If you are looking at this Sri Lanka Itinerary east coast, the chances are you will be travelling between May and October.
This is the high season period for Sri Lanka’s east coast. During this period, the southwest coast around Galle and beyond experienced monsoons.
That’s not to say the southwest is off the cards during the monsoon, after all, they have some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. We have spent plenty of time at Hiriketiya Beach as well as Ahangama in the south west during the monsoon. While there are drizzly days, there are also nice spells.
If you are visiting Sri Lanka between November and April, check out this itinerary.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country rich in culture and diverse landscapes. Travelling with kids is a viable option due to the range of activities, resorts and landscapes.
It is fast becoming the destination to explore due to its unique things to do. Beaches, temples, wildlife…there is something for everyone in Sri Lanka.
We have lived in Sri Lanka for over a year and have loved exploring every corner of the country.
To get to the east coast of Sri Lanka, there is quite a bit of driving involved, so most tourists will stop along the way.
Hence, this post will take you through the best spots to stop on the way to the east and potential routes. Here is our Sri Lanka east coast itinerary with or without kids!
Wondering what to pack? Check out our Sri Lanka packing list.
Sri Lanka Itinerary East Coast
Route To The East Coast
Negombo is an ideal first stop if you travel a long way to Sri Lanka. It is a coastal town outside Colombo, only 20 minutes from the airport.
I love The Wallawwa in Negombo. It’s the perfect place to get some respite when you land in Sri Lanka.
Featuring temples, a long stretch of beach, churches, and a lagoon, the area is a good place to rest before the first long car journey.
After the first night in Negombo, you’ll want to start travelling to the East Coast. You can do this in a couple of ways. The first option is to pass through Sigiriya.
Another option is to head south if you plan to go to Arugam Bay first. It’s probably easiest to take the highway to the country’s southwest and cut across. This drive is a little long, but it’s the easiest way to get to Arugam Bay.
Sigiriya is easier if you want to visit Trincomalee, one of the beach towns further northeast. You can then work your way down the coast if you wish.
Sigirya
Sigirya is just under 3 hours from Negombo. Visiting Sigiriya has been an incredible experience for me, as I have had the chance to explore this historic site twice.
I highly recommend staying at Roo Mansala, conveniently within walking distance of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. If you opt for a first-floor room, you might enjoy a fantastic view of the rock from your window.
There are plenty of activities in Sigiriya. Climbing Pidurangala Rock is a must; it’s affordable and slightly more challenging, especially towards the top.
The best time to tackle Pidurangala is at sunset when you can enjoy a unique perspective of Sigiriya Rock and amazing views of the surrounding landscape.
Of course, climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is the highlight of any visit. The best time to start your ascent is before sunrise; arriving at around 5:30 AM ensures you can begin your climb in the cooler morning air.
Get your tickets the day before so you do not have to wait for the ticket booth to open.
The climb involves several steps, but reaching the summit is immensely rewarding, with panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment.
Beyond the climbs, Sigiriya offers a few other activities. You can visit the Sigiriya Museum to learn more about the area’s history and archaeological significance.
Several village cultural experiences are available, including a lake trip where locals demonstrate how to make hats out of lily pads and provide a traditional village lunch.
Just a 30-minute drive from Sigiriya, the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its intricate cave paintings and centuries-old Buddha statues.
The temple complex has five caves, each with numerous statues and vibrant murals depicting Buddha’s life.
When visiting, be sure to bring cover for your shoulders and knees, as this is required for entry into the temple.
The Dambulla Rock Cave Temple adds another layer of historical and cultural richness to your visit to the Sigiriya area.
Trincomalee
If you pass through Sigiriya first, Trincomalee or Pasikuda is naturally the first stop on your journey to the East Coast. Trincomalee is only 2 hours from Sigirya, whilst Pasikuda is two and a half hours.
When visiting, I highly recommend staying at Oceanfront Condos, which offer amazing views of the Indian Ocean and comfortable, modern accommodations.
In Trincomalee, you can start your day at the pristine beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli. The soft sands and clear waters make for perfect relaxation and swimming spots.
A short boat ride away, Pigeon Island National Park is a must-visit for snorkelling and diving. It has vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
The ancient Koneswaram Temple, perched on Swami Rock, offers amazing views and a serene atmosphere.
Fort Frederick, a historical landmark built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, provides insight into Trincomalee’s colonial past. The Gokarna Temple, also inside the fort, is worth a visit.
Visit the Kanniya Hot Springs, known for its therapeutic properties, for a unique and relaxing experience.
If you’re visiting between May and October, consider going on a whale-watching tour to see magnificent blue and sperm whales up close.
Pasikuda Beach
Pasikuda Beach is stunning. It’s a wide, golden sandy beach with shallow water. The summer months are the best time to visit as the sea is calm and the weather is drier than in other parts.
There are many resorts on this stretch of beach. The best place to stay is Maalu Maalu Resort. It serves delicious food, has stunning rooms, and is just a few steps from the beach.
The pool is huge, and there are tonnes for the kids onsite, especially with the animator who sets up games throughout the day.
This was a standout place for us as a family. We felt super chilled and could enjoy the beauty.
Sailing in Padikuda
If you’re visiting Pasikuda, I highly recommend sailing with Sail Lanka. We had initially planned on doing a sunset cruise, but the afternoon winds were too strong, so we opted for a morning adventure instead.
