Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya
A fifth-century palace on top of a granite rock, with frescoes, water gardens and a view across the forest.
Sample itinerary
East Coast & North Tour
When the south-west coast is wetter in the middle of the year, the east coast and north are often at their best. This sample itinerary pairs the Cultural Triangle with Trincomalee's beaches and the distinctive culture of Jaffna.
- 8 days
- Private vehicle & driver
- Sample itinerary
This is a suggested sample itinerary. We confirm the route, hotels and price in a personal quote.
Tour at a glance
- Length
- 8 days
- Type
- Sample itinerary, fully adjustable
- Starts from
- The airport or your hotel
- Places
- Sigiriya, Trincomalee, Nilaveli Beach, Jaffna, Anuradhapura
- Transport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Price
- Personal quote based on dates, group size and hotels
Who it suits
- Travellers visiting from around May to September
- Repeat visitors who want something different
- Culture lovers and beach-goers
Day by day Sample
- 1
- 2
- 3
To Trincomalee
Travel to the east coast, with an elephant safari on the way in season.
- 4
Trincomalee and Nilaveli
Beaches, Koneswaram Temple and, in calm conditions, snorkelling.
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
A different side of Sri Lanka
This route heads away from the busy south. It takes in Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle, then the white beaches of Trincomalee and Nilaveli, and the Tamil culture, temples and food of Jaffna. You return via the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
It works best from roughly April to September, when the east coast is dry and calm.
Highlights along the way
Snorkelling at Pigeon Island and the Koneswaram temple above Trincomalee harbour. In Jaffna, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the Dutch fort, the islands of the lagoon and Jaffna crab curry. The drives are long in places, so we break them with stops at temples and lagoons.
How private touring with us works
You travel in our own air-conditioned vehicle with one driver for the whole trip, so there is no sharing with strangers and no fixed schedule. Your driver collects you from the airport or your hotel, takes you between places, waits while you visit and helps with local advice along the way.
Before you travel, we agree the route and the hotels with you, and confirm what is included in writing. During the trip, small changes such as an extra stop, a slower morning or a different restaurant are easy to make.
What's usually included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver
- Route planning around your dates and interests
- Fuel, parking and highway tolls
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights and Sri Lanka ETA / visa
- Entrance fees, activity fees and safari jeep hire
- Accommodation and meals, unless agreed in your quote
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Final inclusions are confirmed in writing with your quote.
Places on this route
East Coast
Trincomalee
A deep natural harbour with clifftop temples and the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli nearby.
East Coast
Nilaveli Beach
A long, quiet white-sand beach with boat trips to the reefs of Pigeon Island.
Northern Province
Jaffna
The cultural capital of the Tamil north, with grand temples, island ferries and distinctive cuisine.
Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura
The first great capital, with giant white stupas and a sacred Bodhi tree still at its heart.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for the east and north?
Usually from around May to September. The north-east monsoon brings rain from roughly November to February.
Is Jaffna far?
It is a long journey from the south, so we plan it within longer trips or as part of a northern loop like this one.
Can we add Pasikuda or Arugam Bay?
Yes. The east coast can be extended south to Pasikuda or Arugam Bay.
What is included?
Usually: private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver; route planning around your dates and interests; fuel, parking and highway tolls; airport pick-up and drop-off. Not included: international flights and Sri Lanka ETA / visa; entrance fees, activity fees and safari jeep hire; accommodation and meals, unless agreed in your quote; travel insurance and personal expenses. Final inclusions are confirmed in writing with your quote.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It's just you and your travel companions with your own vehicle and driver, so timings and stops can be adjusted to suit you.
How much does this tour cost?
It depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the hotels you choose. Send us an enquiry and we'll reply with a written quote.
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Let's Plan Your Sri Lanka Journey
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you love, and we'll suggest a route that fits. There's no obligation.