Summer sun, May–September
Sigiriya and the elephant gatherings, then calm east-coast beaches at Trincomalee and Pasikuda — the perfect summer-holiday route.
When the south-west monsoon brings rain to the west and south, the east coast enjoys its dry season. This route starts with Sigiriya and an elephant safari — often at its best in the summer months — then crosses to the east coast for snorkelling at Pigeon Island and the shallow, sheltered waters of Pasikuda.
It is ideal for families travelling in the school summer holidays.
Sigiriya – Trincomalee – Pasikuda
Airport welcome and drive to the Cultural Triangle.
Climb Sigiriya early; afternoon safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla, where elephants gather in the dry season.
Cross to the east coast and settle in at Uppuveli or Nilaveli.
Boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkelling over coral, with reef fish and, often, blacktip reef sharks.
Visit Koneswaram Temple and the harbour; afternoon on the beach.
Drive down the coast to Pasikuda’s calm bay.
A free day of wading and swimming in the shallow bay.
A long drive back to the airport; we can break it with a night in Negombo if your flight is early.
We suggest hotels at the level you choose — good-value, comfortable, boutique or premium — and explain why each one suits the route. You can swap any hotel before anything is booked.
You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle sized for your group and luggage, with the same driver or chauffeur guide throughout. Licensed site guides can be added at major heritage sites.
Roughly May to September.
Availability depends on season and your dates — we confirm before adding anything. Tick the ones you like in the form below.
The Cultural Triangle pairs ancient sites with village life and elephant country.
Sigiriya area · 3 – 4 hours
Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park · About 3 hours
Sigiriya · 2 hours
Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya or Anuradhapura · 2 – 4 hours
The east coast has calm, clear water during its season.
Pigeon Island (summer) or south-west reefs (winter) · 2 – 4 hours
A few special moments make a honeymoon itinerary.
West and south coast · 1 hour to multi-day programmes
Usually not — it is the north-east monsoon season. Choose the south coast between December and April.
Adjust anything below, or just tell us your dates. A consultant replies personally — this is not a booking and nothing is charged.
Updated . Travel conditions change — we confirm details when we plan your trip.
10 days · Culture, hills, safari & beach
Ten days that add breathing space and a beach finish to the classic route: two nights each in Sigiriya and Kandy, the tea country train, a Yala safari and the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
15 days · Relaxed pace, long beach stay
A relaxed fifteen-day journey with three nights in the Cultural Triangle, two in Kandy and Ella, an elephant safari and three unhurried nights on the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
10 days · Wildlife with a beach finish
Ten days combining elephant safaris, Yala’s leopards, the Cultural Triangle and Kandy with two quiet nights on the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
Day tours that fit around this itinerary.
Full day · from Kandy
Climb Sigiriya Rock and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple on a full day from Kandy.
Full day
For travellers staying in the Sigiriya area: climb the rock at dawn, then spend the rest of the morning with a village family.
Full day
Cycle or drive around the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, then watch elephants on an afternoon safari.
