Adventure & Outdoor
East Coast Voyage
A 10-day east coast voyage through Pinnawala, Kandy, Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay, finishing with a Yala safari, ideal for surf and quiet-beach travellers.
Overview
About this tour
This 10-day Sri Lanka east coast tour heads away from the more-travelled south, through Pinnawala, Kandy and Dambulla into Trincomalee, Nilaveli and the surf town of Arugam Bay, before finishing with a Yala National Park safari. It suits travellers chasing quieter beaches, reef snorkeling and a proper surf break, with heritage and wildlife stops woven in along the way.
Tour highlights
- Snorkeling at Pigeon Island National Park
- Surf sessions at Arugam Bay
- Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Fort Frederick and Kandasamy Kovil in Trincomalee
- Full-day safari inside Yala National Park
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Day by day
Your itinerary
- Day01
Airport / Pinnawala / Kandy
Pick up from Colombo Airport and depart for Dambulla via Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (74km from the airport). Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: gates open 8.30am on a 25-acre property, home to about 90 elephants since 1975; daily bottle feeding at 9.15/13.15/17.00 and river bathing at 10.00 & 14.00. Kandy Tooth Temple: home to the sacred left canine relic of the Buddha, an easy 2-hour visit. Folk Show: an hour of 12 traditional dances and a fire-walking ceremony. Overnight stay at Kandy.
PinnawalaKandyElephant Bottle FeedingElephant River BathingElephant Orphanage Visit - Day02
Kandy / Dambulla / Sigiriya
Breakfast then depart for Dambulla. Dambulla Golden Cave Temples: a moderate 2-hour climb to a 30m Buddha statue in the Dhamma Chakka posture, across five 1st-century-BC cave shrines. Sigiriya: a 200m rock fortress with a royal palace at its summit, 1,200 steps, fifth-century frescoes and the mirror wall graffiti. Overnight stay at Dambulla.
KandyDambullaSigiriyaMirror Wall & Frescoes - Day03
Dambulla / Trincomalee
After breakfast depart for Trincomalee. Kandasamy Kovil: perched atop a rock overlooking the plain, consecrated to Shiva, one of the island's Pancha Ishwaram sites, historically built to guard against natural calamity; prayer ceremonies at 06.30, 11.30 and 16.30. Fort Frederick: built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, later modified under Dutch and British rule, with canons, artillery and royal insignia at the tunnel entrance. Overnight stay at Trincomalee.
DambullaTrincomaleeTemple VisitFort ExplorationKandasamy Kovil - Day04
Trincomalee / Nilaveli
Leisure time on Trinco beach with optional activities. Kanniya Hot Water Wells: legend ties their origin to King Ravana striking the earth with his sword; nearby ruins of an old dagoba hint at an ancient Buddhist temple complex. Pigeon Island National Park: 1km offshore from Nilaveli, named for nesting rock pigeons, with natural rock pools and forest tracks; snorkeling reveals reef, coral, reef fish and turtles. Overnight stay at Trincomalee.
TrincomaleeNilaveliSnorkelingHot Water WellsPigeon Island National Park - Day05
Trincomalee / Arugam Bay
After breakfast depart for Arugam Bay. Pasikuda Beach: powdery white sand and shallow, clear water extending hundreds of metres offshore, considered among the safest beaches on the island and popular with local and foreign travellers alike. Overnight stay at Arugam Bay.
TrincomaleeArugam BayPasikuda Beach - Day06
Arugam Bay
Surfing: a surfers' paradise from April to October, with a natural rock formation running parallel to the shore that gradually tapers offshore. Overnight stay at Arugam Bay.
Arugam BaySurfing - Day07
Arugam Bay / Yala
After breakfast depart for Tissamaharama, with an optional stop at Kataragama. Kataragama: a holy town of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike; the Kataragama Perahera in July/August draws thousands of devotees. Overnight stay at Yala.
Arugam BayYalaKataragama - Day08
Yala / Galle
Early morning Full Day Game Safari at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's foremost parks, known for leopards, elephants, sloth bear, wild water buffalo and crocodiles; roam the park for 10-12 hours with lunch inside. Depart for Galle. Overnight stay at Galle.
YalaGalleFull-Day Game Safari - Day09
Galle / Negombo
Galle Fort: built in the 17th century, one of the best-preserved forts in South Asia, with colonial villas, the Dutch Reformed Church, a museum and the Clock Tower. Depart to Colombo Airport or to a hotel in Negombo as per departure schedule.
GalleNegomboFort Exploration
Good to know
What’s included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Fuel, parking and highway toll charges
- Driver accommodation and meals
- Daily breakfast at listed hotels
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Entrance tickets to sites and national parks
- Lunches and dinners unless noted
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities such as surfing lessons or snorkeling gear
Questions
About this tour
When is the best surf season at Arugam Bay?
Arugam Bay's main break runs from April to October, when consistent swells and offshore winds make it Sri Lanka's premier surf town.
Is Pigeon Island good for beginner snorkelers?
Yes, the shallow rock pools close to shore are well suited to beginners, with reef fish and turtles visible without needing to swim far out.
How many nights are spent on the east coast?
The itinerary spends four nights across Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, giving enough time to properly enjoy both without feeling rushed.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes, nights can be shifted between Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay depending on whether surfing, snorkeling or beach time is the priority.
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