We were picked up at 9 a.m. on the beach and taken to a large, immaculate catamaran, where we joined two other families. Seeing so many children on board was wonderful, making it a truly family-friendly activity.
The journey began with an hour of sailing before we dropped anchor and enjoyed a refreshing swim. Afterwards, we were treated to fresh fruit and snacks before sailing back to the bay.
The catamaran was pristine, and the crew was incredibly helpful, making this a memorable experience for everyone.
Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya National Park is ideal if you are looking for something a little off the beaten track in Sri Lanka. It’s only a couple of hours’ drive from Pasikuda and serves tourists on the East Coast quite well in terms of unique safari experiences and wilderness.
In Gal Oya, you can enjoy stunning mountain scenery and a beautiful lake that attracts a lot of wildlife, especially elephants. Our trip to the park felt far less intrusive on the wildlife than other safari experiences, as we were on a boat on the lake.
Gal Oya National Park offers the only safari boat experience in the country. In addition to elephants, the park is full of unique birds, porcupines, and civic cats. And yes, there are leopards, although they are rarely spotted.
Gal Oya Lodge
We stayed at Gal Oya Lodge, which is just on the park’s perimeter. This incredible spot is an experience in itself. Featuring eco bungalows and villas, we were blown away by the comfort and luxury.
It’s not easy to get comfort and eco-perfect. There is an onsite research centre and several naturalists who attend to guests.
We took a walk around the area with an amazing naturalist. We learned so much in such a stunning environment surrounded by towering mountains and wildlife; it was super educational.
The days can be quite warm and sweaty, so the pool, which is perfectly positioned for a view of Monkey’s Rock, is the ideal spot to cool off!
Talking of Monkey’s Rock, the staff can take you on an early morning walk to the top. It’s not for the faint-hearted, and it is a little challenging, but it is very much worth the hard work.
The elevated views of the valley below are astounding. The elevation took us above the clouds, and so we looked down on them, which was pretty cool.
Gal Oya Lodge arranged our boat safari tour and drove us to the launch in their safari vehicle. Immediately we saw an elephant on a tiny island surrounded by water. Out of all the safari trips we’ve been on.
Perhaps the best part of Gal Oya Lodge is the food. They do both Sri Lankan and international cuisine incredibly well.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is located on Sri Lanka’s further southeast coast. It is around 2 hrs and 15 minutes from Gal Oya.
Arugam Bay is a renowned destination known for its pristine beaches, vibrant surf, and natural beauty.
If you plan only to visit Arugam Bay on the East Coast, you can either arrive directly from Colombo along the highway or work your way down the coast from the northeast. It’s not too far from Ella, so that is another spot you can combine with Arugam Bay.
This coastal town attracts tourists, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
From May through October, Arugam Bay transforms into a surfer’s paradise, while the quieter months are ideal for exploring the area in less busy circumstances.
The surf changes in the green season. However, there’s still plenty to see in the surrounding area.
Things to Do in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is famous for its surf point, a hotspot for surfers of all levels. The point is also an excellent spot for learners, with many places offering surf lessons along the beach.
The long road follows the natural curve of the beach and is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. It has all the tropical-town vibes!
Just an hour away, Kumana National Park is a wildlife haven home to leopards, elephants, bears, and more.
Many safari drives set off from the town, and Hideaway Resort has an amazing vehicle to take guests to see the park. They also offer more customised experiences if you don’t fancy the hour-long drive to the park.
We went for a picnic just 15 minutes out of town and saw elephants up close, which was amazing since we didn’t have to go far, especially since we were visiting with two toddlers.
Another beautiful spot is Panama Beach, a more secluded and pristine beach ideal for a quiet day by the sea.
Don’t miss a visit to Elephant Rock and Crocodile Rock. Both offer unique landscapes. These spots are also great for sunset.
Arugam Bay has many cafes and restaurants, some of which are favourites: Soul Food, Hideaway Resort, Meori, and Kaffi.
The town also features many boutique shops with items made in Sri Lanka. It’s perfect for shopping for local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
Accommodation Options In Arugam Bay
When visiting Arugam Bay, the Hideaway Resort is an excellent choice for accommodation. Having been around for 41 years, this resort is perfect for families and couples alike.
Even if you don’t plan to stay, you must visit their restaurant nestled under a canopy of trees. The rustic charm and lovely vibe creates a unique dining experience.
The food is fresh and delicious. During the day, the restaurant offers a variety of brunch-style items, and in the evenings, it changes its dinner menu curated by the owner, a passionate foodie.
The resort also features a lovely pool at the back of the property and runs daily yoga classes. With family rooms and small houses for rent, it’s an ideal place for families.
The treehouse and slackline running through the restaurant keep the kids entertained.
Villas Out Of Town
If you prefer to stay out of town and want something a little more secluded, Aprota Villas is a nice choice. Located about 20 minutes from the main area, this collection of different-style villas on the beachfront offers a more private experience.
Many of the villas have private pools, and the main pool area features many interconnecting pools surrounded by coconut trees. It’s an ideal spot for those wanting to be away from the hustle and bustle of the main area while still enjoying luxurious accommodation.
Whether you’re surfing the waves, exploring national parks, or simply enjoying the local cuisine and boutique shops, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful coastal town.
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Kelly
Sunday 5th of January 2020
It’s a very interesting read would like to know what the best way to get from airport to east of island?