Overview
Embark on one of the most unforgettable tour packages Sri Lanka as you journey along the island’s breathtaking East Coast. This 15-day Sri Lanka East Coast itinerary takes you through the sunshine towns of Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Passekudah, Arugam Bay, Haputale, Kandy, and Colombo. Enjoy touring ancient ruins one day and relaxing on the pristine shore the next! There’s plenty of sunshine and adventure as you make your way down the coast.
Tour Highlights
- Give surfing a try at the famous Arugam Bay beach town with its laid-back vibes and rolling waves
- Explore the Temple of the Tooth and see where one of Buddha’s actual tooth is kept
- Discover the inland beauty of the Ceylon Tea Fields
- Enjoy Sri Lanka’s incredible nature and culture in the postcard-perfect town of Kandy
General Information
Tour Type: Sri Lanka Luxury Tours
Duration: 15 days/ 14 nights
Start/ End: Kotugoda / Colombo
Tour Route: Kotugoda – Dambulla – Passekudah – Arugam Bay – Haputale – Kandy
Date: No Fixed Departure – Anytime You Wish
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interests in the inquiry form
What's Included
- Hotel accommodation with meal
- Private English-speaking guides
- Private drivers & first-class air-conditioned vehicles
- International airfares
- Entry Visa fees
- Facilities & Services included
What's Excluded
- Personal expenses
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
Brief Itinerary of Sri Lanka East Coast Tour
Day 01: Colombo Arrival – Transfer to Kotugoda
Day 02: Kotugoda
Day 03: Dambulla
Day 04: Dambulla
Day 05: Passekudah
Day 06: Passekudah
Day 07: Passekudah
Day 08: Arugam Bay
Day 09: Arugam Bay
Day 10: Arugam Bay
Day 11: Haputale
Day 12: Haputale
Day 13: Kandy
Day 14: Kandy
Day 15: Departure
Detailed Sri Lanka East Coast Itinerary
Day 01: Colombo Arrival – Transfer to Kotugoda
After arriving in Colombo, you will be transferred by private vehicle to nearby Kotugoda, where your charming colonial-style bungalow at The Wallawwa awaits.
Immerse yourself in a much-deserved rejuvenating massage after your long journey into Sri Lanka. This lavish boutique hotel is the perfect place to unwind and begin your Sri Lanka East Coast itinerary, offering a tranquil introduction to the island’s lush natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Accommodation: THE WALLAWWA
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 02: Kotugoda
Today, just spend your day relaxing with the high-end service of the Wallawwa. Leisurely enjoy your day and explore your surroundings.
Accommodation: THE WALLAWWA
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 03: Dambulla
Take a scenic 4-hour trip to Dambulla, in the center of the northern region of the island. Here, you will lay eyes on one of famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa's creations - the 1994 Heritance Kandalama. The hotel is integrated seamlessly into the jungle surroundings as well as appears to be a part of the cliff face, offering guests breathtaking views of Kandalama Lake.
Visit the area’s magnificent ancient Buddhist cave temples. Pay a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Spend the night in deluxe at the Heritance Kandalama, a luxurious stop on your East Coast Sri Lanka itinerary.
Accommodation: HERITANCE KANDALAMA
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 04: Dambulla
Today is yours. Relax at leisure and explore your surroundings.
Accommodation: HERITANCE KANDALAMA
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 05: Passekudah
Take the northeast coast road for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Passekudah. Along the way, we suggest stopping in Polonnaruwa. This ancient kingdom was Sri Lanka’s reigning capital during Medieval times. For the history of the city, stop by the museum.
Continue on to tour the actual ruins themselves for a full understanding of the once-bustling city. Reach the postcard-perfect coastal town of Paseduka. Rest your head at Uga Bay - a perfect addition to your East Sri Lanka itinerary.
Accommodation: UGA BAY BY UGA ESCAPES
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 06: Passekudah
Spend the day enjoying what the area is famous for - the idyllic, pristine beaches met by sparkling, turquoise waters. Explore the quaint local fishing village and observe a quiet way of life. Find the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted as you explore the coastal area.
Accommodation: UGA BAY BY UGA ESCAPES
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 07: Passekudah
Once, if ever, you’ve had enough of lounging on Passedudah’s spectacular shores, travel the short distance to the town’s sister beach - Kalkudah. You can decide for yourself which area has the most beautiful beaches. Return to Uga Bay for a final restful night. This serene coastal retreat is an ideal highlight of your Sri Lanka East Coast itinerary.
