Gems of the East

Gems of the East: 10-Day Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Negombo

• Arrival: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. Meet and greet by your tour guide/driver.
• Transfer to Negombo: A short drive to the coastal city of Negombo.
• Activities:
  • Relax at the beach or explore the Dutch Fort and fish market.
  • Optional boat ride in the Dutch Canal.
• Overnight: Hotel in Negombo.

Day 2: Negombo to Sigiriya

• Morning: After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya.
• En Route: Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see the elephants up close.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Sigiriya and check into your hotel.
• Activities:
  • Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore the ancient frescoes and enjoy panoramic views from the summit.
• Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 3: Explore Sigiriya & Surroundings

• Morning: Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore the ancient ruins, including the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, and the Parakrama Samudra.
• Afternoon: Return to Sigiriya and relax or explore the nearby Pidurangala Rock for a less crowded climb and beautiful views of Sigiriya Rock.
• Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 4: Sigiriya to Trincomalee

• Morning: Depart for Trincomalee, a coastal city rich in history and natural beauty.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Trincomalee and check into your hotel.
• Activities:
  • Relax on Nilaveli or Uppuveli Beach.
  • Visit the Koneswaram Temple, perched on a cliff with stunning ocean views.
• Overnight: Hotel in Trincomalee.

Day 5: Explore Trincomalee

• Morning: Enjoy a boat ride to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkeling and exploring the marine life.
• Afternoon: Visit the Trincomalee War Cemetery and explore Fort Frederick.
• Evening: Optional visit to the hot springs in Kanniya.
• Overnight: Hotel in Trincomalee.

Day 6: Trincomalee at Leisure

• Full Day: Relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, or take an optional dolphin and whale-watching tour.
• Overnight: Hotel in Trincomalee.

Day 7: Trincomalee to Pasikudah

• Morning: Depart for Pasikudah, known for its calm, shallow waters and pristine beaches.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Pasikudah and check into your beachfront resort.
• Activities:
  • Relax on the beach or enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
• Overnight: Resort in Pasikudah.

Day 8: Pasikudah at Leisure

• Full Day: Enjoy a day at leisure on the beach.
  • Optional activities: snorkeling, diving, or a visit to the nearby Batticaloa Lagoon.
• Overnight: Resort in Pasikudah.

Day 9: Pasikudah to Kandy via Mahiyanganaya

• Morning: Depart early for Kandy, with a stop in Mahiyanganaya.
• En Route: Visit the Mahiyangana Temple, one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred religious locations in Sri Lanka.
• Afternoon: Continue to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
• Activities:
  • Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance in the evening.
• Overnight: Hotel in Kandy.

Day 10: Kandy to Colombo & Departure

• Morning: Explore Kandy city with a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
• Midday: Depart for Colombo.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Colombo, explore the city, or do some last-minute shopping.
• Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.