Sri Lanka · Beach & Island

6-Day East Coast Beaches and Heritage Tour of Sri Lanka with Sigiriya

6 Days Round trip from Colombo Moderate pace

Colombo – Trincomalee – Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy – Colombo

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park among coral reefs and marine life
02 Relax on Nilaveli, Uppuveli, and Marble beaches along the east coast
03 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit Dambulla Cave Temple
04 Experience cultural heritage in Kandy, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Discover Sri Lanka's east coast on a six-day seasonal journey from May to September. Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park among coral reefs and marine life, relax on Nilaveli, Uppuveli, and Marble beaches, and visit the Kanniya Hot Water Springs. Experience rural village life in Habarana, climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and admire ancient murals at Dambulla Cave Temple. Conclude in Kandy with the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a cultural dance performance for a balanced blend of beach relaxation, heritage, and cultural discovery.

Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park among coral reefs and marine life, relax on Nilaveli, Uppuveli, and Marble beaches, and visit the Kanniya Hot Water Springs.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Habarana

Languages Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Colombo to Trincomalee and Uppuveli Beach

Morning pick-up from Colombo or the airport, with a stop for breakfast en route.
Continue towards Trincomalee with a lunch stop near Kantale.
Arrive in Trincomalee and check in at the hotel.
Enjoy an evening leisure walk along Uppuveli Beach.

Dinner and overnight stay in Trincomalee.

Day 02

Pigeon Island Snorkelling and Nilaveli Beach

Breakfast at the hotel.
Take a boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkelling among coral reefs and marine life.
Lunch after the snorkelling experience.
Relax at Nilaveli Beach or enjoy optional water sports.
Beachside dinner and overnight stay in Trincomalee.

Day 03

Kanniya Hot Springs, Fort Frederick, and Marble Beach

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Kanniya Hot Water Springs.
Explore Fort Frederick and Lover's Leap viewpoint.
Lunch followed by relaxation at Marble Beach or an optional Ayurvedic spa treatment.

Dinner and overnight stay in Trincomalee.

Day 04

Trincomalee to Sigiriya via Habarana Village

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
Stop at Habarana village for an authentic rural experience with village activities and a traditional lunch.
Continue to Sigiriya and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 05

Dambulla Cave Temple and Kandy Heritage

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch en route to Kandy and hotel check-in.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Attend a cultural dance performance followed by dinner.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 06

Kandy to Colombo via Peradeniya

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
Lunch on the way back.
Return to Colombo or enjoy an airport drop-off at the end of the tour.

Where this trip takes you

Pigeon Island National Park coral reefs, Nilaveli Beach sands, Uppuveli Beach shoreline, Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Colombo 6 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private air-conditioned transport with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Tour guide for cultural and heritage sites
Bottled water throughout the tour
Government taxes, parking fees, and highway tolls
Travel insurance

What's Not Included

International airfare
Visa fees
Personal expenses such as laundry, minibar, tips, and phone calls
Optional activities not mentioned as included
Camera or video permits at certain locations
Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
Alcoholic beverages
All entrance fees and activity charges

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Light cotton clothing suitable for warm weather
Swimwear and a beach towel
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Light jacket for evenings
Rain jacket or umbrella, just in case
Personal medications and basic first-aid items
Modest clothing for temple visits
Camera or mobile phone with adequate storage

Know before you go

This tour operates best from May to September, when east coast sea conditions are ideal.
Snorkelling and marine life sightings depend on weather and sea conditions.
Train travel is not included in this itinerary.
Wildlife and marine sightings are not guaranteed, as they occur in natural environments.
Respect local customs, especially at religious sites.
Bottled water is recommended, and travel insurance is strongly advised.
4-star or 5-star hotel upgrades are available on request.

Logistics