Accommodation: UGA BAY BY UGA ESCAPES
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 08: Arugam Bay
Take the southern road for 3 hours, following along the eastern shoreline as you travel to Arugam Bay. The area is considered one of the top ten surf spots in the entire world. Indeed, this place feels like its own separate little world with its isolated beaches and laid-back vibes.
We recommend staying at the Stardust Beach Hotel, where you can enjoy coastal lounging. Treat yourself to a delicious meal in the hotel’s restaurant.
Accommodation: STARDUST BEACH HOTEL
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 09: Arugam Bay
If you’re feeling adventurous, give the area’s famous sport a try! Pick up a surfboard and join in the never-ending summer. The beach break in front of the Stardust Hotel is perfect for beginners, and those just looking to bodyboard. Other recommended spots include; the Point, Pottuvil Point, and Crocodile Rock.
Accommodation: STARDUST BEACH HOTEL
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 10: Arugam Bay
If you’ve had enough surfing or are simply looking for a change of pace, the area is nearby several ancient ruins. The Lahugala National Park is a spectacular location to see Elephants roaming free in the wilderness. Retire to the Stardust Hotel for your final evening in the area - an ideal way to wrap up your East Coast Sri Lanka holidays.
Accommodation: STARDUST BEACH HOTEL
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 11: Haputale
Leave the coast behind as you head 3 hours inland to visit the lush southern highlands. Along the way, you will see stunning peaks, picturesque waterfalls, and sprawling tea plantations. Reach Haputale and enjoy incredible views of the southern plains from the town’s ridge location.
Spend the evening at the Kelburne Mountain View Cottages. The cozy cottages offer unrivaled views of the vistas below. This refreshing change of scenery adds a unique contrast to your Sri Lanka East Coast itinerary.
Accommodation: KELBURNE MOUNTAIN VIEW COTTAGES
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 12: Haputale
Meander through the Kelburne Tea plantation, feel free to pick some leaves to weigh at the station located at the front entrance. Tour the tea factory and learn about the different processes. You will be able to discern the different grades of Ceylon tea by the end of the day.
Finish the day by paying a visit to the monastery or one of the nearby waterfalls. This cultural and natural immersion adds depth to your East Coast Sri Lanka itinerary.
Accommodation: KELBURNE MOUNTAIN VIEW COTTAGES
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 13: Kandy
The next leg of your trip will take you to the lush green city of Kandy (3 hours away), the island nation’s cultural capital. This was the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. That night, rest your head at the Kandy House or Earl's Regency Hotel.
Accommodation: KANDY HOUSE or EARL'S REGENCY HOTEL
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 14: Kandy
Today, we take a tour of the Bahirawakanda Monastery and see how Sri Lankan monks live and worship. Admire the Temple of the Tooth lit up at night by thousands of tiny white lights: a magical sight to behold. The temple possesses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Spend your final evening of pampering at your high-end hotel.
Accommodation: KANDY HOUSE or EARL'S REGENCY HOTEL
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 15: Departure - End of East Coast Sri Lanka Holidays
Travel 3 hours from Kandy to the country’s capital - Colombo to connect onward. Time permitting before the flight, explore the town, reveling in the gorgeous colonial architecture. Tour the National Museum and pay a visit to the Fort.
The Sri Lanka East Coast itinerary ends. Hope you enjoyed it and wish that you would go with us again when it comes to other Sri Lanka tours. Safe flight!
FAQs About Sri Lanka Itinerary 15 Days
The East Coast of Sri Lanka is at its best from April to September, when the weather is sunny, dry, and ideal for beaches like Passekudah and Arugam Bay. This period offers calm seas, great surfing conditions, and very little rain.
If you prefer quieter months, October-November and March still offer pleasant conditions, though you may see a few short showers.
Yes - this itinerary is very relaxed and suitable for all ages, including families with children and older travelers.
The tour balances sightseeing with plenty of beach time, gentle nature visits, and cultural experiences. There are no strenuous hikes or physically demanding activities unless you choose to add them.
Daily travel is comfortable, and private transportation makes the journey easy for everyone.
Wi-Fi availability is generally good in all hotels and major towns such as Dambulla, Passekudah, Kandy, and Colombo.
