East Coast Odyssey

Tour Summary

  • 10 Days

Inclusions

Accommodation

  • 11 Nights at 4 & 5-star hotels

Transport

  • Experienced English speaking tour guides throughout your tour

Activities

  • Meet & greet on arrival at the airport
  • Sightseeing, activities & entrance as mentioned in the itinerary

Extras

  • Receive a personalized photo book of your holiday at the end of your trip

Itinerary

Day 1

Colombo Airport to Negombo

Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport and be met at the airport by our representative, who will transfer you to the Hotel in Negombo (standard check-in time 1400hrs). Enjoy the evening at the hotel.

Situated close to the Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo is a coastal city and fishing port in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and lagoon, offering a range of water sports and other activities. Negombo is also famous for its seafood. Try the fresh and delicious seafood dishes at one of its many restaurants. The city has a rich colonial history, and visitors can explore the Dutch Fort and other historical sites. Negombo is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a convenient stopover before exploring the rest of Sri Lanka.

Dinner & Overnight at Negombo Hotel.

Day 2

Drive from Negombo to Sigiriya

Check out after breakfast and depart for Sigiriya (Distance 175 km – Duration 3hrs 30 min).

After arriving at Habarana near Sigiriya, check into the hotel and get ready for your afternoon climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka’s central Matale District. Also known as ‘Lion Rock’, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The fortress dates back to the 5th century and was built by King Kashyapa, who sought to create a grand palace atop the towering rock. The sheer audacity of constructing a palace at such a height is awe-inspiring. The rock rises approximately 200 meters above the surrounding landscape, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, enjoy a stroll through a Sigiriya Village, where you are warmly welcomed by the friendly locals, offering glimpses into their daily routines and cultural traditions, ending with a home-cooked meal prepared by the villagers. You’ll discover the simplicity and charm of life here, surrounded by lush emerald fields, tranquil lakes, and traditional homes.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 3

Sightseeing in Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, visit Polonnaruwa Ancient Site, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. During the medieval period, Polonnaruwa served as the capital city from the 11th to the 13th century. The site boasts well-preserved ruins of royal palaces, temples, and other significant structures, showcasing that era's architectural brilliance and artistic mastery. Exploring Polonnaruwa allows visitors to delve into the country's rich history and witness the grandeur of an ancient civilisation.

In the afternoon, join a Jeep Safari into Minneriya National Park, finishing the day with a refreshing gin & tonic and marvelling at nature’s wonders. Minneriya National Park is a stunning wildlife reserve that spans over 8,800 hectares and is home to various animals, including elephants, leopards, deer, monkeys, and over 160 species of birds. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty as you venture through the park and encounter a myriad of wildlife species.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 4

Drive from Sigiriya to the East Coast

Check out after breakfast and head to Trincomalee (Distance 115 km – Duration 2hrs 15min). Check in upon arrival and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

The coastal north-east city of Trincomalee is known for its beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and historic landmarks. The city has a rich cultural and religious heritage, with several ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines, including the Koneswaran Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is also home to the world-famous Pigeon Island National Park, which offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like Fort Fredrick, a historic colonial fort, and the hot springs of Kanniyai.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Trinco/Pasikuda.

Day 5

At Leisure

Enjoy a full day of leisure. Relax poolside, on the pristine beaches, swim, surf or shop, there’s something for everyone in Trinco.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Trinco/Pasikuda.

Day 6

Trincomalee to Kandy

Check out after breakfast and head to Kandy (Distance 185 km – Duration 3hrs).

After checking in to your Kandy Hotel prepare to visit the Temple of the Tooth followed by a guided city night walk.

Constructed in the 15th century, the Temple of the Tooth is famous for enshrining the tooth relic of Sakyamuni, a Sri Lankan national treasure. The monastery has a hall and upper and lower floors, is surrounded by a moat, and is guarded by corner towers, which reflect the typical style of Sinhalese national architecture. There is also a World Buddhism Museum in the temple, which shows the spread and development of Buddhism.

The guided Kandy Night Walk immerses you in this enchanting city after sunset. Led by a knowledgeable guide, it blends cultural exploration and relaxation as you meander through illuminated streets, discovering vibrant street life, local handicrafts, souvenirs, and mouthwatering cuisine. Unwind at the Royal Bar, reflecting on the night walk while enjoying a refreshing beverage.

Dinner & Overnight at Kandy Hotel

Day 7

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by Train

Check out after breakfast and proceed to the Kandy train station for your trip to Nuwara Eliya by train (Distance 95 km – Duration 3hrs).

The train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya is a breathtakingly scenic experience through the heart of Sri Lanka. It passes emerald tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming hillside villages. The relaxed, slow-paced train ride crosses the famous Nine Arch Bridge and allows you to soak up the picturesque landscapes in comfort.

Afterwards, stroll through a tea village and experience South Indian-style food prepared by a Tamil family, followed by a tea factory tour and tea tasting.

Nuwara Eliya is a city in the Central Province hill country. Its name means ‘city on the plain (table land)’ or ‘city of light’. The city is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District. At an altitude of 1,868 m, it has a temperate climate and picturesque surroundings and is one of the most important locations for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 8

Drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Check out after breakfast and get ready for our drive to Ella (Distance 80 km – Duration 1hr 45min).

En route, stop at Little Adam’s Peak & Ravana Falls.

Ella is a popular hiking spot known for its stunning panoramic views, lush valleys and tea plantations. Despite its name, the hike to the summit of Little Adam’s Peak is relatively easy and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a favoured destination for travellers seeking breathtaking vistas without an arduous trek. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the top of the Peak is a memorable experience, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Gushing Ravana Waterfall is breathtaking as it cascades over massive boulders. Named after the legendary character Ravana from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, the waterfall is nestled amongst a tropical rainforest environment, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Dinner & Overnight at Ella Hotel.

Day 9

Drive from Ella to Colombo

Check out after breakfast for our drive to Colombo (Distance 320 km – Duration 5hrs).

En route, commence a sightseeing tour of Colombo.

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka on the island's west coast. The city has a rich history and a vibrant culture, with a mix of modern buildings and colonial-era architecture. Visitors to Colombo can explore the bustling streets, markets, and temples and enjoy the city's parks and waterfront areas. The city's top attractions include the National Museum of Colombo, the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, and the Vihara Mahadevi Park. Colombo is also known for its delicious food, with a wide variety of local and international cuisine in its restaurants and street food stalls. Colombo is a fascinating and vibrant city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.

Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Dinner & Overnight at your Colombo Hotel.

Day 10

Departure from Colombo

Proceed to the airport in time to connect with your departure flight (Distance 50 km – Duration 1hr)

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