Sri Lanka's East Coast
This East Coast exploration is a safari and beach combination that may be best suited to a second-time visitor to Sri Lanka. This coast is a much less visited part of the island. See the wild and secluded Gal Oya National Park on jeep safaris, hikes and boat trips, and then explore the coastal regions of Pasikudah and Trincomalee.
The first part of your journey takes place at Gal Oya Lodge in Gal Oya National Park, the only park in Sri Lanka where it is possible to take a boat safari, allowing close-up encounters with swimming elephants. You will also experience traditional jeep safaris and walking trails in search of wildlife such as wild boar, sloth bears, water buffalo, and leopards. We recommend that you take a guided hike with the indigenous Vedda people who live here. It’s then time to move to the coast to the small seaside resort town of Pasikudah. You will stay at Uga Bay, a luxury beach hotel set on Pasikudah Beach, renowned as being the best beach in Sri Lanka. It has year-round swimming beaches, and the bay offers water sports and scuba diving. The final stop is the port city of Trincomalee. Uga Jungle Beach is a remote resort on a near-deserted beach on the island’s barely inhabited northeastern coast. Perfect for seclusion seekers, you will sleep in castaway villas in the lush jungle. Kuchchaveli’s beach is generally swimmable year-round, and the main attractions are whale watching, snorkelling and scuba diving. There is, however, plenty for culture vultures as well, including Trincomalee town, a former Dutch colony, with plentiful historic sites. On either side of your journey, you will overnight at The Wallawwa just 20 to 30 minutes’ drive from Colombo airport, Kotugoda is a charming town surrounded by coconut plantations, rice paddies, and tea fields.
Day by Day summary
- Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Bandaranaike International Airport
- 1 night - The Wallawwa, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- 2 nights - Gal Oya Lodge, National Parks, Sri Lanka
- 3 nights - Uga Bay Hotel, East Coast, Sri Lanka
- 4 nights - Uga Jungle Beach, East Coast, Sri Lanka
- 1 night - The Wallawwa, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Ends - Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your international flight home
At a glance
- Sri Lanka
- 11 Nights
- Beach
- Safari
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Guide Price
Low Season from {: 9300|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 10600|toCurrency :} per person
Day-by-day
Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Meals and accommodation as specified
- Drinks as specified
- Road transfers as specified
- Private guiding & chauffeuring
- Charter flights as indicated
- All entrance fees and excursions as specified
- Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
- Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
- Community projects contribution with Uthando
Excludes
- Entry visas and fees
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Optional activities / experiences
ACTIVITIES
This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.
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4WD Safari
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Birdwatching
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Boat Trip
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Whale Watching
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Cultural Experience
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Cycling
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Fishing
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Snorkelling/Scuba Diving
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Water Sports
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Food Experiences
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Wellness/Spa
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Temples
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
Wondrous and warm-hearted, Sri Lanka enriches and transforms all who visit. From honeymoons to family adventures, safari and solo trips, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourite itineraries.
- Bespoke itineraries
- Flights and transfers included
- Best rates guaranteed