14 days / 13 nights
East Coast Adventure
The road less travelled
Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Best Season
May – October
From
$5,071 /person
While most trips cover Sri Lanka's popular south and west coasts, this 14-day adventure heads to the island's wilder eastern side. From leopard safaris in Wilpattu to the relaxed surf beaches of Arugam Bay, each day shows you a side of Sri Lanka that most visitors never see. The trip brings together ancient ruins, hidden waterfalls, scenic train rides, and tea country stays — all with carefully chosen luxury stays. Start on the coast at Negombo before heading northwest to the wilderness of Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest national park, where luxury tented safaris bring you close to leopards and elephants. Cross to the Cultural Triangle to climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, then head east to the calm, turquoise waters of Pasikuda and the laid-back surf town of Arugam Bay. The trip turns inland through the cool green highlands to the valley town of Ella, before ending at a restored tea planter's bungalow surrounded by lush tea estates. This private tour can be fully customised by our team.
Highlights
- Track elusive leopards through the mosaic of natural lakes and dense forest at Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest and most atmospheric national park
- Scale the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the ancient frescoes, mirror wall, and lion-paw gateway that crown its summit
- Cycle through the medieval UNESCO ruins of Polonnaruwa, where stone Buddhas and royal palaces stand as testament to a thousand years of civilisation
- Float in the calm, turquoise shallows of Pasikuda Bay — waters so still and warm they feel like a private lagoon on the unspoilt east coast
- Surrender to the bohemian surf culture of Arugam Bay — eco-lodges, bonfire sunsets, and locally caught seafood on the wild east coast
- Board the legendary highland railway for a scenic journey through tunnels, over bridges, and past waterfalls draped in mist
- Stay in a restored colonial tea planter's bungalow, explore a working tea factory, and savour the timeless ritual of high tea
Your Journey
Day by day
Arrival — Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your Ceylon Insider guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Negombo, a laid-back coastal town just a short drive away. Settle into Uga Riva, a modern seaside retreat with large windows that invite the sea breeze inside. The rest of the day is yours — stroll the neighbourhood, sip a cool drink by the pool, or simply unwind after your journey.
Negombo — Wilpattu
Leave the coast behind and drive inland toward Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's largest and oldest wildlife sanctuary. The journey takes you through quiet villages and stretches of dry scrubland as the landscape transforms from palm-fringed beaches to dense jungle. Arrive at Leopard Trails Wilpattu, an unfenced luxury tented camp right on the park's edge, and head out on your first evening game drive with an expert naturalist guide.
Wilpattu Safari
A full day of wildlife adventure in Wilpattu's sprawling wilderness. Morning and evening safaris take you through a mosaic of natural sand-fringed lakes called villus, where animals come to drink and bathe. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards lounging in trees, sloth bears shuffling through the underbrush, herds of elephants, and spotted deer grazing in open clearings. Return to camp for dinner under a blanket of stars.
Wilpattu — Dambulla — Sigiriya
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site where five caves carved into a massive rock face house over 150 golden Buddha statues and ancient ceiling murals painted in earthy reds, yellows, and oranges. Continue to Sigiriya and check into Aliya Resort & Spa, sitting right at the base of the famous rock fortress. Spend the afternoon by the pool with views of Sigiriya Rock.
Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa — Pasikuda
Climb the 1,200 steps of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, passing ancient frescoes of celestial maidens and the enormous Lion's Gate before reaching the summit ruins of King Kashyapa's fifth-century palace. Then explore the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa — the Royal Palace complex, stone elephant friezes, and the magnificent Gal Vihara Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock face. Drive east to Pasikuda and check into Uga Bay.
Pasikuda
A day to simply be on the east coast. The waters of Pasikuda are unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka — shallow, still, and perfectly warm for wading and floating. Try paddleboarding across the bay or snorkeling near the coral reefs just offshore. Fresh grilled fish and tangy sambols await at the beachfront restaurant. As evening approaches, sink your toes into the sand and watch the sky turn shades of orange and pink.
Pasikuda — Arugam Bay
Travel south along the east coast to Arugam Bay, one of Asia's most legendary surf breaks. Check into Jetwing Surf, sitting right on the shore where surfers from around the world come to ride the perfect swells. Spend the day lounging by the pool with a fresh coconut in hand, wandering down to the beach, or simply surrendering to the laid-back charm of this bohemian surf town.
Arugam Bay
Two days of pure east coast bliss. Take a surfing lesson on the famous point break, explore the scattered cafés and surf shops that give this place its cool bohemian charm, or simply stretch out on the sand with a good book. Rent a bicycle and cruise through the village, passing colourful fishing boats and locals going about their daily routines. Gather around beach bonfires as the sun dips below the Indian Ocean.
