East Coast Explorer Suggested Itinerary

After a whirlwind few days in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, this trip evolves into a glorious beach-hopping break.

Combining heritage landmarks of Sri Lanka with some of its finest beaches, this holiday ticks a lot of boxes. A driver will accompany you for most of the trip, taking you to visit the must-see places in the Cultural Triangle and making your journeys between locations as relaxing as possible.

Duration 12 nights

Visiting Habarana, Trincomalee, Passikudah, Negombo

Recommended itinerary

Days 1-3

Habarana

After touching down in the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, you’ll meet your private driver, who will be at your disposal for the next eight days, taking you to hotels and on excursions for the first part of your holiday. The first journey is to Habarana, the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, where you’ll have three nights to check off the highlights, including a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and take a jeep safari to look for elephants in Minneriya.

Days 4-6

Trincomalee

Your driver will take you to the east coast today, where you’ll stay at the beachfront Trinco Blu for three nights. This is your chance to get to know the marine life of Sri Lanka, whether you choose to snorkel around the reefs of Pigeon Island or go whale watching if you’re visiting between May and October. Between relaxing on the beach, a city tour of Trinco is highly recommended.

Trincomalee

Days 7-9

Passikudah

You’ll head south down the coast road to Passikudah, where the Indian Ocean laps white sands. This is where your driver leaves you – the rest of your journeys will be by private transfer. Maalu Maalu is a tropical beachfront resort where you can spend your days on the beach, paddling in the warm shallow water and snorkelling.

Days 10-11

Negombo

Leaving Maalu Maalu behind, you’ll make the 200-mile journey across Sri Lanka to the west coast. Your two final nights are spent on the beach at Hertiance Negombo, although there’s time to take a city tour of Colombo to get to know the urban side of the nation before you head home.

Suggested hotels

Habarana, Sigiriya & Dambulla 4 stars

Aliya Resort & Spa

A peaceful oasis in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle with rural surroundings and Sigiriya views.

East Coast Sri Lanka 4 stars

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

A laidback beach retreat with great food, friendly service and seasonal whale-watching opportunities.

East Coast Sri Lanka 4 stars

Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa

One of the first resorts to be built on Passikudah Bay, this charming bolthole has a prime position on its stunning sweep of sand.

Negombo 5 stars

Sentido Heritance Negombo

This modern hotel, with beautifully landscaped grounds beside a broad golden beach, is an inviting spot to start or end your holiday.

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