East-Coast Family Tour
10 nights private tour starting from USD 1,650 per person
Embark on a captivating 11 day journey with our “East-Coast Tour.” Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s east-coastline as you explore sacred sites, engage in wild safaris, water sports and uncover the historical treasures of the region. From the legendary Konneswaram Kovil in Trincomalee to the pristine beaches of Passikudah to the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa , Anuradhapura and Kandy each day offers a new adventure.
Special offer with 15% off
Valid through May to October 2024
Tour Highlights
- Engage in a wild safari tour in Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks
- Visit Koneswaram kovil and Fort Frederick Trincomalee
- Visit Pigeon Island and explore the coral reefs
- Discover the east coastline with its pristine beaches and engage in water sports
- Explore the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa, Kandy and its historical attractions
- Journey to Mihintale , the cradle of Buddhism
- Ascend the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Itinerary
Accommodation
Activities
Day 1 Fly to Colombo, West-Coast
Welcome to Sri Lanka! A Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you will be met by our Tour Guide and transferred to your hotel in Colombo.
Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. A city which has been shaped by colonial influences. Take in the wonders of the city on a city tour covering key attractions such as the Colombo Fort, Gangaramaya, Temple, National Museum, Viharamahadevi park, Independence Square, Galle Face Green and more completing with some retail therapy at Colombo’s finest shops.
Overnight stay at Marino Beach: Offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this luxurious beachfront hotel features modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options. A perfect choice for beach lovers and city explorers.
Activities Included:
- Independence Square
- Viharamahadevi Park
- Galle Face Green
- National Museum
Day 2 Colombo to Wilpattu, North-Western Region
Early morning we journey to Wilpattu National Park, the oldest nature park with over 100 lakes. When you arrive, set out for an evening safari in the national park. This thick, dry jungle features floodplain lakes and boasts an impressive variety of flora in the huge expanses of forest. Look out for deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards. After our wild safari we check in to our hotel in Wilpattu.
Overnight stay at Lavendish Wilpattu: Surrounded by the wilderness of Wilpattu National Park, this hotel offers cozy rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant showcasing local flavors. Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers.
Activities Included:
- Wilpattu National Park - Evening 4x4 Safari
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 3 Wilpattu to Anuradhpaura, Cultural Triangle
Today you will journey to Anuradhapura the northern point of the cultural triangle. This area is bursting with stunning temples and sites of cultural and religious importance. You will embark on a guided bicycle tour of the city. Among the ruins, you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about.
Overnight stay at Miridiya Lake Resort: Situated on the banks of a tranquil lake, this resort offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving delectable Sri Lankan dishes. A peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
Activities Included:
- Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
- Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
- Anuradhapura - Isurumuniya Temple
- Anuradhapura - Ruwanweliseya Stupa
- Anuradhapura - Jetawanaramaya Stupa
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Day 4 Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Early morning after breakfast, drive to Mihintale Hill, the place it is believed that Buddhism was first introduced to the island. Climb the rock steps leading to a monastic sanctuary that was built under royal patronage covered with forest. Explore many cultural and religious sites situated nearby to get a glimpse into Buddhism. Upon completion, return to hotel in Anuradhapura.
Overnight stay at Miridiya Lake Resort: Situated on the banks of a tranquil lake, this resort offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving delectable Sri Lankan dishes. A peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
Activities Included:
- Mihintale Cultural Tour
Day 5 Anuradhapura to Trincomalee, East-Coast
After breakfast we journey to Trincomalee, an important port village in the east coast.
Renowned for its deep water natural harbour – one of the finest in the world, truly a legend since the past, Trincomalee has always been a popular resort port city which attracted many sea traders and explorers for centuries. This enchanting city, built on a peninsula on the north-east coast of Sri Lanka is 257km from Colombo. Trincomalee, a treasure with a rich historical heritage bears significance and importance pertaining to trade, maritime and religion.
Overnight stay at Trinco Blue: Located on the pristine beaches of Trincomalee, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a beachside restaurant, and a diving center for exploring the vibrant coral reefs. An idyllic beach getaway.
Activities Included:
- Fort Frederick Tour
- Konneswaran Temple Tour
- Visit to Kanniya Hot Water Springs
- Trincomalee’s Pride- Visit Back Bay, Dutch Bay & Inner Harbour
- Commonwealth War Graves
- Marble Beach
- Sailing in Trincomalee in private Catamaran and indulge in water sports (optional)
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 6 Trincomalee, East-Coast
After breakfast we journey to Thiriyaya village, discover Girihadu Seya, the first stupa in the world and allegedly built whilst Lord Buddha was still alive. During your hour long visit ascend 300 steps to marvel at this ancient site. According to local myth, the relic hair of the Buddha was kept here on a temporary basis by visiting merchants. Optionally you can embark on a dolphin, whale watching excursion and visit to pigeon Island, one of Sri Lanka’s maritime parks. If you are interest in snorkelling you can engage in this activity as well. You should be ready by 6.00am for this tour and breakfast will be served on the Island.
Overnight stay at Trinco Blue.
