Sri Lanka in summer: round trip with the east coast
From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rain and rough seas to the south and west coasts. The east coast is then at its best: sunny, dry, with calm water for swimming.
This route loops through Kandy and the hills, follows the east coast north and ends in the Cultural Triangle. From July to September, many elephants gather at the lakes of Minneriya and Kaudulla.
Route
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrival and drive to Kandy
Your driver meets you at the airport and drives you to Kandy in the green hills.
- Day 2
Kandy
The Royal Botanic Garden, the lake, the market and the Temple of the Tooth. In July or August, the Esala Perahera festival may take place in Kandy, with dancers, drummers and decorated elephants; dates change every year.
- Day 3
Through the tea hills to Ella
Up through the tea estates to Nanu Oya and on to Ella, with a tea factory, waterfalls and mountain views on the way. The hill-country railway was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and is being repaired in sections. Trains currently run from Nanu Oya (near Nuwara Eliya) to Ella, one of the most beautiful parts of the line: your driver drops you at the station and meets you in Ella with your luggage. If the line from Kandy has reopened by your travel date, we can plan a longer train ride.
- Day 4
Ella
Little Adam’s Peak, the Nine Arches Bridge and Ella Rock for keen walkers. The eastern hills are often drier in summer than the western side.
- Day 5
Down to Arugam Bay
The road leaves the hills and crosses dry plains to Arugam Bay, a relaxed surf village on the east coast.
- Day 6
Surf, lagoon and wildlife
Take a surf lesson, go on a boat trip on a lagoon to see birds and crocodiles, or visit Kumana National Park, known for its birdlife.
- Day 7
Up the coast to Pasikudah
You follow the coast north past Batticaloa and its lagoon to Pasikudah.
- Day 8
Beach day in Pasikudah
Pasikudah has a long, shallow bay with very calm water, good for children and for anyone who wants an easy swim.
- Day 9
To Trincomalee
Continue north to Trincomalee and the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli.
- Day 10
Pigeon Island and Koneswaram
Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park with reef fish and often small reef sharks, then visit the clifftop Koneswaram temple and Fort Frederick. From May to October you can also go whale watching from Trincomalee.
- Day 11
Back inland: Sigiriya and the elephant gathering
Drive to Sigiriya. In the late afternoon, a jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla, where large herds of elephants gather in the dry months.
- Day 12
Sigiriya Rock
Climb Sigiriya at opening time, or climb Pidurangala for the view of Sigiriya itself. Afternoon at the pool or in the villages.
- Day 13
Polonnaruwa or Dambulla
Choose between the ruins of Polonnaruwa and the cave temple of Dambulla, or see both.
- Day 14
Departure
Drive to the airport. For a morning flight we plan the last night in Negombo.
Included
- Private air-conditioned car (usually a Toyota hybrid) with an experienced English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Good 3-star hotels, double room with breakfast (4-star and 5-star on request)
- Fuel, parking, highway tolls, and your driver’s meals and lodging
- Drinking water in the car
- Support on WhatsApp in English and German throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Entrance tickets to sights and national parks
- Safari jeeps, boat trips and other optional activities
- Lunch and dinner
- Tips for your driver and guides
- Travel insurance
Prices are per person for 2 people sharing a room. They change with season, hotel level and group size. Your personal quote is final.
Make it yours
- Add more beach days in Pasikudah or Trincomalee
- Add the north: Jaffna and its Hindu temples
- Upgrade hotels
- Book a German-speaking driver-guide (extra cost, subject to availability)
Questions about this trip
Is Sri Lanka good in July and August?
Can we still see the south coast?
Make this trip yours
Send us your dates and wishes. You get the route with your hotels and a firm price, usually within 24 hours.
Private round trips from US$700 per person for 7 days
Other round trips
The classic Sri Lanka round trip in 14 days
Ancient cities, the Temple of the Tooth, tea country, Ella, a leopard safari and three days by the sea. The route most first-time visitors should take.
Sri Lanka in 10 days: culture, hills and coast
The best of the island in ten days: three nights in the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Ella, a safari in Yala and a last night by the sea.
Sri Lanka highlights in 7 days
One week, the five places everyone wants to see. A full programme with some long drives, ideal as a first taste or before a beach holiday.