Days
12
Complete coastal discovery
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Private Sri Lanka Experience
Galle1 / 5
Private Sri Lanka Tour
12-Day South to East Discovery
Airport · Galle · Mirissa · Yala · Ella · Arugam Bay · Pasikuda · Trincomalee
Experience Sri Lanka's beautiful southern coastline before discovering wildlife, mountain scenery and the spectacular beaches of the East Coast.
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South & East CoastTwo spectacular coastlines in one holiday
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Private ChauffeurTravel comfortably throughout Sri Lanka
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Wildlife & BeachesSafari, mountains and tropical beaches
South Coast to East Coast
Discover Two Beautiful Coastlines in One Journey
This private 12-day holiday combines Sri Lanka's historic South Coast with the spectacular beaches of the East Coast.
Begin in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Galle before relaxing in Mirissa, enjoying a wildlife safari in Yala and exploring the cool mountain scenery of Ella.
Continue to Arugam Bay, Pasikuda and Trincomalee, where tropical beaches, crystal-clear waters and unforgettable coastal experiences await.
Signature Experiences
- UNESCO Galle Fort
- Mirissa Beach
- Whale watching (seasonal)
- Yala National Park safari
- Nine Arch Bridge
- Little Adam's Peak
- Arugam Bay
- Pasikuda Beach
- Pigeon Island
- Koneswaram Temple
Journey Overview
Your 12-Day Adventure
Beaches, wildlife, tea country and Sri Lanka's beautiful East Coast.
Nights
11
Private accommodation
Kilometres
1200+
Across southern and eastern Sri Lanka
Destinations
7
Historic, wildlife and beach regions
Your Journey
Tour Route Map
Travel from Sri Lanka's southern coastline into the hill country before reaching the tropical East Coast.
1Galle
2Mirissa
3Yala
4Ella
5Arugam Bay
6Pasikuda
7Trincomalee
Tour Route
South to East Discovery
- 1
Galle
2 NightsExplore UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, historic streets and Sri Lanka's southern coastline.
- 2
Mirissa
1 NightEnjoy golden beaches, coastal viewpoints and optional seasonal whale watching.
- 3
Yala
1 NightExperience Sri Lanka's southern wildlife region with an optional private safari.
- 4
Ella
2 NightsDiscover tea-country scenery, waterfalls, mountain viewpoints and railway heritage.
- 5
Arugam Bay
2 NightsRelax beside Sri Lanka's famous east-coast surf destination and surrounding lagoons.
- 6
Pasikuda
2 NightsEnjoy calm shallow water, beachfront resorts and a relaxing coastal stay.
- 7
Trincomalee
1 NightFinish beside the northeast coast with sacred sites, beaches and optional marine activities.
Want to change the route?
Every tour can be personalised with additional beach days, whale watching, surfing or cultural experiences.
Customise This Route →Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your Journey
Day 1
Airport – Galle
Meet your private chauffeur at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel south to Galle. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed first evening.
Distance: Approximately 160 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Main Attractions: Southern coastline, Galle region and optional sunset views
Optional: Sunset walk, relaxed dinner or additional rest after your flight
Travel Tip: Keep your arrival day flexible, especially after a long international flight.
Day 2
Explore Galle
Explore UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, its historic streets, lighthouse, ramparts and surrounding coastal scenery.
Distance: Local sightseeing
Travel Time: Flexible
Main Attractions: Galle Fort, lighthouse, ramparts, heritage streets and museums
Optional: Guided heritage walk, cooking class or coastal dining experience
Travel Tip: Early morning or late afternoon are comfortable times to walk around the fort.
Day 3
Galle – Mirissa
Travel along the South Coast to Mirissa and enjoy a relaxed beach stay with optional coastal experiences.
Distance: Approximately 45 km
Travel Time: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Main Attractions: Mirissa Beach, Coconut Tree Hill and southern coastal scenery
Optional: Seasonal whale watching, beach time or sunset viewpoint visit
Travel Tip: Whale-watching trips depend on season, weather and sea conditions.
Day 4
Mirissa – Yala
Continue east towards the Yala region. Settle into your hotel or lodge and prepare for an optional wildlife experience.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours
Main Attractions: Southern landscapes, Yala region and dry-zone scenery
Optional: Private afternoon safari or relaxed evening at your lodge
Travel Tip: Wildlife sightings are natural and can never be guaranteed.
Day 5
Yala – Ella
Travel from Sri Lanka's southern dry zone into the cooler central highlands, with scenic stops before arriving in Ella.
Distance: Approximately 95 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Main Attractions: Ravana Falls, changing mountain landscapes and Ella
Optional: Ella town visit, viewpoint stop or relaxed evening
Travel Tip: Temperatures can be cooler in Ella, particularly in the evening.
Day 6
Explore Ella
Spend a full day exploring Ella's best-known viewpoints, railway heritage and mountain scenery.
Distance: Local sightseeing
Travel Time: Flexible
Main Attractions: Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, Ella Gap and nearby waterfalls
Optional: Zipline, guided hike, cooking experience or additional relaxation
Travel Tip: Start early for cooler walking conditions and quieter viewpoints.