In remote beach areas like Arugam Bay, Wi-Fi may be slower during peak hours, but mobile data works well - especially with a local SIM card from Dialog or Mobitel.
Overall, you can expect reliable connectivity for emails, social media, and light work, but not for heavy streaming.
All accommodations on this itinerary are high-quality boutique hotels or luxury resorts, known for comfort, cleanliness, and great service.
- Rooms come with private bathrooms, hot water, proper toilets, and modern amenities.
- Resorts in Passekudah and Arugam Bay offer beachfront rooms and excellent facilities.
- Properties like The Wallawwa, Heritance Kandalama, and Kandy House are upscale and well-reviewed.
Overall, you can expect Western-standard hygiene, comfortable bedding, and well-maintained bathrooms throughout the trip.
Travel time varies by day, but the itinerary is designed to be relaxed with manageable drive times:
- Colombo → Kotugoda: 20–30 minutes
- Kotugoda → Dambulla: 4 hours
- Dambulla → Passekudah: 2.5 hours
- Passekudah → Arugam Bay: 3 hours
- Arugam Bay → Haputale: 3 hours
- Haputale → Kandy: 3 hours
- Kandy → Colombo Airport: 3 hours
Most driving is scenic, and all transfers are done in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle.
All transfers on this Sri Lanka East Coast tour are done in a private, air-conditioned vehicle arranged exclusively for you. The type of vehicle depends on your group size:
- 1-2 travelers: Comfortable car or sedan such as Toyota Axio / Prius / Honda Fit Shuttle
- 3-4 travelers: Spacious SUV or luxury car
- 5-10 travelers: Modern mini-van (Toyota KDH / HiAce)
- Larger groups: Air-conditioned tourist coach
Every vehicle is well-maintained, clean, and driven by an experienced English-speaking chauffeur-guide, ensuring a smooth, comfortable journey across all destinations.
Isabella Schmidt – Germany –
We started our sri lanka east coast itinerary with a peaceful stay at The Wallawwa. By day five, we were exploring the ruins of Polonnaruwa and sipping tea in the hills of Haputale. Every moment felt immersive and authentic.
Daniel Thompson – Canada –
I loved waking up to the sound of waves in Passekudah. This east coast sri lanka itinerary balanced adventure and relaxation. My favorite part was the elephants at Lahugala National Park. Such a magical experience.
Sofia Lima – Brazil –
This sri lanka east coast tour was everything I needed. From exploring Buddhist caves to watching sunrise from Sigiriya, the journey felt spiritual. Our guide shared stories that made the culture come alive.
Ethan Clark – USA –
As a photographer, I was stunned by the landscapes on this east coast sri lanka holidays package. The tea plantations in Haputale offered breathtaking shots, and the coastlines were equally stunning.
Ava Jones – Australia –
I joined this sri lanka east coast itinerary for the beaches, but fell in love with the culture. Learning about Ceylon tea production and visiting ancient temples were unexpected highlights.
Oliver Martin – UK –
My partner and I loved the east coast sri lanka tour. Passekudah was peaceful, and our stay at Uga Bay was unforgettable. We even learned to cook a traditional curry from a local chef.
Mia Dubois – France –
The best part of our sri lanka east coast tour was the perfect pacing. We never felt rushed. Watching the sunset over Kandalama Lake will stay with me forever.
Benjamin White – Canada –
From the colonial charm of The Wallawwa to the remote beauty of Kalkudah, this east coast sri lanka itinerary was a dream. The history and nature blend beautifully.
Chloe Taylor – USA –
I’ve done many trips, but this sri lanka east coast itinerary stands out. My children loved the monkeys in Dambulla and playing on the quiet beaches. A great family holiday.
Noah Evans – Australia –
We stumbled upon a village festival near Polonnaruwa. That cultural surprise became the highlight of our east coast sri lanka holidays. So much more than just beaches.
Lian Nguyen –
Our driver took us to a secret waterfall near Haputale. It wasn’t even on the sri lanka east coast tour plan, but those spontaneous moments made the trip unforgettable.
Grace Walker – Ireland –
Surfing in Passekudah was a blast. I appreciated how this east coast sri lanka itinerary gave us both ocean fun and peaceful mountain stays.
Lucas Oliveira – Brazil –
We loved every minute of this sri lanka east coast holidays adventure. The food, the people, and the views were beyond expectations. Even my teens were impressed.
