Overview
Discover the untouched beauty of Sri Lanka's breathtaking East Coast on an unforgettable journey filled with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, marine adventures, wildlife encounters, ancient temples, and relaxing coastal escapes. Visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, embark on a seasonal whale and dolphin watching excursion in Trincomalee, explore the sacred Koneswaram Temple overlooking the Indian Ocean, enjoy an exciting wildlife safari, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs at Pigeon Island National Park, relax on the white sandy beaches of Nilaveli and Pasikuda, experience thrilling water sports, and conclude your holiday with a guided tour of Colombo before your departure.
Experience the untouched paradise of Sri Lanka's spectacular East Coast in the comfort of a private vehicle with an experienced chauffeur guide. Visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, embark on a seasonal whale and dolphin watching excursion in Trincomalee, explore the sacred Koneswaram Temple and the dramatic cliffs of Swami Rock, enjoy an exciting safari in Minneriya National Park, snorkel among colourful coral reefs and tropical marine life at Pigeon Island National Park, unwind on the pristine beaches of Nilaveli and Pasikuda, experience exciting water sports, and conclude your journey with a guided tour of Colombo's iconic landmarks and shopping districts before your airport transfer. Carefully designed to combine marine adventures, wildlife, heritage, city exploration, and relaxation, this itinerary offers the perfect East Coast holiday.
What's included
- 3 Nights Accommodation
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- Airport Meet & Greet
- Airport Pick-up & Drop-off
- Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Professional English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide
- Fuel, Parking & Highway Tolls
- Government Taxes
Trip highlights
- Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Whale Watching in Trincomalee
- Blue Whales & Spinner Dolphins
- Koneswaram Temple
- Swami Rock
- Fort Frederick
- Nilaveli Beach
- Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari
- Asian Elephant Gathering
- Pigeon Island National Park
- Snorkeling Experience
- Coral Reef Exploration
- Sea Turtle Watching
- Optional Scuba Diving
- Glass Bottom Boat Ride
- Pasikuda Beach
- Water Sports
- Colombo City Tour
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Independence Square
- Galle Face Green
- Port City
- Shopping in Colombo
- Scenic East Coast Drive
Trip at a glance
- Duration
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Tour type
- Private Tour
- Starts
- Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
- Ends
- Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
- Destinations
- 7
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- 1
- National parks
- 2
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Friends · Solo Travelers
Destinations covered
- Dambulla
- Trincomalee
- Nilaveli
- Minneriya
- Pigeon Island
- Pasikuda
- Colombo
Route: Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) → Dambulla → Trincomalee → Nilaveli → Minneriya → Pigeon Island → Pasikuda → Colombo → Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
Gallery
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival | BIA → Dambulla → Trincomalee
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Meet your private chauffeur guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and begin your journey towards the beautiful East Coast.
- Airport Meet & Greet
- Scenic Drive through Sri Lanka's Cultural Region
- Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Spice & Herbal Garden Visit
- Scenic Drive to Trincomalee
- Evening Beach Walk
- Oceanfront Sunset
Day 2: Whale Watching → Trincomalee Heritage & Nilaveli Beach
Begin your day with an unforgettable whale and dolphin watching excursion before exploring Trincomalee's rich history and relaxing on the beautiful shores of Nilaveli.
- Early Morning Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion
- Blue Whales & Spinner Dolphins
- Koneswaram Temple
- Swami Rock Viewpoint
- Lover's Leap
- Fort Frederick
- Deer Park
- Nilaveli Beach
- Swimming & Beach Leisure
- Beach Sunset
Day 3: Morning Safari → Pigeon Island Marine Adventure → Pasikuda
Experience an exciting wildlife safari before enjoying one of Sri Lanka's finest snorkeling destinations and continuing to Pasikuda.
- Early Morning Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari (or Kaudulla National Park depending on elephant movements)
- Asian Elephant Gathering
- Wildlife Viewing
- Pigeon Island National Park
- Snorkeling with Coral Reefs
- Tropical Fish & Sea Turtles
- Optional Scuba Diving
- Glass Bottom Boat Ride
- Scenic Coastal Drive
- Pasikuda Beach
- Water Sports (Jet Ski, Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
- Beach Relaxation
Day 4: Pasikuda → Colombo City Tour → Departure (BIA)
Spend your final morning relaxing on the beautiful shores of Pasikuda before travelling to Colombo for a guided city tour prior to your departure.
- Sunrise at Pasikuda Beach
- Swimming & Beach Leisure
- Scenic Drive to Colombo
- Colombo City Tour
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Independence Square
- Galle Face Green
- Old Parliament Building
- Port City
- Lotus Tower (Photo Stop)
- Shopping
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
Best time to go
The East Coast runs on the opposite monsoon to the west and south, so it’s at its best from May to September, when the west coast is at its wettest.
Best months for this route: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Frequently asked questions
Is The East Coast Escape a private tour?
Yes. Every Majesty Tours itinerary, including The East Coast Escape, is private: your own air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking chauffeur guide, with no other travellers on your schedule.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Yes. This is a sample itinerary: the route, pace, hotel category and stops can all be adjusted to your interests and travel dates. Tell us what you’d like changed when you enquire.
Are hotels included?
Yes. 3 nights of accommodation are included, along with daily breakfast and dinner, as listed above.
Where does the tour start and end?
Pickup and drop-off are at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). We meet you at arrivals and transfer you back for your departure flight.
Do I get the free Colombo City Tour with this package?
Yes. Every Majesty Tours booking includes a complimentary open-top double-decker sightseeing tour of Colombo at no extra cost.
Why is the East Coast best visited at a different time of year than the rest of Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two monsoons on opposite cycles. The East Coast (Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Arugam Bay) is driest from May to September, while the west and south coasts and hill country are driest from December to March.
Ready to plan The East Coast Escape?
Tell us your travel dates and we'll confirm availability and a final quote.