Sri Lanka East Coast culture and wildlife tour

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, your private driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city. As you settle in, enjoy a personalized welcome and helpful local insights to enrich your Sri Lanka travel experience.

The rest of the day is yours to unwind after your journey. Relax at the hotel or step out to explore Colombo’s coastal cafés, lively neighborhoods, and elegant colonial streets at your own pace.

Set out by tuk tuk with your English-speaking guide to explore Colombo’s historic Fort district on foot, then dive into the vibrant energy of Pettah’s colorful, bustling lanes.

Along the way, sample exotic fruits on Bristol Street, sip spiced coffee at the Coffee Bean on Old Moor Street, and admire the vivid statues of the Old Kathiresan Hindu Temple. Conclude with lunch or dinner at the stylish Gallery Café, set within the former offices of a celebrated architect.

In the evening, depart the city with a private transfer to Wilpattu National Park, where your next chapter unfolds amid Sri Lanka’s untamed wilderness.

Discover Wilpattu National Park, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for wildlife enthusiasts. As the country’s largest and oldest reserve, it is renowned for its unique chain of willus, natural lakes that attract an extraordinary variety of animals.

Set out on a private, tailor-made safari with an expert guide, scanning the landscape for vibrant birdlife, reptiles ranging from snakes to crocodiles, and, with luck, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. This immersive experience is ideal for wildlife photography and meaningful encounters in pristine natural surroundings.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred ancient capitals.

Cycle through expansive ruins and towering stupas as you visit the magnificent Ruwanwelisaya dagoba, the remains of the once grand Bronze Palace, and the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which has been venerated for more than 2,000 years.

Discover Mihintale, the sacred mountain where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. Climb the granite staircase for panoramic countryside views, or drive partway and walk to the summit to explore its ancient shrines.

Continue with a scenic transfer to Trincomalee on the east coast, where palm-fringed beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean await. Visit the hilltop Koneswaram Temple, explore the town, or choose a tailor-made snorkeling excursion to Pigeon Island to discover vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.

A memorable highlight of your Sri Lanka itinerary, this morning catamaran cruise departs from Trincomalee toward Dutch Bay. Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast on board and take in sweeping ocean views from the upper deck as you search for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

After the cruise, relax in the calm waters near the iconic Koneswaram Temple, where lunch is served on board. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, dolphins are frequently seen in these rich coastal waters.

Located just a short drive from Nilaveli, your hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers a tranquil beachfront setting, with inviting restaurants and bars within easy walking distance.

Spend the day at leisure, enjoying gentle swims, relaxing beach yoga, fresh seafood by the shore, or optional snorkeling and rejuvenating spa treatments.

Spend the day at leisure, enjoying the serene surroundings at your own pace. In the evening, glide by traditional pirogue across calm waters, watching for exotic birdlife and absorbing the quiet beauty of the landscape.

On the horizon, the dramatic silhouettes of Sigiriya and Pidurangala rise above the plains. Explore the ancient fortress of Lion Rock and its famed frescoes, then climb Pidurangala for sweeping panoramic views and an unforgettable sunset.

Climb Lion’s Rock at Sigiriya early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site was once an ancient royal fortress, renowned for its vivid frescoes and sweeping views across the surrounding jungle. Visit the museum to see detailed 3D reconstructions that bring the palace complex to life.

Continue to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred complex dating to the 1st century BCE. Explore its five shrine caves, where walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and centuries-old statues.

Begin a tailor-made cycling adventure in Habarana, meeting your guide to collect your bikes before setting off along the shores of the Kadahathawewa reservoir. Pedal through lush countryside and quiet village paths, taking in scenes of daily rural life.

Visit a traditional mud brick workshop, ride through the farmlands of Pinsirigama, and pause for tea at a local stall.

You will also be welcomed into the home of a village elder for a hands-on introduction to woodcarving, before concluding with an engaging demonstration of traditional Ayurvedic products and practices.

Begin early at the historic Gadaladeniya Temple near Kandy, where a local host leads you on a tailor-made cultural walk to three nearby temples. Along the way, gain insight into their history, architecture, and enduring spiritual traditions that remain part of daily life.

Continue into the surrounding village to visit small workshops where artisans preserve the craft of Ola leaf manuscripts. Try your hand at traditional techniques before joining a local family for a shared lunch.

Together, pick fresh vegetables from the garden and prepare the meal, creating a genuine and memorable cultural exchange.

Discover Kandy, the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka and a city steeped in royal heritage. Visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, home to the sacred relic of the Buddha, and explore the adjoining palace of the last King of Ceylon. Attend a daily puja ceremony to witness devotion and ritual in an intimate and meaningful setting.

Climb to the Bahirawakanda Vihara Temple to stand before its towering Buddha statue and take in panoramic views across the city and surrounding hills. Conclude with a stroll through Kandy’s bustling market hall, where vibrant displays of fruit, spices, and local produce offer a lively glimpse into everyday life.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, taking time to reflect on the experiences and landscapes that have shaped your journey. At the appropriate time, your private driver will transfer you to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight.

Our team ensures seamless coordination and attentive service through to departure, so you leave Sri Lanka with lasting memories and a deeper connection to its culture, nature, and warm hospitality.