East Coast Beach Explorer – 08 Days 07 Nights

What to Expect

Sri Lanka translates from Sinhalese to ‘Sacred Island’ and any visitor here will understand why. This extension itinerary provides a chance to explore the less visited East coast of Sri Lanka, where coral reefs lap the nearby islands, providing plenty of nutrition for marine life, including blue whales and hawksbill turtles.

Beginning in the once Tamil state of Trincomalee, choose to embark on a boat safari to the wildlife rich coral reefs of Pigeon Island National Park or go in search of blue whale, sperm whale and dolphins during a cetacean safari (May – October). Then continue South to the pristine beaches of Passikudah to stay in a serine beach resort, ideal for honeymooners and families alike.

Itinerary

Day 01 – Airport – Negombo

As you land, you will arrive in Negombo 30 mins away from the International Airport and check in to the hotel. Later that evening take a stroll down Negombo beach and finally sit down for dinner where your chauffer/national guide will brief you about your tour.

• Meals: Open (Not Included)

Day 02 – Negombo – Trincomalee

Begin your extension driving to the port city of Trincomalee, lying along Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. A traditional stronghold of Tamil culture, the city is one of the oldest in Asia and was a major maritime trading centre during the island’s long history of trade with South East Asia. This evening you will have some free time to explore at your leisure.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 03 – Trincomalee

Today you will have the option of going on a whale watching excursion or snorkelling around Pigeon Island. Sri Lanka’s east coast is becoming one of the best places to see both Blue and Sperm Whales with the best time of year to view the whales from May to October. Pigeon Island National Park is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the country, the park provides a rich haven for more than 100 different types of coral, some 300 species of reef fish, black tip reef sharks, hawksbill and green turtles and breeding colonies of rock pigeons.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 04 – Trincomalee – Pasikuda

Drive from Trincomalee to Passikudah along the costal roads, taking approximately two and a half hours. Be welcomed into your beach retreat where you will be able to gaze out to the Indian Ocean or enjoy some snorkeling in the coral reefs to your heart’s content.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 05 – Pasikuda

Spend the next two days relaxing or taking part in activities from your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 06 – Pasikuda to Yala

Today, after breakfast and a relaxed morning, drive to Yala National Park to indulge in an evening safari. Dive into the amazing biodiversity of Sri Lanka and if you are lucky; get a glimpse of the Sri Lankan Leopard (Endemic), the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and of course the large herds of Elephants. Remember to leave only your footprints and take home only an experience when going on a safari here. Return back to the hotel for dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 07 – Yala – Colombo

Today, after a relaxed morning, check-out of the hotel and proceed to Colombo. Later that evening go on a Tuk Tuk Safari in Colombo and if you’d like to try it, some street food would be a great way to experience Sri Lanka’s culinary knacks. Since dinner is open, you can try a restaurant to fit your taste buds. Our recommendations are Ministry of Crab, Paradise Road Gallery Cafe, Cafe Francias, Monsoon and also Nugagama at Cinnamon Grand. Spend the night overlooking glowing Colombo Beach.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 08 – Colombo – Airport

Today, depending on your departure flight time, you can either relax or check out of the hotel. Don’t forget to recollect the memories of your trip with your chauffer and write your feedback.

Meals: Breakfast