Activities Included:
- Thiriyaya village, discover Girihadu Seya cultural tour
- Whale watching and visit to Pigeon Island tour (optional)
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 7 & 8 Trincomalee to Passikudah, East-Coast
After breakfast to journey to the coastal resort town of Pasikudah or Pasikuda, which lies about 35 kilometers northwest of Batticaloa town, easily accessible from Trincomalee. It is considered one of safest beaches on Sri Lanka's east coast for sea bathing as the water is only a couple of inches deep, and the currenst are comparatively weaker than other Sri Lankan beaches. Pasikuda is famous for having one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world naturally cordoned off by coral reefs. For all you sea and sun worshippers, a visit to Pasikuda and Kalkudah is a must. You will have the opportunity to soak up the sunrays, partake in water sports such as scuba diving, wind surfing, kite surfing, water skiing and snorkeling, explore marine life while exploring other interesting attractions within this region for the next two days while exploring places of interest in the vicinity.
Two nights stay at Amaya Beach: Set on the golden sands of Passikudah Bay, this resort offers spacious rooms, a large pool, and a spa. With its serene beachfront setting, it's a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Activities Included:
- Batticaloa city familiarisation tour with visit to Heritage museum Kattankudy, Batticaloa fort, lighthouse, Bone Island, Kalkudah Bay.
- Sailing in Passikudah in private Catamaran and indulge in water sports (optional)
Your travel time approximately 2 hours.
Day 9 Passikudah to Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
After breakfast you will make your way to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to explore ancient wonders and ruins of historical significance. Discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex. Visit the remains of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the rock temple of Gal Vihara, the giant stupa of Rankot Vihara and the ancient Buddha image house of Lankatilaka, covered in intricate carvings and housing a towering statue of Buddha.
Late in the evening we will embark on a wild safari at Minneriya national park to watch gatherings elephants.
We will head back to Sigiriya, where you will check in to the hotel and relax by the pool after a long day of activities.
Overnight stay at Covanro Sigiriya: Nestled amidst lush greenery, this hotel offers stunning views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The spacious rooms, infinity pool, and Ayurvedic spa make it an ideal choice for nature lovers.
Activities Included:
- Polonnaruwa ancient ruins, Statue of Parakramabahu I
- Polonnaruwa - Rankot Vihara, Quadrangle
- Polonnaruwa – Lankatilaka, Gal Vihara
- Visit to a Minneriya National Park
Your travel time approximately 3 hours.
Day 10 Sigiriya to Kandy , Cultural Triangle
This morning before breakfast we visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) a UNESCO world heritage and considered the 8th wonder of the world. A ruined palace tops this dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains. It's a good workout to get to the top.
From the Lion's Paw it is a steep, 30-minute climb over often-narrow walkways and steps to reach all of the points of interest at the site. You must climb in order to access sites like the water garden, boulder garden, frescoes and the mirror wall. The visit to Lion Rock takes around 3.5 hours in total.
After checking out of the hotel we will take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices the country is famous for. Evening we embark on the Kandy City Tour visiting the Temple of Tooth, the Gem Museum. In the evening we go on tour to witness the Kandy Cultural Dance Show at the Kandy Lake Club.
Overnight stay at Grand Kandyan: Situated in Kandy, this hotel boasts panoramic views and elegant rooms. It offers a outdoor swimming pool, private balcony, and easy access to cultural attractions.
Activities Included:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
- Matale - Spice Garden
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
- Kandy - Gem museum & lapidary workshop visit
- Kandy Cultural Dance Show
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Day 11 Kandy to Airport - Departure
After breakfast leave for the Airport to catch your departure flight. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time left to visit few attractions along the way. Our representative will meet up with you at the Airport to bid you farewell and to see you again in the near future!
Travel time to the Airport approximately 3.5 hours.
Tour Package Includes
- Accommodation in a shared double / twin room on HB basis.”Perahera Season” during July/August will affect Kandy Hotel prices.
- Chauffeur-guide and vehicle for the duration of the tour (including leisure days).
- Both airport transfers on Arrival & Departure.
- Expert advice and support prior to and during the tour.
- Entrance fees at tour sites and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Tour Exclusions
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephones, beverages, etc.
- Entrance fees, related expenses to any other tour site mentioned as “(optional)”.
- International flights.
- Visa.
- Please refer our detailed Terms & Conditions.
About this Tour
Experience the perfect family getaway with our east-coast tour for families. Tailored for families with children, this itinerary offers a safe and welcoming environment where you can enjoy a range of engaging activities. We customize the schedule to suit the ages and interests of your children, ensuring a delightful experience for all. This leisurely-paced vacation allows families to explore stunning palm-fringed beaches, encounter magnificent elephants, and delve into the island’s rich cultural heritage. The turquoise waters of the East Coast provide ideal conditions for snorkeling and the thrilling experience of whale and dolphin watching. With a variety of activities to keep children entertained, parents can also unwind and enjoy a relaxing holiday.
Price Guide : Early booking offers, long stay incentives of our Partner Hotels have been included in arriving at prices hence advance payments should be made at least 60 days prior to arrival.
