Hill to East Coast Escape
Tour Overview
A scenic traverse from the misty Hill Country to the serene and sunny beaches of Sri Lanka’s East Coast.
Package Highlights
- • Gangaramaya Temple – Iconic Colombo lakeside temple
- • Sigiriya Rock Fortress – "Lion Rock" ancient fortress
- • Medieval Polonnaruwa – Ancient capital ruins and Gal Vihara
- • Temple of the Tooth Relic – Sacred Buddhist site in Kandy
- • Scenic Highland Train – Iconic journey to Ella
- • Arugam Bay – World-famous surfing and coastal relaxation
- • Batticaloa Lagoon – Historic Dutch fort and coastal heritage
- • Pasikudah Beach – Calm, crystal-clear shallow waters
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Colombo. Spend the afternoon exploring the capital’s highlights.
Day Highlights
- Gangaramaya Temple visit.
- Evening stroll along Galle Face Green.
- Colombo city drive.
- Overnight: Colombo.
Day 2: Colombo → Sigiriya
Drive to Sigiriya, the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Climb the UNESCO-listed fortress in the evening.
Day Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb.
- Ancient frescoes and garden walk.
- Scenic evening views.
- Overnight: Sigiriya.
Day 3: Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
Morning trip to explore the medieval capital’s ancient ruins and temples.
Day Highlights
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour.
- Gal Vihara Buddha statues.
- Optional evening safari at Minneriya National Park.
- Overnight: Sigiriya.
Day 4: Sigiriya → Kandy
Travel to Kandy, the cultural capital. Visit sacred sites and enjoy local traditional arts.
Day Highlights
- Temple of the Tooth Relic visit.
- Stroll around Kandy Lake.
- Kandyan cultural dance performance.
- Overnight: Kandy.
Day 5: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Journey into the scenic Hill Country, passing lush tea plantations and waterfalls.
Day Highlights
- Tea factory tour and tasting.
- Gregory Lake and colonial architecture.
- Hakgala Botanical Garden visit.
- Ramboda Falls photo stop.
- Overnight: Nuwara Eliya.
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya → Ella (Scenic Train)
Board the world-famous train from Nanu Oya to Ella for a breathtaking journey.
Day Highlights
- Iconic scenic train ride.
- Nine Arch Bridge visit.
- Little Adam’s Peak hike.
- Overnight: Ella.
Day 7: Ella → Arugam Bay
Drive from the mountains to the East Coast. Arrive in the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay.
Day Highlights
- Arugam Bay Beach time.
- Surfing or coastal walk.
- Crocodile Rock sunset.
- Overnight: Arugam Bay.
Day 8: Arugam Bay
A day for wildlife and waves. Optional safari or pure relaxation.
Day Highlights
- Optional Kumana National Park safari.
- Surfing and beach relaxation.
- Overnight: Arugam Bay.
Day 9: Arugam Bay → Batticaloa
Travel north along the coast to the historic town of Batticaloa.
Day Highlights
- Batticaloa Dutch Fort visit.
- Lagoon boat ride.
- Serene East Coast beach walks.
- Overnight: Batticaloa.
Day 10: Batticaloa → Pasikudah
Short drive to Pasikudah, famous for its calm and shallow waters.
Day Highlights
- Pasikudah Beach arrival.
- Swimming in the shallow turquoise waters.
- Overnight: Pasikudah.
Day 11: Pasikudah
Full day of total relaxation and leisure by the serene East Coast sea.
Day Highlights
- Beach activities and snorkeling.
- Optional kayaking or spa treatments.
- Overnight: Pasikudah.
Day 12: Departure
Transfer back to Colombo or take a domestic flight for your departure.
Day Highlights
- Scenic drive back to Colombo (approx. 6-7 hours).
- Airport transfer.
- End of an unforgettable journey.
Animated Journey Route
Follow the day-by-day travel route with animated dots, waypoints, and scenic regional highlights
Arrival & Coastal Welcome
Day-by-Day Route Itinerary
12 StopsArrival & Coastal Welcome
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Colombo. Spend the afternoon exploring the capital’s highlights....
Tour Photo Gallery
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What's Included & Excluded
Trip Inclusions
- ✓SLTDA-licensed English-speaking private chauffeur guide
- ✓Air-conditioned modern luxury vehicle throughout the tour
- ✓All fuel, expressway tolls, driver lodging and parking fees
- ✓Airport pick-up and departure drop-off assistance
- ✓24/7 in-country emergency concierge and operational support
Trip Exclusions
- ✕International flights and Sri Lanka entry visa fees
- ✕Monuments, national park safaris and entrance permits (unless requested)
- ✕Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages and gratuities
Customization Note: Any excluded items can be customized or added according to your request. Let us know during booking!