Days
10
A complete private cross-island journey
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Private Sri Lanka Experience
Trincomalee1 / 5
Private Sri Lanka Tour
10-Day East to West Discovery
Trincomalee · Arugam Bay · Ella · Kandy · Sigiriya · Colombo · Airport
Travel from Sri Lanka’s tropical East Coast through mountain scenery, sacred Kandy and the Cultural Triangle before finishing in Colombo on the west coast.
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East to WestTravel from tropical beaches to Sri Lanka’s vibrant west coast
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Private ChauffeurComfortable personalised transport throughout the journey
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Coast, Hills & HeritageBeaches, mountains, sacred cities and ancient landmarks
East Coast to West Coast
Experience Sri Lanka from Sunrise to Sunset
Begin your adventure on Sri Lanka's tropical East Coast before travelling through the spectacular hill country, sacred Kandy, the Cultural Triangle and finally Colombo on the west coast.
This private tour combines beautiful beaches, mountain scenery, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vibrant city life in one unforgettable holiday.
Every itinerary can be personalised according to your travel dates, hotel category, interests and preferred pace.
Signature Experiences
- Nilaveli Beach
- Koneswaram Temple
- Optional Pigeon Island excursion
- Arugam Bay
- Optional surfing lesson
- Ravana Falls
- Nine Arch Bridge
- Little Adam’s Peak
- Tea-country scenery
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Colombo city tour
Journey Overview
Your 10-Day East to West Discovery
Tropical beaches, tea country, ancient heritage and Colombo in one seamless private journey.
Nights
9
Accommodation across six major regions
Kilometres
950+
Approximate touring distance
Main Destinations
6
East Coast, hill country, heritage and Colombo
Your Journey
Tour Route Map
Travel from Trincomalee through Arugam Bay, Ella, Kandy, Sigiriya and Colombo before your airport departure.
1Trincomalee
2Arugam Bay
3Ella
4Kandy
5Sigiriya
6Colombo
Tour Route
East to West Discovery
- 1
Trincomalee
2 NightsBegin beside the East Coast with beaches, temples and marine experiences.
- 2
Arugam Bay
1 NightRelax in Sri Lanka’s celebrated surfing and beach destination.
- 3
Ella
2 NightsExplore waterfalls, mountain viewpoints and tea-country landscapes.
- 4
Kandy
1 NightDiscover Sri Lanka’s sacred hill capital and botanical gardens.
- 5
Sigiriya
2 NightsExperience the Cultural Triangle and iconic ancient landmarks.
- 6
Colombo
1 NightFinish with city sightseeing, dining and shopping on the west coast.
Want to change the route?
Every itinerary can be personalised with extra beach nights, wildlife safaris, scenic train journeys or luxury hotel upgrades.
Customise This Route →Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your Journey
Day 1
Arrival in Trincomalee
Meet your private chauffeur and begin your East to West journey in Trincomalee. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed introduction to Sri Lanka’s East Coast.
Distance: Dependent on arrival point
Travel Time: Dependent on arrival arrangement
Main Attractions: Trincomalee harbour, Uppuveli or Nilaveli Beach and coastal scenery
Optional: Sunset beach walk or seafood dinner
Travel Tip: Arrival arrangements should be confirmed early, especially when using a domestic flight or long-distance road transfer.
Day 2
Explore Trincomalee
Discover Trincomalee’s temples, viewpoints, harbour and tropical beaches at a comfortable pace.
Distance: Local sightseeing
Travel Time: Flexible
Main Attractions: Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick, Lovers’ Leap and Nilaveli Beach
Optional: Pigeon Island snorkelling, whale watching or private boat excursion
Travel Tip: Marine activities depend on seasonal weather, sea conditions and local operating schedules.
Day 3
Trincomalee – Pasikuda – Arugam Bay
Travel south along Sri Lanka’s East Coast, passing coastal communities and the calm waters of Pasikuda before reaching Arugam Bay.
Distance: Approximately 330 km
Travel Time: Approximately 7 hours plus stops
Main Attractions: East Coast scenery, Pasikuda Beach and Arugam Bay
Optional: Lunch or swimming stop in Pasikuda
Travel Tip: This is the longest driving day, so regular comfort and refreshment stops will be arranged.
Day 4
Arugam Bay – Ella
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Arugam Bay before travelling inland through changing landscapes towards the cool mountain town of Ella.
Distance: Approximately 135 km
Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
Main Attractions: Arugam Bay Beach, countryside scenery and Ravana Falls
Optional: Early surfing lesson or lagoon safari
Travel Tip: Temperatures become noticeably cooler as you climb into the central highlands.
Day 5
Explore Ella
Spend a full day discovering Ella’s famous viewpoints, railway heritage and mountain scenery.
Distance: Local sightseeing
Travel Time: Flexible
Main Attractions: Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Gap and Ravana Falls
Optional: Flying Ravana zipline, cooking class or tea plantation experience
Travel Tip: Begin walking activities early for cooler weather and clearer views.
Day 6
Ella – Nuwara Eliya – Kandy
Travel through Sri Lanka’s scenic tea country, passing plantations, waterfalls and cool highland towns on the way to Kandy.
Distance: Approximately 140 km
Travel Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours plus stops
Main Attractions: Tea estates, Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda Falls and mountain scenery
Optional: Tea factory visit or scenic train journey subject to availability
Travel Tip: Carry a light jacket because mornings and evenings can be cool in the highlands.
Day 7
Kandy – Matale – Sigiriya
Explore Kandy’s sacred and cultural attractions before travelling north through Matale towards the Cultural Triangle.
