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14 days · Two weeks, summer season

14 days Summer East Coast Loop

Travel between May and September

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Many people think summer is the wrong time for Sri Lanka. It is not. The south and west get the monsoon, but the east coast and the Cultural Triangle are at their best. This plan uses that.

Highlights

  • Anuradhapura's giant stupas
  • Sigiriya and an elephant gathering in season
  • Horton Plains and the hill country train
  • Ella's hikes and viewpoints
  • Surf and beaches on the east coast in its sunny season

Day by day

  1. Day1

    Arrive

    Airport pickup and a quiet first night in Negombo.

    Overnight: Negombo

  2. Day2

    To Anuradhapura

    Drive north (about 4 hours). Late afternoon at the sacred Bodhi tree and Ruwanwelisaya stupa.

    Overnight: Anuradhapura

  3. Day3

    Ancient capital

    Morning exploring Anuradhapura's ruins by bicycle or car. Afternoon drive to Sigiriya (about 2 hours).

    Overnight: Sigiriya

  4. Day4

    Sigiriya

    Early climb of Lion Rock. Afternoon elephant safari, ideally at Minneriya during the dry season gathering.

    Overnight: Sigiriya

  5. Day5

    Polonnaruwa

    Day trip to cycle around Polonnaruwa's medieval ruins.

    Overnight: Sigiriya

  6. Day6

    Kandy

    Drive to Kandy via the Dambulla cave temple. Evening at the Temple of the Tooth. In July or August, check the Esala Perahera dates.

    Overnight: Kandy

  7. Day7

    Kandy free day

    Royal Botanical Gardens, a cooking class or a Knuckles range hike.

    Overnight: Kandy

  8. Day8

    Tea country

    Drive to Nuwara Eliya through tea estates with a factory visit.

    Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

  9. Day9

    Horton Plains and the train

    Very early start for Horton Plains and World's End. Afternoon train from Nanu Oya to Ella.

    Overnight: Ella

  10. Day10

    Ella

    Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge and a relaxed afternoon.

    Overnight: Ella

  11. Day11

    To the east coast

    Drive down to Arugam Bay (about 3 to 4 hours). Sunset at the main point.

    Overnight: Arugam Bay

  12. Day12

    Surf and lagoons

    Surf lesson or a lagoon safari to Pottuvil for birds and crocodiles.

    Overnight: Arugam Bay

  13. Day13

    Beach day

    Free day on the beach, or a trip to Kumana National Park. Option to swap the last nights for Trincomalee instead.

    Overnight: Arugam Bay

  14. Day14

    Departure

    Long transfer back to the airport (about 7 to 8 hours), or split the drive with a final night in Kandy or Colombo.

    Overnight: Flight home

Places on this route

Negombo → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya & Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Arugam Bay → Trincomalee

Frequently asked questions

Is the east coast really sunny in summer?

Usually, yes. From about May to September the east coast is in its dry season while the south and west get the southwest monsoon. Weather is never guaranteed, but it is the right side of the island for summer beaches.

The last drive looks long. Is there another option?

Yes. You can split it with a night in Kandy, or ask about domestic flight options from the east. Your local planner will suggest what works for your flight time.