Day 02: Transfer to Galle and Dutch Fort Exploration and Mirissa Sunset Photos and Transfer to Yala and Overnight in Yala
Travel south to Galle and explore the historic Dutch Fort with its cobblestone lanes and oceanfront ramparts. Continue to Mirissa for a picturesque sunset photo session by the golden shoreline. Travel onward to Yala and check in at your hotel for an evening of rest. Overnight stay in Yala.
Day 03: Yala Safari and Buduruwagala Visit and Transfer to Ella and Overnight in Ella
Begin the morning with an exciting safari through Yala National Park where elephants, leopards and a variety of wildlife roam. Continue toward Buduruwagala to see the ancient rock cut Buddhist statues that rise dramatically from the forest. Travel onward to Ella and enjoy a peaceful evening in the cool highland climate. Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 04: Scenic Train Journey and Nuwara Eliya Highlights and Transfer to Kandy and Overnight in Kandy
Board the scenic train from Ella toward Nuwara Eliya and enjoy panoramic views of mountains and tea covered valleys. Explore tea plantations, Gregory Lake and the charming colonial town before continuing to Kandy. In the evening visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic followed by a cultural dance performance. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 05: Kandy Market Visit and Dambulla Cave Temple and Transfer to Sigiriya and Overnight in Sigiriya
Stroll through the lively Kandy Market where fresh produce, spices and crafts fill the stalls. Travel onward to Dambulla and explore the UNESCO listed cave temple complex adorned with murals and statues. Continue to Sigiriya and enjoy an evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 06: Sigiriya Rock Fortress Climb and Polonnaruwa Tour and Overnight in Sigiriya
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning and explore its ancient ruins and breathtaking summit views. Later travel to Polonnaruwa and discover the medieval capital with its palaces, Buddha statues and sacred monuments. Return to Sigiriya where you may choose an optional village tour or a sunset photography session. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 07: Transfer to Trincomalee and East Coast Leisure and Overnight in Trincomalee
Travel to the east coast and check in at your beach hotel in Trincomalee. Spend the rest of the day relaxing along the tranquil shores of Nilaveli or Uppuveli. Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 08: Pigeon Island Snorkeling and Koneswaram Temple and Hot Springs and Overnight in Trincomalee
Take a boat trip to Pigeon Island Marine Park and snorkel among colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Visit Koneswaram Temple and the stunning Lover’s Leap viewpoint before continuing to the therapeutic Kanniya Hot Springs. Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 09: Optional Whale Watching and Transfer to Anuradhapura and Overnight in Anuradhapura
Start the morning with an optional seasonal whale watching excursion. Then travel toward Anuradhapura and explore the UNESCO World Heritage city filled with ancient stupas, monasteries and sacred sites that reveal centuries of Sri Lankan history. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Day 10: Transfer to Negombo and Leisure Afternoon and Overnight in Negombo
Return to Negombo and enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the beach or lagoon. An optional boat ride along the Dutch Canal may also be arranged. Overnight stay in Negombo.
Day 11: Leisure Morning and Departure
Spend a peaceful morning shopping or enjoying a final stroll along the beach before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Negombo and Overnight in Negombo
Arrive at the airport where your guide welcomes you before transferring to the coastal town of Negombo. Spend the evening relaxing by the beach or lagoon as you settle into island life. Overnight stay in Negombo.
Day 02: Transfer to Galle and Dutch Fort Exploration and Mirissa Sunset Photos and Transfer to Yala and Overnight in Yala
Travel south to Galle and explore the historic Dutch Fort with its cobblestone lanes and oceanfront ramparts. Continue to Mirissa for a picturesque sunset photo session by the golden shoreline. Travel onward to Yala and check in at your hotel for an evening of rest. Overnight stay in Yala.
Day 03: Yala Safari and Buduruwagala Visit and Transfer to Ella and Overnight in Ella
Begin the morning with an exciting safari through Yala National Park where elephants, leopards and a variety of wildlife roam. Continue toward Buduruwagala to see the ancient rock cut Buddhist statues that rise dramatically from the forest. Travel onward to Ella and enjoy a peaceful evening in the cool highland climate. Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 04: Scenic Train Journey and Nuwara Eliya Highlights and Transfer to Kandy and Overnight in Kandy
Board the scenic train from Ella toward Nuwara Eliya and enjoy panoramic views of mountains and tea covered valleys. Explore tea plantations, Gregory Lake and the charming colonial town before continuing to Kandy. In the evening visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic followed by a cultural dance performance. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 05: Kandy Market Visit and Dambulla Cave Temple and Transfer to Sigiriya and Overnight in Sigiriya
Stroll through the lively Kandy Market where fresh produce, spices and crafts fill the stalls. Travel onward to Dambulla and explore the UNESCO listed cave temple complex adorned with murals and statues. Continue to Sigiriya and enjoy an evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 06: Sigiriya Rock Fortress Climb and Polonnaruwa Tour and Overnight in Sigiriya
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning and explore its ancient ruins and breathtaking summit views. Later travel to Polonnaruwa and discover the medieval capital with its palaces, Buddha statues and sacred monuments. Return to Sigiriya where you may choose an optional village tour or a sunset photography session. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 07: Transfer to Trincomalee and East Coast Leisure and Overnight in Trincomalee
Travel to the east coast and check in at your beach hotel in Trincomalee. Spend the rest of the day relaxing along the tranquil shores of Nilaveli or Uppuveli. Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 08: Pigeon Island Snorkeling and Koneswaram Temple and Hot Springs and Overnight in Trincomalee
Take a boat trip to Pigeon Island Marine Park and snorkel among colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Visit Koneswaram Temple and the stunning Lover’s Leap viewpoint before continuing to the therapeutic Kanniya Hot Springs. Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 09: Optional Whale Watching and Transfer to Anuradhapura and Overnight in Anuradhapura
Start the morning with an optional seasonal whale watching excursion. Then travel toward Anuradhapura and explore the UNESCO World Heritage city filled with ancient stupas, monasteries and sacred sites that reveal centuries of Sri Lankan history. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Day 10: Transfer to Negombo and Leisure Afternoon and Overnight in Negombo
Return to Negombo and enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the beach or lagoon. An optional boat ride along the Dutch Canal may also be arranged. Overnight stay in Negombo.
Day 11: Leisure Morning and Departure
Spend a peaceful morning shopping or enjoying a final stroll along the beach before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Inclusions
Accommodation with daily breakfast as per itinerary
Private air-conditioned transport with driver throughout the tour
English-speaking guide for all excursions and activities mentioned
Entrance fees to key attractions including Yala National Park, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, Pigeon Island, and Koneswaram Temple
Scenic train journey from Ella to Nuwara Eliya and optional guided village tours
Exclusions
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses, shopping, or optional activities not listed
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
Travel insurance or additional services not mentioned
Optional seasonal activities such as whale watching or additional water sports