Distance: Approximately 95 km
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours plus sightseeing
Main Attractions: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake and Matale region
Optional: Royal Botanical Gardens, cultural performance or spice garden visit
Travel Tip: Temple visitors should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
Day 8
Sigiriya and Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning and later explore the ancient cave temples of Dambulla.
Distance: Local sightseeing
Travel Time: Flexible
Main Attractions: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, water gardens and Dambulla Cave Temple
Optional: Pidurangala Rock, village experience or elephant safari
Travel Tip: Start the Sigiriya climb early to avoid the strongest heat and busiest period.
Day 9
Sigiriya – Colombo
Travel west from the Cultural Triangle towards Colombo, passing rural landscapes and busy regional towns.
Distance: Approximately 175 km
Travel Time: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours
Main Attractions: Countryside scenery, Colombo city highlights and Galle Face Green
Optional: Shopping, rooftop dining or Colombo heritage tour
Travel Tip: Traffic conditions can affect the final approach into Colombo.
Day 10
Colombo – Airport
Enjoy final sightseeing or shopping before your private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Main Attractions: Independence Square, Pettah, Colombo Fort and selected shopping areas
Optional: Extended Colombo stay or Negombo beach extension
Travel Tip: Your transfer time will be planned around international check-in requirements and Colombo traffic.
Your Accommodation
Choose Your Hotel Category
Choose from carefully selected comfort, boutique or luxury accommodation throughout your journey.
Comfort
3 Star Hotels
Comfort AccommodationClean, comfortable and conveniently located accommodation selected for value.
Comfortable beach hotel – Trincomalee
Beach guesthouse or hotel – Arugam Bay
Mountain hotel – Ella
Comfortable city hotel – Kandy
Nature hotel – Sigiriya
Central city hotel – Colombo
Included in the standard quotation
Select This Category →Most Popular
4 Star & Boutique Hotels
Most Popular AccommodationQuality regional hotels and boutique properties combining comfort, location and character.
Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – Trincomalee
Jetwing Surf or similar – Arugam Bay
Mountain Heavens or similar – Ella
Cinnamon Citadel – Kandy
Aliya Resort & Spa – Sigiriya
Cinnamon Lakeside or similar – Colombo
Recommended for comfort and value
Select This Category →Premium
Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Premium AccommodationPremium beach resorts, distinctive mountain stays and luxury city hotels.
Luxury East Coast resort – Trincomalee region
Premium beachfront retreat – Arugam Bay
98 Acres Resort & Spa – Ella
Santani Wellness Kandy or similar
Water Garden Sigiriya
Shangri-La Colombo or similar
Premium availability varies by destination and season
Select This Category →Accommodation Options
Add My Hotel Preference →Every hotel is selected according to your preferred comfort level and travel budget.
Private Transport
Choose Your Vehicle
Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur.
Most Popular
Comfort Car
Ideal for couples and solo travellers
Passenger capacity1–3 passengers
Luggage guidanceUp to 3 medium suitcases
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional chauffeur
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Flexible sightseeing stops
Family Choice
Spacious Van
Recommended for families and small groups
Passenger capacity4–7 passengers
Luggage guidanceUp to 7 medium suitcases
- Extra passenger and luggage space
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional chauffeur
- Comfortable for longer journeys
Premium
Luxury Vehicle
Premium travel for couples and private groups
Passenger capacity1–5 passengers
Luggage guidanceDepends on selected vehicle
- Premium vehicle category
- Enhanced comfort and interior
- Experienced private chauffeur
- Subject to availability
Group Travel
Minibus or Coach
Suitable for larger groups and organised tours
Passenger capacity8+ passengers
Luggage guidanceGroup luggage capacity
- Air-conditioned group transport
- Professional driver
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Custom quotation based on group size
Private Transport
Ask About Vehicles →Cars, SUVs, vans and minibuses are available depending on your group size.
Traveller Experiences
What Our Guests Say
Genuine feedback from travellers who explored Sri Lanka with our private chauffeurs and local travel team.
01
★★★★★
“Our chauffeur was professional, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Every hotel, transfer and activity was arranged perfectly.”
Sarah & JamesUnited Kingdom
Sri Lanka Highlights Tour
02
★★★★★
“A wonderful private tour from beginning to end. The itinerary was flexible, the vehicle was comfortable and the local support was excellent.”
Michael R.Australia
Classic Sri Lanka Tour
03
★★★★★
“The trip was planned around our children and never felt rushed. We especially enjoyed the safari, train journey and beach stay.”
Priya & FamilyCanada
Family Holiday
5.0Average guest rating
PrivateChauffeur-driven tours
LocalSri Lanka travel support
Helpful Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the East to West Discovery.
Yes. The route, duration, hotels, activities, sightseeing and beach stays can all be adjusted.
Still Have a Question?
Speak directly with our Sri Lanka holiday team.
Tell us your travel dates, group size and preferred experience. We will help you plan the right itinerary.
Reserve Your Holiday
Book Your East to West Discovery
Tell us your preferred travel dates and we'll prepare your personalised quotation.
✓ Secure enquiry✓ No obligation✓ Local expert support✓ Personalised confirmation
Personalise Your Tour
Create Your Perfect Sri Lanka Holiday
Add extra beach days, wildlife safaris, scenic train journeys, surfing experiences or luxury accommodation.
- Add more beach nights in Trincomalee
- Include Pigeon Island snorkelling
- Add whale watching
- Extend the Arugam Bay stay
- Include a Kumana wildlife safari
- Add another night in Ella
- Include a scenic train journey
- Add Polonnaruwa
- Include an elephant safari near Sigiriya
- Extend the Colombo city stay
- Finish with a Negombo beach extension