The Coastal Crown Beaches of Sri Lanka

About This Tour

Day 1 — Kalpitiya Highlights: Kalpitiya Lagoon Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel up the western coast to Kalpitiya, a tranquil peninsula known for kitesurfing, dolphins, and quiet lagoons. Settle in for a relaxed first afternoon by Kalpitiya Lagoon, soaking up the ocean breeze as you ease into the journey ahead. Day 2 — Wilpattu Highlights: Wilpattu national park Travel inland for a thrilling jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's largest reserve. Spend the day searching its forests and natural lakes for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a wide array of birdlife, before retiring near the park for the night. Day 3 — Jaffna Highlights: Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Drive north along the A9 highway to Jaffna, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka's Tamil heartland. Visit the magnificent Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, an important Hindu temple known for its colourful gopuram and vibrant rituals, before settling in to your hotel and sampling Jaffna's distinctive cuisine. Day 4 — Jaffna Highlights: Jaffna Fort Spend a full day exploring Jaffna and its surroundings. Wander the ramparts of the historic Jaffna Fort, originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, and take a boat to one of the offshore islands such as Nainativu or Delft for ancient temples, wild ponies, and quiet beaches. Day 5 — Polonnaruwa Highlights: Minneriya national park, Ancient City of Polonnaruwa Drive south back into the dry zone to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. Explore its UNESCO-listed ruins by bicycle, including the royal palace and the magnificent stone Buddhas of Gal Vihara. In the afternoon, embark on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park to witness "The Gathering" of wild elephants. Day 6 — Sigiriya/Dambulla Highlights: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla village tour Drive a short way west to the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, marvelling at its 5th-century frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic summit views. In the afternoon, slow the pace with a Dambulla village tour and a home-cooked Sri Lankan meal. Day 7 — Trincomalee Highlights: Nilaveli Beach Drive east to Trincomalee on Sri Lanka's pristine east coast. Check into a beachfront hotel and spend the rest of the day on the powder-soft sands of Nilaveli Beach, with its calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Day 8 — Trincomalee Highlights: Fort Fedrick Spend a more relaxed second day on the east coast. Visit the historic Fort Frederick, originally built by the Portuguese and still home to roaming sambar deer, and Koneswaram Temple perched dramatically on Swami Rock with its sweeping ocean views, then return to the beach for sunset. Day 9 — Kandy Highlights: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Spice Walk Drive south-west through scenic countryside to Kandy. Enjoy a fragrant spice garden walk en route, then visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the spiritual heart of the country. End the day with a traditional Kandyan dance and drumming performance. Day 10 — Ella Highlights: Little Adams peak Take the famously scenic train ride from Kandy into the highlands to Ella, widely considered one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys. On arrival, hike to the top of Little Adam's Peak for sweeping views over the surrounding tea-clad valleys. Day 11 — Ella Highlights: Pekoe trail (Stage 16), Tea factory visit Spend a second day exploring Ella's lush tea country. Hike the scenic Pekoe Trail Stage 16 through plantations and forest paths, then take a guided tour of a working tea factory to see how Ceylon tea is plucked, withered, and processed into the world-famous brew. Day 12 — Tangalle Highlights: Rekawa turtle watching, Hummanaya Blow hole Descend from the highlands to the southern coast and Tangalle. Visit the dramatic Hummanaya Blowhole, the second largest of its kind in the world, then head to Rekawa Beach after dark for a guided turtle-watching experience, with a chance to see endangered sea turtles nesting under the stars. Day 13 — Galle Highlights: Galle Fort, Unawatuna Drive west along the coast to Galle. Wander the cobbled lanes of the UNESCO-listed Dutch fort and enjoy a swim at the golden curve of Unawatuna Beach. Spend a relaxed afternoon in the boutique cafés of the fort and enjoy a sunset on its historic ramparts. Day 14 — Colombo Highlights: Colombo city tour Drive up the coast to Colombo for a final taste of city life. Take a guided city tour of the bustling capital, visiting Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and the Old Parliament. In the afternoon, transfer the short distance to Bandaranaike International Airport for your homeward flight.

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary