9 Days / 8 Nights
Wildlife
Rare Wildlife & Safari Wonders: 9-Day Sri Lanka Jungle Camping, Swimming Elephants & Leopard Tracking Expedition
- Kalpitiya
- Wilpattu National Park
- Habarana
- Mahiyanganaya
- +2 more
From
US$1,430
per person
Wildlife
East Coast Explorer: 10-Day Sri Lanka Marine Safaris, Unspoiled Beaches & Leopard Tracking Expedition
- 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Chilaw → Yala National Park · 8 stops
- Private & tailor-made
From
US$1,590 per person
US$1,590 pp
Tour overview
Your journey
Planning your ultimate summer holiday? Our 10-Day Sri Lanka East Coast Highlights & Safari Wonders expedition is the definitive May-to-October tropical getaway, expertly curated for European and Nordic travelers seeking the perfect balance of sun-drenched adventure, marine exploration, and world-class wildlife tracking. This unique itinerary bypasses the seasonal monsoons to showcase the island's magnificent, lesser-traveled eastern rim. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Pigeon Island Marine Sanctuary to snorkel alongside sea turtles and harmless reef sharks, and embark on a thrilling morning cruise to watch wild blue whales and dolphin pods leap through the waves. On land, your adventure transitions seamlessly from exploring the grand UNESCO ruins of Anuradhapura to catching waves in Arugam Bay, the island's iconic surfing capital. Witness thousands of vibrant migratory birds in the pristine wetlands of Kumana National Park before concluding your journey with an intensive big-game safari in Yala National Park to track the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Experience a flawless multi-ecosystem summer escape.
- Duration
- 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Route
- Chilaw → Yala National Park
- Ideal for
- Wildlife
- Meals
- Bed & breakfast
- Style
- Private, tailor-made
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 01
Bed & breakfastWelcome to the Coast
Colombo Airport (CMB) → ChilawArrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where your private driver and guide will welcome you. Escape the urban traffic and transfer directly to the tranquil beach town of Chilaw. Unwind by the calm waters of the Indian Ocean and recover fully from your long-haul flight.
- Overnight:
- Chilaw
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 02
Bed & breakfastWilpattu Leopard Safari & Sacred UNESCO Heritage
Chilaw → AnuradhapuraWake up early for an exhilarating morning jeep safari through Wilpattu National Park, tracking leopards and sloth bears around its unique natural lakes. In the afternoon, travel to the grand UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura for an inspiring guided tour of its thousands-of-years-old palaces and soaring monuments.
- Overnight:
- Anuradhapura
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 03
Bed & breakfastJourney to Historic Trincomalee
Anuradhapura → TrincomaleeTravel east to the coastal paradise of Trincomalee. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history with a guided walk through the colonial ramparts of Fort Frederick, and stand atop the dramatic sea cliffs to explore the vibrant, ancient Koneswaram Temple.
- Overnight:
- Trincomalee
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 04
Bed & breakfastMarine Sanctuary Snorkeling at Pigeon Island
Trincomalee → Pigeon Island → TrincomaleeStart your day with a soothing visit to the ancient Kanniya Hot Springs. Next, board a speedboat to Pigeon Island National Park, one of Sri Lanka's premium marine sanctuaries. Spend your afternoon diving or snorkeling through pristine coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and harmless blacktip reef sharks.
- Overnight:
- Trincomalee
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
- Visiting:
- Pigeon Island
Day 05
Bed & breakfastBlue Whale Watching & Shallow Turquoise Bays
Trincomalee → PasikudahEmbark on an unforgettable morning cruise off the coast of Trincomalee—a global hotspot for spotting magnificent blue whales, sperm whales, and spinning dolphins. Afterward, journey south to the postcard-perfect bay of Pasikuda, famous for its crystal-clear, shallow waters.
- Overnight:
- Pasikudah
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 06
Bed & breakfastPasikuda Beach Leisure & Colonial History
PasikudahEnjoy a fully relaxed morning soaking up the sun on Pasikuda's pristine, calm sands. In the afternoon, enrich your journey with a visit to the historic, water-bound Batticaloa Dutch Fort to glimpse the region's colonial maritime history.
- Overnight:
- Pasikudah
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 07
Bed & breakfastTravel to Arugam Bay Surfing Capital
Pasikudah → Arugam BayHead south along the scenic coastal road to Arugam Bay, universally ranked among the top surf breaks in the world. Check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing at a bohemian beachside café as the sun sets over the waves.
