About
Example Itinerary
Sri Lanka's East Coast
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Price Per Person
-
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
- Destinations
- Sri Lanka
Feel the sun on your shoulders and the wind in your hair as you travel down Sri Lanka’s stunning East Coast. This 14-day Sri Lanka East Coast Exploration itinerary takes you through the sunshine towns of Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Passekudah, Arugam Bay, Haputale, Kandy and Colombo. Enjoy touring ancient ruins one day and relaxing on the pristine shore the next! There’s plenty of sunshine and adventure as you make your way down the coast.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.
Highlights
- Surf's Up: The beginner breaks at Arugam Bay are ideal for those looking to pick up a surfboard for the first time.
- Sri Lanka's Way of Tea: Head to the Highlands to discover the history of Ceylon tea. Pick tea leaves at the picturesque Kelburne Tea Plantation, then learn how to prepare the perfect brew.
- Buddhist Heritage: Pay a visit to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy (said to house a tooth relic of the Buddha), then see how monks live and worship in the present day at Bahirawakanda Monastery.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
Map ▲Kotugoda
After arriving in Colombo, you will be transferred by private vehicle to nearby Kotugoda, where you will find your charming colonial-style bungalow at The Wallawwa. Indulge in a much-deserved rejuvenating massage after your long trip into Sri Lanka. This deluxe boutique hotel is the perfect place to relax and explore Sri Lanka’s lush natural landscape.
Hotel Options
Day 2
Map ▲Sigiriya »
Rise early and make the scenic 4-hour trip to Dambulla, in the center of the northern region of the island. Visit the area’s magnificent ancient Buddhist cave temples, then pay a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress; both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are must-see's in this "Cultural Triangle" central area. Spend the night at a hotel in Sigiriya.
Hotel Options
Sigiriya
Day 3
Map ▲Passekudah
Take the northeast coast road for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Passekudah. Along the way, we suggest stopping in Polonnaruwa. This ancient kingdom was Sri Lanka’s reigning capital during Medieval times. For a history of the city, stop by the museum. Continue on to tour the actual ruins themselves for a full understanding of the once bustling city. Reach the postcard-perfect coastal town of Paseduka. Rest your head at Uga Bay.
Hotel Options
Day 4
Map ▲Passekudah
Spend the day enjoying what the area is famous for - the idyllic, pristine beaches met by sparkling, turquoise waters. Explore the quaint local fishing village and observe a quiet way of life. Find the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted as you explore the coastal area.
Day 5
Map ▲Passekudah
Once, if ever, you’ve had enough of lounging on Passedudah’s spectacular shores, travel the short distance to the town’s sister beach - Kalkudah. You can decide for yourself which area has the most beautiful beaches. Return to Uga Bay for a final restful night.
Passekudah
Day 6
Map ▲Arugam Bay
Take the southern road for 3 hours, following along the eastern shoreline as you travel to Arugam Bay. The area is considered one of the top ten surf spots in the entire world. Indeed, this place feels like its own separate little world with its isolated beaches and laid-back vibes. We recommend staying at the Kottukal Beach House just north of Arugam Bay, which sits directly on the beach.
Hotel Options
Day 7
Map ▲Arugam Bay
If you’re feeling adventurous, give the area’s famous sport a try! Pick up a surfboard and join in the never-ending summer. The beach break in front of the Stardust Hotel is perfect for beginners, and those just looking to body board. Other recommended spots include; the Point, Pottuvil Point and Crocodile Rock.
Day 8
Map ▲Arugam Bay
If you’ve had enough surfing or are simply looking for a change of pace, the area is nearby several ancient ruins. The Lahugala National Park is a spectacular location to see Elephants roaming free in the wilderness.
Arugam Bay
Day 9
Map ▲Haputale
Leave the coast behind as you head 3 hours inland to visit the lush southern highlands. Along the way, you will see stunning peaks, picturesque waterfalls and sprawling tea plantations. Reach Haputale and enjoy incredible views of the southern plains from the town’s ridge location. Spend the evening at the Kelburne Mountain View Cottages. The cozy cottages offer unrivalled views of the vistas below.
Hotel Options
Day 10
Map ▲Haputale
Meander through the Kelburne Tea plantation, feel free to pick some leaves to weigh at the station located at the front entrance. Tour the tea factory and learn about the different processes. You will be able to discern the different grades of Ceylon tea by the end of the day. Finish the day by paying a visit to the monastery or one of the nearby waterfalls.
Day 11
Map ▲Kandy »
The next leg of your trip will take you to the lush green city of Kandy (3 hours away), the island nation’s cultural capital. This was the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. If you wish, take a walk around the serene lake in the city center.
Hotel Options
Kandy
Day 12
Map ▲Kandy »
Take a tour of the Bahirawakanda Monastery, and see how Sri Lankan monks live and worship. See the Temple of the Tooth lit up at night by thousands of tiny white lights: a magical sight to behold. The temple contains the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Spend your final evening of pampering at your hotel.
Day 13
Map ▲Departure »
Travel 3 hours from Kandy to the country’s capital - Colombo to connect onward. Time permitting before the flight, explore the town, reveling in the gorgeous colonial architecture. Tour the National Museum and pay a visit to the Fort.
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Surf and Sand: Four stops on an East Coast Sri Lanka Roadtrip
- Author
- Zinara Rathnayake
With seaside, ancient stupas, rustic rural hamlets, and abundant wildlife, Sri Lanka’s east coast is a holistic island experience.
Malik Fernando Speaks to Remote Lands on Reopening Sri Lanka
- Author
- Travelogues
Travelogues speaks with Malik Fernando of Resplendent Ceylon, proprietor of some of the finest accommodations on Sri Lanka, including Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Ceylon Tea Trails, and Cape Weligama.
A Luxurious Comeback for Sri Lanka
- Author
- Remote Lands
The tiny island of Sri Lanka has endured a lot, both in the past and in recent memory. Torn apart by civil war and a devastating tsunami, this strong and determined little country has fought its way through the hard times and come out on the other side not only with its beauty and culture intact, but also with its eyes on bigger rewards.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Marge & Julie, London
We had a wonderful time on our trip to Sri Lanka....we definitely had numerous experiences that would not have occurred had we just used one of the bigger travel agencies.
