- Sri Lanka Private Tours
- Sri Lanka's Sacred East Coast - Private Tour
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Sri Lanka's Sacred East Coast - Private Tour
14 Day Private Tour
Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean
38 Meals Included
17 Excursions
Intermediate Pace
Discover Sri Lanka’s captivating eastern coast, where authentic experiences await beyond the usual tourist trail. Journey through vast national parks to encounter elephants, leopards and abundant birdlife in some of the island’s most untouched landscapes and spend time with welcoming indigenous communities whose ancient traditions continue to shape daily life. Explore sacred temples, colonial forts, and hidden archaeological treasures that reveal the region’s deep spiritual heritage, and balance your adventure with time on pristine, palm-fringed beaches, soaking up the tranquillity that makes eastern Sri Lanka truly unique.
Highlights
- Visit Katharagama Temple to witness pooja, a lively Hindu ritual of worship and devotion
- Embark on a thrilling jeep safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its impressive biodiversity
- See elephants swimming between islands on a boat safari in Gal Oya National Park
- Walk with members of Sri Lanka’s Veddah community, a unique opportunity to learn about ancestral traditions and rituals passed down through generations
- Discover tranquil Kumana National Park, renowned for its vibrant birdlife and potential for leopard sightings
- Visit the sacred city of Anuradhapura, home to ancient monasteries, towering dagobas and the revered Sri Maha Bodhi
Map Key
Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Itinerary
Day 1
Colombo
Dinner
On arrival in Colombo, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some time to relax after your flight and settle into your surroundings before a short, informative city tour and a welcome dinner.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Day 2
Colombo to Kataragama
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart from Colombo for Kataragama. En route, visit colonial Galle and Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 16th-century national treasure has been inhabited by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British, all of whom left a distinctive mark on the town’s architecture; in the present day, Galle’s streets are lined with boutique shops, chic hotels, and upscale restaurants. Arrive in Kataragama for an evening visit to the Kataragama Temple. Although Kataragama was a small village in medieval times, today it is a fast-developing township surrounded by jungle: this pilgrimage town is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and the indigenous Veddah people of Sri Lanka, as well as South Indian visitors. Witness a pooja ceremony, a Hindu offering of light, flowers, and food to the divine, and visit the Kiri Vehera, an ancient Buddhist stupa (dome-shaped shrine) and significant place of worship for Sri Lanka’s Buddhists.
Day 3
Yala
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning begins early with a jeep safari in Block 5 of Yala National Park, renowned for its rich wildlife and thriving leopard population. The park's diverse landscapes, from coastal lagoons to dense forests, provide an ideal setting for spotting these magnificent creatures along with a host of other animals. In the afternoon travel to Kirinda Magul Maha Viharaya: local legend says that the newly-wed King Kavantissa and his princess spent the night at this temple en route to Magama, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Archaeological excavations date the monastery back to 2nd century BC, providing a rare insight into early Buddhist history. Return to your hotel in Kataragama for dinner.
Day 4
Kataragama to Arugam Bay
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit Sella Kataragama, a small settlement linked to the legend of Sri Lankan deity Kataragama: according to legend, the god fell in love with a local girl and the divine couple lived here together. The area remains an important pilgrimage site. A scenic drive through picturesque rural landscapes brings you to the Yudaganawa Dagaba, a chaitya (Buddhist shrine) with a circumference of 317 metres, initially thought to be a Kota Vehera, or large stupa with a flat top. Recent archaeological excavations have proved the site to be a former complete stupa, once having a fully rounded roof. Continue to Arugam Bay for an evening at leisure.
Day 5
Kumana National Park
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart early for a jeep safari in Kumana National Park, a tranquil wildlife reserve renowned for its diverse birdlife, including various eagles, cuckoos, peregrine falcons, oriental dwarf kingfishers, and Indian peafowl. The quiet nature of the park means it’s also possible to spot leopards. After a picnic lunch, travel onward to the Muhudu Maha Viharaya where you can explore archaeological remains and view ancient stone Buddha statues set against a peaceful coastal backdrop. Afterward, return to Arugam Bay for an evening at leisure.