Zoe Baker – UK –
I never knew Sri Lanka had such variety. One day we were watching elephants, and the next, sipping tea in the hills. This sri lanka east coast itinerary is something special.
Leo Adams – USA –
Our favorite stop was Sigiriya. Climbing to the top at sunrise was challenging but rewarding. The sri lanka east coast tour was filled with those kinds of unforgettable moments.
Lily Nguyen – Australia –
Kalkudah was the hidden gem of our trip. This east coast sri lanka tour gave us quiet time by the beach and meaningful temple visits inland. A perfect mix.
Jack Robinson – Canada –
The guides were so knowledgeable. We learned the full history of the ancient kingdoms. This sri lanka east coast itinerary is perfect for culture lovers.
Charlotte Meyer – Germany –
Our honeymoon wouldn’t have been the same without this east coast sri lanka itinerary. The romantic cottages in Haputale and dinners by the ocean were unforgettable.
William Harris – USA –
Tea tasting in the highlands and lounging in Passekudah—this sri lanka east coast holidays package gave us the best of both worlds.
Aria Wilson – Australia –
I took this trip solo and never felt alone. The locals were warm, and the group was friendly. A life-changing sri lanka east coast tour.
Mateo Silva – Brazil –
The temples carved into caves in Dambulla were surreal. This east coast sri lanka itinerary is a must for anyone interested in history and spirituality.
Emily Scott – Canada –
Polonnaruwa felt like stepping into another era. Our guide made the ruins come to life with stories. I highly recommend this sri lanka east coast tour.
James Bennett – UK –
Every day was unique. From surfing to tea fields, this sri lanka east coast holidays trip kept surprising me. I’ll be back with friends next time.
Amelia Thomas – France –
We stayed at Stardust Hotel near Arugam Bay and had the best sleep of the trip. I loved this east coast sri lanka itinerary for its diversity.
Henry Lewis – USA –
Our kids still talk about seeing elephants at Lahugala. This sri lanka east coast itinerary was educational, fun, and very well organized.
Ella King – Australia –
Even though it rained one afternoon, we spent it sipping tea and watching the mist roll over the hills. A peaceful moment in a dynamic sri lanka east coast tour.
Sebastian Fischer – Germany –
The mix of beach, ruins, and mountains makes this east coast sri lanka holidays experience unbeatable. I’d recommend it to any first-time visitor.
Harper Wood – USA –
I was worried 15 days would be too long, but every stop brought something new. This sri lanka east coast itinerary was perfectly balanced.
Lian Nguyen –
We met a monk who shared stories about the monastery's history. That unexpected interaction made our sri lanka east coast tour deeply memorable.
Logan Murphy – Australia –
The Wallawwa was a perfect way to begin. After a massage and delicious meal, we were ready to explore the east coast sri lanka itinerary in full energy.
Madison Bell – Canada –
Kalkudah was less crowded and even more beautiful than Passekudah. Our sri lanka east coast holidays were full of hidden gems.
Daniel Rossi – Brazil –
My kids loved the tuk-tuk rides through small villages. We got to see the real Sri Lanka on this east coast sri lanka itinerary.
Victoria Green – USA –
Watching fishermen at dawn in Trincomalee was magical. This sri lanka east coast itinerary connects you deeply with local life.
Jackson Wright – Australia –
We had the best curry at a family-owned restaurant near Polonnaruwa. It’s those little moments that made our sri lanka east coast tour unforgettable.
Natalie Foster – UK –
The eco-friendly stay at Heritance Kandalama made me appreciate sustainable travel. This east coast sri lanka tour aligns with my values.
Gabriel Costa – Brazil –
We danced with locals during a beach celebration in Passekudah. It wasn’t part of the plan, but made our sri lanka east coast holidays feel truly authentic.
Layla Simmons – USA –
The views from Haputale were more beautiful than any postcard. This sri lanka east coast itinerary is packed with unforgettable scenery.
Aiden Hall – Canada –
I took this trip to unplug and it worked. No crowds, just nature, history, and good food. Best decision ever for my east coast sri lanka holidays.
Mila Russell – Australia –
Climbing Sigiriya was on my bucket list, and I finally did it thanks to this sri lanka east coast tour. The views were worth every step.
Ryan Carter – UK –
I met lifelong friends on this east coast sri lanka itinerary. Sharing local meals and stories every night was a highlight of the experience.