East Coast Tour of Sri Lanka
Overview
Sri Lanka's quieter side: south from Colombo through Galle and the pilgrimage town of Kataragama, along the east coast through the surf town of Arugam Bay, Kumana's wetlands, Batticaloa and the calm bay at Pasikuda, up to Trincomalee and Nilaveli, finishing inland at the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
A route for repeat visitors, or anyone who'd rather spend a week on beaches most tourists don't reach than tick off the same handful of hill-country towns.
Gallery
Highlights
- Galle's colonial fort and the sacred town of Kataragama
- Arugam Bay and Pasikuda beaches
- Kumana National Park wildlife and mangroves
- The ancient rock temple at Thiriyaya and Trincomalee
- Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's oldest capitals
- Nilaveli and the east coast's quieter beaches
Included & excluded
- Accommodation, 3–4 star hotels or similar, half-board basis
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- Assistance of a chauffeur guide
- Government taxes
- 1 litre bottled water per person per day
- Kumana National Park safari
- Entrance fees to sights in Sri Lanka
- Airfare and visa fees
- Early check-in / late checkout charges
- Tips and porterage
- Lunch and any other meals not mentioned
Day by day
Arrival — Colombo
Settle into Colombo with a visit to the historic bell tower, Pettah Bazaar, Gangaramaya Temple and Lotus Tower, plus an evening at Galle Face Green.
Colombo → Galle → Kataragama
Visit Galle's fortified old town before continuing to the pilgrimage town of Kataragama, sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike.
Kataragama → Arugam Bay
Head to the east coast surf town of Arugam Bay.
Arugam Bay → Kumana National Park
A day trip into Kumana's wetlands and mangroves, known for birdlife and a quieter alternative to Yala.
Arugam Bay → Batticaloa → Pasikuda
Travel up the coast via Batticaloa to the calm bay beaches of Pasikuda.
Pasikuda → Thiriyaya → Trincomalee → Nilaveli
Visit the ancient Thiriyaya rock temple en route to Trincomalee and the beach at Nilaveli.
Nilaveli → Anuradhapura
Head inland to the sacred city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's oldest capitals.
Anuradhapura → Departure
Explore Anuradhapura's ancient dagobas before transfer to the airport.
Map
Frequently asked questions
Why visit the east coast instead of the more famous south coast?
It's quieter, less developed, and on a different seasonal calendar — a good choice if you've done a south-coast beach trip before or want to avoid the busier resorts.
Is this route weather-dependent?
Yes, more than most — the east coast's dry season runs roughly May to September, opposite the south and west coasts, so timing matters more here than on other routes.
Is Kumana a safari day, or just a stop?
A proper half-day safari, focused on birdlife and a quieter alternative to Yala.