Day 6
Arugam Bay
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a free morning in Arugam Bay. In the afternoon, embark on a Urani Lagoon boat safari. The pristine lagoon is known for its scenic mangroves, varied migratory bird species, Saltwater Crocodiles, and occasional elephant sightings.
Day 7
Arugam Bay to Gal Oya
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, drive toward Gal Oya, stopping en route at the Magul Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple on the northern edge of the Lahugala National Park. The temple ruins are one of eastern Sri Lanka’s most significant tourist attractions. A protected archaeological monument, the entire complex covers an astonishing 10,000 acres comprising stairways guarded by stone lions, a marriage podium, limestone Buddha statue, and a unique temple moonstone adorned with intricate carvings of lotus petals, flower motifs, and animals. Continue to Gal Oya, where you will check in to an eco-lodge/glamping site. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your serene surroundings or join an optional tour of the farm.
Day 8
Gal Oya
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast join a walking tour with a member of the indigenous Veddah community - a unique and educational experience, giving you a chance to learn directly from the tribe about their ancestral history, medicinal plants, and traditional customs. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the vast Senanayake Samudraya reservoir, or a jeep safari of the park, providing one of Sri Lanka’s most unique wildlife experiences. Highlights include the opportunity to observe elephants elegantly swimming between islands, spot an incredible variety of birdlife, and soak up the park’s tranquil scenery.
Day 9
Gal Oya to Trincomalee
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive north via the coastal route to Batticaloa, a hidden gem known for its multicultural heritage. See Batticaloa Fort, a former Portuguese settlement set upon a small island, and Batticaloa Lighthouse, a reminder of the town’s colonial past. Continue onwards to Trincomalee where you will check into your hotel and spend some time at leisure by the beach.
Day 10
Trincomalee
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and morning at leisure or take an optional snorkelling excursion to Pigeon Island National Park, famous for its coral reefs, reef sharks, and colourful marine life. Later, embark on a guided tour of Trincomalee, including Fort Frederick, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Thick stone walls, bastions, and cannons reflect the architectural influence of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers who variously took possession of the fort. Situated at the highest point of Swami Rock, inside Fort Frederick, is Koneswaram Temple, an iconic Hindu temple standing as an emblem of Sri Lankan heritage within an otherwise European setting.
Day 11
Trincomalee to Anuradhapura
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart Trincomalee for Ritgala Forest Monastery, an ancient, secluded Buddhist site within a nature reserve known for its well-preserved ruins and rich biodiversity. The monastery was home to ascetic monks and features impressive stone architecture, including reservoirs, bridges, and meditation caves. Continue to the ancient UNESCO-listed city of Anuradhapura.
Day 12
Anuradhapura to Wilpattu
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on a safari in Wilpattu National Park, renowned for its unique ‘willus’ – natural, sand-rimmed lakes or water-basins that fill with rainwater. One of the oldest and largest of Sri Lanka’s national parks, Wilpattu is also popular thanks to its thriving leopard population – keep an eye out on your safari for these elusive creatures. In the afternoon, visit Anuradhapura’s major sights includes Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred bodhi tree considered one of the country’s holiest sites for Buddhists, and Ruwanwelisaya, a magnificent Buddhist Dagoba and one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments. Explore Thuparamaya, believed to be the first Buddhist Dagoba built in Sri Lanka and originally constructed to house the Buddha’s right collarbone, alongside the area’s ancient monasteries and irrigation reservoirs. Return to your hotel for dinner.
Day 13
Anuradhapura to Negombo
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, proceed to Negombo, known for its sandy beaches, thriving fishing industry, and rich colonial history. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. An optional seafood dinner on the beach rounds off your tour perfectly.
Day 14
Negombo to UK
Breakfast
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your return flight to the UK or onwards to your chosen extension.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
38 Meals
17 Excursions
Expert Local Guides
All entrance fees
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
ABTA & ATOL Protection
Your private tour of Sri Lanka is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 1800 804 006
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Sunday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Ramada Colombo
1 nights
Colombo, Sri Lanka
EKHO Safari Hotel
2 nights
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
Extend Your Tour
Important Information
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €342.20pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
British passport holders are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travel to Sri Lanka. To apply, please visit the official website: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ where ETA applications are currently free of charge.
