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Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee

Sri Lanka Heritage, East Coast & Hill Country Tour (10 Days)

Ten days of Anuradhapura, the east coast beaches of Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Kandy and Colombo.

This ten day tour combines Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage with the quiet beaches of the east coast. Explore Anuradhapura, snorkel at Pigeon Island near Trincomalee, climb Sigiriya, spend two days in Kandy, then finish with a Colombo city tour.

Route: Negombo → Anuradhapura → Trincomalee → Sigiriya → Kandy → Colombo → BIA

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival in Sri Lanka & Transfer to Negombo

  • Meet & greet at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Transfer to Negombo (20–30 min)
  • Relax at Negombo beach
  • Optional visit: Dutch Canal, St. Mary’s Church, Fish Market

Overnight stay in Negombo

Day02

Negombo → Anuradhapura

  • Travel to the sacred city of Anuradhapura (approx. 4 hrs)
  • Explore:
    • Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Isurumuniya Temple
    • Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – oldest historically documented tree in the world

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura

Day03

Anuradhapura → Trincomalee

  • Morning drive to Trincomalee on the east coast (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Relax on Nilaveli Beach or Uppuveli Beach
  • Optional: Visit Kanniya Hot Springs or Trinco Market

Overnight stay in Trincomalee

Day04

Trincomalee Exploration

  • Visit Koneswaram Temple (Lover’s Leap cliff viewpoint)
  • Explore Fort Frederick
  • Optional: Snorkeling at Pigeon Island National Park (seasonal: April–October)
  • Relax at beach resort

Overnight stay in Trincomalee

Day05

Trincomalee → Sigiriya

  • Travel to Sigiriya (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Evening climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
    • Explore the royal gardens, lion staircase, and frescoes
  • Sigiriya village tour

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Day06

Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa & Safari

  • Morning visit to ancient city of Polonnaruwa:
    • Gal Vihara, Royal Palace, Vatadage, Statues of Parakramabahu
  • Afternoon Jeep Safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park:
    • Watch for elephants during the gathering

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Day07

Sigiriya → Kandy (via Dambulla & Spice Garden)

  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Stop at Matale Spice Garden to learn about Sri Lankan herbs
  • Reach Kandy, visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Overnight stay in Kandy

Day08

Kandy Exploration

  • Morning stroll at Royal Botanical Garden – Peradeniya
  • Explore Kandy Lake, Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue, Gem Museum
  • Evening Kandyan cultural dance show

Overnight stay in Kandy

Day09

Kandy → Colombo

  • Drive to Colombo (approx. 3–4 hrs)
  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  • City tour of Colombo:
    • Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square
    • Dutch Hospital, Colombo Lighthouse, and shopping

Overnight stay in Colombo

Day10

Colombo → Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

  • Final breakfast and leisure time
  • Transfer to BIA for departure (approx. 1 hr)

Goodbye from beautiful Sri Lanka!

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Anuradhapura sacred city
  • Trincomalee beaches and Koneswaram Temple
  • Pigeon Island snorkelling
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Traditional village experience
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Minneriya elephant safari
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Colombo city tour

Travel Tips

  • East coast beaches are at their best from May to September.
  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.
  • Safaris start early, so bring a hat, sunscreen and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is this a private tour?
Yes. You travel with your own driver guide in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Q. Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every tour can be tailored to your dates, budget, hotel standard and interests.