Day 7
Ella – Arugam Bay
Descend from the highlands and continue towards Sri Lanka's east coast and the relaxed beach atmosphere of Arugam Bay.
Distance: Approximately 135 km
Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
Main Attractions: Changing landscapes, east-coast scenery and Arugam Bay
Optional: Surf lesson, beach walk or sunset experience
Travel Tip: Surf conditions vary by season, but Arugam Bay can also be enjoyed by non-surfers.
Day 8
Explore Arugam Bay
Enjoy a flexible day for beaches, surfing, lagoons, local cafes or wildlife experiences around the Arugam Bay region.
Distance: Local sightseeing
Travel Time: Flexible
Main Attractions: Arugam Bay Beach, lagoons and surrounding coastal landscapes
Optional: Surf lesson, lagoon safari or Kumana National Park excursion
Travel Tip: Choose activities according to seasonal conditions and your preferred travel pace.
Day 9
Arugam Bay – Pasikuda
Travel north along Sri Lanka's east coast towards Pasikuda and settle into your beachfront accommodation.
Distance: Approximately 140 km
Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
Main Attractions: East-coast landscapes, Pasikuda Beach and resort area
Optional: Water sports, beach relaxation or sunset walk
Travel Tip: Pasikuda is known for relatively shallow coastal water, but local sea conditions should always be checked.
Day 10
Pasikuda Leisure
Enjoy a full day beside the east coast with time for swimming, relaxation and optional resort activities.
Distance: Local
Travel Time: Flexible
Main Attractions: Pasikuda Beach and surrounding coastal scenery
Optional: Snorkelling, water sports, spa treatment or additional beach time
Travel Tip: Activity availability depends on weather, sea conditions and local operators.
Day 11
Pasikuda – Trincomalee
Continue north to Trincomalee and explore selected cultural and coastal attractions before your final east-coast overnight stay.
Distance: Approximately 110 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Main Attractions: Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick, Nilaveli and Trincomalee coastline
Optional: Pigeon Island snorkelling, whale watching or additional beach time
Travel Tip: Marine activities depend on season, weather and sea conditions.
Day 12
Trincomalee – Airport
Travel privately from Trincomalee towards Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo or Colombo according to your onward plans.
Distance: Approximately 260 km
Travel Time: Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours
Main Attractions: Scenic cross-country journey and optional final stop
Optional: Colombo stop, Negombo stay or additional Trincomalee night
Travel Tip: Allow sufficient time for road travel and international airline check-in requirements.
Your Accommodation
Choose Your Hotel Category
Choose from comfortable, boutique or luxury hotels throughout your journey.
Comfort
3 Star Hotels
Comfort AccommodationComfortable hotels and beach properties selected for good locations, practical facilities and excellent value.
Selected 3-star hotel – Galle
Selected beach hotel – Mirissa
Selected safari hotel – Yala region
Selected hill-country hotel – Ella
Selected beach hotel – Arugam Bay
Selected coastal hotel – Pasikuda
Selected beach hotel – Trincomalee or Nilaveli
Included in the standard quotation
Select This Category →Most Popular
4 Star & Boutique Hotels
Most Popular AccommodationWell-rated boutique hotels and resorts offering upgraded rooms, pools, attractive surroundings and additional comfort.
Boutique heritage hotel – Galle
4-star beach resort – Mirissa
Upgraded safari lodge – Yala region
Boutique mountain hotel – Ella
4-star beach resort – Arugam Bay
4-star resort – Pasikuda
4-star beach resort – Trincomalee or Nilaveli
Recommended for comfort and value
Select This Category →Premium
5 Star & Luxury Hotels
Premium AccommodationLuxury resorts, boutique retreats and premium properties selected for exceptional service, comfort and memorable locations.
Luxury heritage property – Galle
Luxury coastal resort – Mirissa or Weligama
Luxury safari lodge – Yala
Luxury mountain retreat – Ella
Premium beach retreat – Arugam Bay
Luxury beachfront resort – Pasikuda
Luxury beach resort – Trincomalee or Nilaveli
Luxury upgrade available on request
Select This Category →Accommodation Options
Add My Hotel Preference →We carefully select hotels according to your preferred comfort level, travel style and budget.
Private Transport
Choose Your Vehicle
Travel throughout Sri Lanka in a modern air-conditioned private 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 this private South to East tour.
Yes. The route, number of nights, hotel category, beach stays, safari experiences and activities 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 South to East Discovery
Tell us your preferred travel dates and we'll prepare a personalised quotation.
✓ Secure enquiry✓ No obligation✓ Local expert support✓ Personalised confirmation
Personalise Your Holiday
Create Your Perfect East Coast Escape
Extend your beach stay, add surfing lessons, include whale watching, explore more national parks or upgrade your hotels.
- Add extra nights in Galle or Mirissa
- Include seasonal whale watching
- Upgrade the Yala safari experience
- Spend additional nights in Ella
- Add Kumana National Park
- Include surfing lessons in Arugam Bay
- Extend the Pasikuda beach stay
- Add Pigeon Island snorkelling
- Finish with additional nights in Trincomalee or Nilaveli
- Add a Colombo city stay before departure