Arugam Bay — Bandarawela
The journey turns inland through the highlands. Hop in a tuk-tuk to Ellawala Waterfall — a hidden gem reached by a gentle jungle trail — for a swim in crystal-clear pools surrounded by untouched greenery. Stop by the dramatic Ravana Falls, where water crashes down 25 metres of rock face with ancient legends of King Ravana and Princess Sita. Arrive at Anasa Wellness Resort, where your private chalet overlooks emerald paddy fields.
Ella
Rise early for a sunrise hike to Little Adam's Peak through terraced tea plantations, where the Ella Gap frames distant plains in a panoramic vista. Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge swallowed by thick jungle and watch the blue train rumble across its stone arches. Tour the Halpe Tea Factory to follow the journey from fresh leaf to finished Ceylon tea, tasting several varieties overlooking misty mountains.
Ella — Hatton
Board Sri Lanka's most celebrated train ride from Ella to Hatton. The highland railway winds slowly through terraced tea plantations, past waterfalls tumbling down rock faces and misty forested valleys. Mountain air rushes through the open windows, carrying the scent of tea leaves and rain-soaked earth. Arrive at Uga Halloowella, a colonial bungalow with just four suites overlooking the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Hatton — Negombo
Visit a working tea plantation in Hatton, walking through emerald terraced slopes where Tamil tea pluckers move between the bushes. Inside the factory, follow the journey from leaf to cup — withering, rolling, oxidation, and firing — finishing with a tasting of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Continue to The Wallawwa, a restored colonial manor house near Colombo set within tranquil gardens.
Negombo — Colombo Airport — Departure
A leisurely breakfast at The Wallawwa before your airport transfer. Your driver loads your luggage for the drive to Bandaranaike International Airport as you bid farewell to this beautiful boutique haven. Walking into the terminal, you carry memories of Wilpattu's wilderness, ancient ruins, surf-kissed beaches, and highland tea trails. Until we meet again, ayubowan.
Inclusions
What's included
Exclusions
What's not included
Where You'll Stay
Your handpicked stays
A contemporary seaside retreat in Negombo with sleek, minimalist suites opening onto a palm-fringed pool. Steps from the beach and the colourful fishing harbour.
Visit Hotel WebsiteAn exclusive safari tented camp on the edge of Wilpattu National Park. Spacious canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, campfire dinners, and dawn safaris led by expert trackers.
Visit Hotel WebsiteA modern hilltop resort with panoramic views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Spacious rooms, an infinity pool overlooking the Cultural Triangle, and an Ayurvedic spa.
Visit Hotel WebsiteA beachfront retreat on the calm turquoise waters of Pasikuda, offering spacious ocean-view studios with private balconies. Swim in the warm, shallow bay, explore coral reefs, and dine on fresh seafood.
Visit Hotel WebsiteEco-chic luxury cabanas on the shores of Arugam Bay, one of Asia's most legendary surf breaks. A bohemian surf retreat with ocean views, bonfire evenings, and barefoot elegance.
Visit Hotel WebsiteA boutique wellness retreat nestled in the hills near Ella, blending contemporary comfort with panoramic mountain views. Luxury chalets provide the ideal base for exploring the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak.
Visit Hotel WebsiteA restored colonial tea planter's bungalow set among rolling highland estates near Hatton. Butler service, antique furnishings, and the timeless ritual of high tea surrounded by emerald hills.
Visit Hotel WebsiteA boutique heritage manor house near Colombo airport, set in tranquil tropical gardens. A refined blend of colonial elegance and contemporary design — the perfect first or final night.
Visit Hotel WebsitePricing
Seasonal rates
Rates are per person in USD based on double occupancy. Single supplement and triple reduction apply based on your room configuration.
May – Jun 2026
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total P/P | $8,060.35 | $5,094.81 | $5,024.74 | $4,905.64 | $4,834.18 | $4,786.54 |
Jul – Aug 2026
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total P/P | $10,843.19 | $6,678.21 | $6,608.14 | $6,489.04 | $6,417.58 | $6,369.94 |
Sep – Oct 2026
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total P/P | $8,373.55 | $5,251.41 | $5,181.34 | $5,062.24 | $4,990.78 | $4,943.14 |
Nov – 20 Dec 2026
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total P/P | $8,309.58 | $5,071.45 | $5,001.37 | $4,882.27 | $4,810.82 | $4,763.18 |
21 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total P/P | $10,302.63 | $6,351.09 | $6,281.02 | $6,161.92 | $6,090.46 | $6,042.82 |
21 Jan – 30 Apr 2027
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total P/P | $9,751.63 | $6,030.93 | $5,960.86 | $5,841.76 | $5,770.30 | $5,722.66 |
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