The Far Frontier: East Coast Expedition

Route

Colombo - Negombo - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Trincomalee

The east coast most itineraries never reach.

Tour Highlights

  • Polonnaruwa heritage cycling
  • Pigeon Island snorkelling & diving
  • Koneswaram Temple
  • Yala leopard safari
  • Mirissa whale watching

Day by Day

13 Nights / 14 Days

  1. Day 1

    Arrival - Negombo

    Transfer from the airport to Negombo. Overnight in Negombo.

  2. Day 2

    Negombo - Sigiriya

    Drive north (approximately 3.5 hours) via the Dambulla Cave Temple. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the afternoon. Overnight in Sigiriya.

  3. Day 3

    Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa

    Drive to Sri Lanka's medieval capital (approximately 1-1.5 hours). Afternoon exploring the UNESCO-listed ruined city by bicycle. Overnight in Polonnaruwa.

  4. Day 4

    Polonnaruwa - Trincomalee

    Drive northeast to the east coast (approximately 2.5 hours). Overnight in Trincomalee.

  5. Day 5

    Pigeon Island Snorkelling & Diving

    A full day boat trip to Pigeon Island Marine National Park off Nilaveli Beach, among reef fish, turtles and, on a good day, blacktip reef sharks (season: May-October). Overnight in Trincomalee.

  6. Day 6

    Trincomalee at Leisure

    Visit Koneswaram Temple, perched on Swami Rock above the harbour, and spend the afternoon on Uppuveli or Nilaveli beach. Overnight in Trincomalee.

  7. Day 7

    Trincomalee - Kandy

    Drive inland to Kandy (approximately 4 hours). Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic on arrival. Overnight in Kandy.

  8. Day 8

    Kandy Cultural Day

    Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Evening Kandyan cultural dance performance. Overnight in Kandy.

  9. Day 9

    Kandy - Ella

    Drive into and across the highlands (approximately 4-4.5 hours), stopping at a tea factory en route. Overnight in Ella.

  10. Day 10

    Ella Hiking Day

    An easy walk up Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge. Overnight in Ella.

  11. Day 11

    Ella - Yala

    Drive south (approximately 2.5 hours) via Wellawaya for an afternoon jeep safari through Yala National Park. Overnight near Yala.

  12. Day 12

    Yala - Mirissa

    Dawn safari, then transfer to the south coast at Mirissa (approximately 3 hours). Overnight in Mirissa.

  13. Day 13

    Mirissa Whale Watching

    Morning boat excursion to spot blue and sperm whales offshore (seasonal, November-April). Overnight in Mirissa.

  14. Day 14

    Departure

    Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (approximately 2.5 hours).

Suggested Stays

  • Negombo (beachfront hotel)
  • Sigiriya (rock-view lodge)
  • Polonnaruwa (lakeside hotel)
  • Trincomalee (beachfront hotel, 3 nights)
  • Kandy (heritage hotel, 2 nights)
  • Ella (hillside guesthouse, 2 nights)
  • Yala (safari lodge)
  • Mirissa (beach hotel, 2 nights)

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • All private ground transport throughout the tour
  • Bicycle hire and guide for the Polonnaruwa cycling day
  • Pigeon Island boat trip and snorkelling gear
  • Temple of the Tooth guided visit
  • Private jeep safari at Yala
  • Whale watching or snorkelling excursion at Mirissa
  • All airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • 13 nights accommodation as specified above
  • Daily breakfast at each property
  • 24/7 on-ground support throughout

Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Colombo
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Lunches and dinners unless specified
  • Yala National Park entrance fee (approximately USD 25-35pp)
  • Personal spending, souvenirs and tipping

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