Alternatively, if you would prefer assistance with the application process, we recommend The Travel Visa Company, who can apply for the ETA on your behalf for a service fee. Please call 01270 250 590 and quote “Mercury Holidays”.
Passports must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of arrival into Sri Lanka.
Visa and entry requirements are subject to change. Obtaining the correct documentation for travel is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend checking with the Sri Lankan Tourist Board, Embassy, or the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office prior to departure for the latest visa and passport validity requirements.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, early mornings, long days of driving, some days with lots of walking and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee (LKR) and it is a closed currency. This means it is not possible to buy Sri Lankan money in the UK before you travel. It is important to budget carefully as you should not take any Rupee (LKR) out of Sri Lanka when you depart. There are foreign exchange offices and cash machines available in most places during your tour. Your tour guide will assist you at the start of your tour with currency exchange. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants; a charge is sometimes added for using them. You can take cash or travellers' cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in Sri Lanka. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in your local currency. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Please bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour.
It is customary to tip your guide and driver. This is at your discretion, this will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. We would recommend approximately £5 per person, per day for the driver and assistant and £4 per person, per day for the national guides. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange. Most guides collect a kitty tip, approximately GBP 25pp for the whole tour. Guides usually collect this at the beginning of the tour to tip bell boys, porters, trackers, and other assistants who will service you throughout the tour.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. For groups of 5 people or less you will have an English speaking Driver Guide.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
Safari Vehicles
Your safari will be taken in a Jeep, that seats up to 6 people. Safari drivers take you to areas of the park where wildlife are more likely to be seen but as with all wildlife experiences nothing can be guaranteed. Please note that many paths inside the park are bumpy and dusty.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Sri Lanka. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
A triple room is available but please note that this will be a twin room with a fold away bed for the 3rd passenger.
Breakfast is always a combination of Indian and western style and served in the hotel each morning (sometimes a packed breakfast depending on train journey). Lunch and dinner where applicable will be taken in hotel/wayside restaurants. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Please note: Please take cash for drinks in the hotels as cards are not always accepted.
There are some dry hotels in Sri Lanka, and some hotels where alcohol can be consumed on the premise but must be brought in from outside. Your guide will pre-warn you of this and if anyone in the group would like to purchase drinks before getting then he will arrange for you to visit a local shop and get what you need wherever possible.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian and non-spicy meal options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, two bottles of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
In Sri Lanka, the sale of alcohol is prohibited by law on specific days throughout the year. These include Poya Days (full moon days), Independence Day in February, World Temperance Day in October, the day before and after Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April, the day following Vesak Poya Day in May, and Christmas Day. This ban applies to all shops and hotels, ensuring that alcohol is not available for purchase on these designated days.
In Sri Lanka they celebrate various festivals throughout the year, Vesak Poya is considered one of the most important Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka and is celebrated during the full moon in May. The celebrations begin on the full moon day and continue for a week, where every corner has magical and colourful lanterns. Thai Pongal is the equivalent to a thanksgiving festival usually celebrated in January, followed by the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which is usually celebrated in April, it is a festival were people ensure their houses are clean, purchase new clothes, and prepare many traditional sweets..
It is seen as respectful to cover your shoulders and not to expose too much skin in Sri Lanka, so it would be advisable to pack a shawl or similar for women to cover up, including wearing up to/covering your knees when entering religious buildings etc.
Please note that plastic bottles are banned in the national parks so keep a reusable water bottle for your tour.
On your arrival in Chennai you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Aitken Spence, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ Aitken Spence representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries you may have.
If you need to contact Aitken Spence during your stay the details are:
Aitken Spence Travel (Colombo): 4th Floor, Aitken Spence Towers 02 315, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka.
Contact number: 0094 112 499623
Emergency contact information:
Rizmika - 0094 772 916461, Kushani - 0094 760 530644
- Insect repellent and sun cream
- Waterproof, lightweight jacket
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen and hat in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Thick socks for when visiting temples
- Ruck sack
- Swimwear
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser
- Long trousers or skirt, a top with sleeves and a head covering (required when entering any religious sites)
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser
- Personal toiletries
- Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, - plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
- An electric plug converter - The voltage in India is 220 volts with plugs and sockets having either grounded 3 pin connections or ungrounded 2 pin connections.
