This route combines an extended south coast stay at Mirissa with the east coast’s calmest waters at Pasikuda, alongside the standard safari and Cultural Triangle chapters, giving two genuinely different beach experiences within a single trip.
Sri Lanka East Coast & Wildlife Escape
- 12 Nights /
- 13 Days
Tour overview
Key highlights
- Colombo city tour and Pettah market
- Galle Fort heritage walk
- Mirissa beach and optional whale watching
- Yala National Park safari
- Scenic Ella to Kandy train journey
- Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
- Pasikuda’s calm turquoise waters
- Anuradhapura Sacred City
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival - Colombo
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport with meet and greet assistance. Private transfer to Colombo. Time to rest and settle in after the journey. Optional evening stroll along Galle Face Green. Overnight in Colombo.
Day 2
Colombo - City Day
Full day city tour covering Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, the National Museum and the colonial Fort. Optional visit to Pettah’s bustling street markets. Overnight in Colombo.
Day 3
Colombo to Mirissa
Morning drive south along the coastal belt to Galle. Guided walking tour of Galle Fort’s UNESCO-listed ramparts and Dutch-era streets. Continue to Mirissa. Afternoon at leisure on the beach. Overnight in Mirissa.
Day 4
Mirissa to Yala
Optional early morning whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa, seasonal November to April. Depart for Yala National Park. Evening at leisure near the park. Overnight in Yala.
Day 5
Yala to Ella
Early morning jeep safari in Yala in search of leopards, elephants and abundant birdlife. The park closes annually from roughly 1 September to 15 October. Scenic drive to Ella through winding hill roads. Evening exploration of Ella’s cafe-lined streets. Overnight in Ella.
Day 6
Ella to Kandy
Morning visit to Nine Arch Bridge with an optional hike to Little Adam’s Peak. Drive to Nanu Oya and board the scenic train to Kandy through tea estates, tunnels and waterfalls. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 7
Kandy to Sigiriya
Morning visit to Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. Depart toward the cultural triangle, stopping for a safari at Minneriya National Park, with the elephant Gathering peaking July to September. Continue to Sigiriya. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 8
Sigiriya - Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa
Morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the UNESCO-listed palace and fresco site. Afternoon visit to ancient Polonnaruwa, exploring royal ruins and the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 9
Sigiriya to Pasikuda
Morning drive east to Pasikuda, known for its calm, shallow turquoise waters. Afternoon at leisure by the beach. Overnight in Pasikuda.
Day 10
Pasikuda - Beach Day
Full day at leisure. Optional snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides or water sports, best April to September. Overnight in Pasikuda.
Day 11
Pasikuda to Anuradhapura
Morning drive to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital. Guided tour of its sacred dagobas, the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and monastic ruins. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Day 12
Anuradhapura to Negombo
Morning drive to Negombo. Afternoon at leisure along the beach or fish market area. Optional lagoon boat ride. Overnight in Negombo.
Day 13
Departure
Leisure morning. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.
Included & excluded
Included
- All accommodation as listed on a bed and breakfast basis
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur guide throughout
- Safari jeep and national park entrance fees for Yala
- Scenic train tickets for the Nanu Oya to Kandy segment, subject to availability
- Welcome briefing and 24-hour in-country support
Not included
- International flights and Sri Lanka ETA visa
- Meals not specified above
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Whale watching, Minneriya safari, snorkelling and water sports
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Where You’ll Stay
- Colombo: a comfortable city hotel
- Mirissa: a beachfront hotel
- Yala: a safari-style lodge
- Ella: a boutique hillside stay
- Kandy: a heritage-style hotel
- Sigiriya: a comfortable nature resort
- Pasikuda: a beachfront resort
- Anuradhapura: Ulagalla Resort or a comparable nature retreat
- Negombo: a comfortable beachfront hotel
Practical Notes
- Pasikuda’s water sports and snorkelling are best April to September
- Yala Block 1 access should be confirmed for travel between 1 September and 15 October
- Fitness level: moderate, with the Sigiriya climb as the most demanding single element