- Overnight:
- Arugam Bay
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 08
Bed & breakfastOptional Surfing & Kumana Wetland Safari
Arugam Bay → Kumana National Park → Arugam BaySpend your morning catching waves or relaxing on the golden sand. In the afternoon, enter the wild wetlands of Kumana National Park—Yala's quieter eastern neighbor—for a spectacular jeep safari renowned for its vast flocks of aquatic birds, elephants, and crocodiles.
- Overnight:
- Arugam Bay
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
- Visiting:
- Kumana National Park
Day 09
Bed & breakfastBig Game Leopard Tracking & Dinner Under the Stars
Arugam Bay → Yala National ParkProceed to the legendary Yala National Park. Embark on an intensive afternoon photographic safari to track the world's highest density of leopards. Celebrate the final night of your expedition with a magical BBQ dinner under the tropical stars right on the edge of the wilderness.
- Overnight:
- Yala National Park
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
Day 10
Bed & breakfastFinal Farewell Departure
Yala National Park → Colombo Airport (CMB)Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a smooth, comfortable transfer back to Katunayake Airport for your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's wild east.
- Overnight:
- —
- Meals:
- Bed & breakfast
- Chilaw
North Western Province
1.Chilaw
Day 1 · 1 night
A west-coast fishing town with lagoons and the colourful Munneswaram Hindu temple, a stop on the way north.
North Western Province
1.Chilaw
Day 1 · 1 night
A west-coast fishing town with lagoons and the colourful Munneswaram Hindu temple, a stop on the way north.
RouteColombo Airport (CMB) → Chilaw → Anuradhapura → Trincomalee → Pigeon Island → Trincomalee → Pasikudah → Arugam Bay → Kumana National Park → Arugam Bay → Yala National Park → Colombo Airport (CMB)
Photo gallery
Moments ahead
Your price
What's included
Included
- Meet & assistance at the airport on arrival and departure
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (car, van or coach) for all transfers
- English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout
- Accommodation as listed, with meals as shown for each day
- Sightseeing visits and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
- One bottle of mineral water per person per day
- Map of Sri Lanka
- Free upgrades on availability
Not included
- International airfare and visa charges
- Lunches and meals outside the stated meal plan
- Video and camera permits at sights
- Early check-in and late check-out (standard check-in 14:00, check-out 12:00)
- Expenses of a personal nature and tips
- Compulsory room supplements during festive periods
- Use of the vehicle outside the itinerary
- Sights marked as optional
- Travel insurance
- Any other services not specified above
Before you travel
Good to know
Climate
Warm and tropical all year — around 25–30 °C by day, cooler in the hill country; brief afternoon showers are common.
Clothing
Light summer clothing, plus a light jacket for the hills and air-conditioned spaces.
Footwear
Comfortable shoes for sightseeing; sandals are handy for temple visits.
Essentials
Swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Temple dress code
Shoulders and knees covered; shoes are removed at temples, so socks are useful on hot ground.
Travel comfort
Some drives are long — loose, breathable clothing makes the journey easier.
Evenings
Casual but neat attire is recommended at hotels.
Wellness
Hotel spas offer massages and treatments (extra charge); yoga and water sports are widely available.
Health
No antimalarial medication is needed; protect against daytime mosquitoes because of dengue risk.
Visa (eTA)
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization before arrival.
eta.gov.lk(opens in a new tab)
Booking with confidence
Payment & cancellation
Payment schedule
- 50% deposit at the time of booking to secure your reservation
- The remaining 50% is due at least 60 days before arrival
- For bookings made within 60 days of arrival, full payment is required at booking
Cancellation terms
| When you cancel | Charge |
|---|---|
| 61 days or more before arrival | Full refund (minus processing fees) |
| 30 – 60 days before arrival | 50% cancellation fee |
| 29 days or less / no-show | No refund |
Terms & conditions
- 1. Booking & confirmation
- All bookings are subject to availability. A booking is confirmed only once the deposit is received. We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion.
- 2. Passport & visas
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka. A tourist visa (eTA) must be obtained before arrival.
- 3. Insurance
- We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical emergencies and baggage loss.
- 4. Changes to the itinerary
- We make every effort to follow the planned itinerary, but may adjust routes, hotels or activities due to unforeseen circumstances, always with an alternative of a similar standard.
Tailor-made for you
Request your private quote
Tell us your dates and wishes. A Sri Lanka travel specialist will send you this itinerary with hotels and a personal price — adjusted exactly the way you like.
- No payment needed to enquire
- A specialist replies within 24 hours on office days
- Every day, hotel and activity can be changed
- Private chauffeur-guide and 24/7 support
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