East Coast Sri Lanka - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Sri Lanka, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel in Kotugoda or Kaleliya.

Morning departure for the Cultural Triangle region. Late afternoon take a safari through the stunning Minneriya National Park, famous for its 200-strong elephant population, keeping your eyes peeled for some of the park’s 24 species of mammal, including sambar, spotted deer, those elusive leopards, sloth bears and toque monkey as well as water monitors, swamp crocodiles and over 160 species of bird.

After breakfast visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya – one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. This immense rock dominates the surrounding landscape, rising 650 feet above the ground, and the view from the flattened summit is spectacular. Those without a head for heights can stroll around the ramparts and pleasure gardens, or take in the famous Sigiriya frescoes found partway up the rock, as your guide tells you some of the legends surrounding the site. In the late morning you will have the chance to experience traditional, rural life, away from the ruins and try your hand at preparing Sri Lankan food. In a small village close to Sigiriya you will be welcomed into the modest, mud-walled home of one of the families, where you will assist your host in the preparation of a typical Sri Lankan lunch, using authentic cooking methods and traditional clay pots. After eating return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.

Head east towards the UNESCO listed, ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, built over a thousand years ago alongside carefully-engineered reservoirs that provide the region's water to this day. As you stroll around the ruins, you’ll get a feel for what Polonnaruwa was like during its heyday as a thriving commercial and religious centre, stopping to see the statue of the great Sinhalese King Parakramabahu, who built the reservoirs. Wander through the fascinating area known as the Quadrangle, and pause at the feet of the impressive Gal Vihara – four separate Buddha images perfectly sculpted into one large piece of granite. Leave atmospheric Polonnaruwa behind to head east to your beach resort, arriving mid-afternoon where the remainder of your day will be at leisure.

Enjoy a day at leisure, soaking up the sunshine, feet in the sand.

Make an early start and head south along the coast to Batticaloa. Known locally as ‘Batti’, this picturesque town on a narrow peninsula has a varied and turbulent history, but now exudes a very relaxed vibe. Explore by bike, focusing on the local food scene; visit a bustling morning market; and cycle to a local family home to learn a few secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine as you prepare traditional curries to enjoy together for lunch. Relax and chat with your host family, learning about their way of life, before getting back on your bike and heading to Batticaloa Lagoon - the largest lagoon in the region - to see the mangrove swamps and seagrass beds brimming with water birds and fish. Stop at Batticaloa Lighthouse, where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean, then meet with a group of local fishermen for a hands-on taster of the traditional fishing methods passed down through the generations.

Another day at leisure to relax on the beach and make the most of the hotel's facilities.

Set off early for the sacred city of Kandy, stopping en route at the 1st century BC Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. Legend tells that during an invasion from South India, the Sinhalese king took refuge in these caves and, through meditation, gained the strength to drive away invaders. Having declared the caves as a sacred area, he built the first temple, with others added by later rulers. Wonder at the spiritually significant caves - an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world - and carry on to Kandy in the afternoon.

With your guide by your side, explore Kandy at your pace. Get an insight into local life at Kandy’s lively morning market, then perhaps retreat to the tranquillity of the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, which house the largest variety of orchids found in Sri Lanka. Escape the heat in a tea shop along the main street, then maybe take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake, or a brisk walk through the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary ‘forbidden forest’. One must-see highlight is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where Buddhists believe they have enshrined a tooth of the Lord Buddha in a golden casket; visit in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. At sunset, we suggest heading to the 88-foot tall Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue that looms protectively over the city, for unbeatable panoramic views.

Depart from Kandy station for a scenic train ride through tea country. From the comfort of your carriage, you’ll see mile after mile of tea fields rush past, dotted with waterfalls and valleys. Nuwara Eliya town, in the cooling shade of Pidurutalagala (the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka) contains some intriguing remnants of colonial rule, including a village post office, an English-style church and the ‘St Andrew’s’ golf club, as well as the famous race course. Tour the town and a nearby tea factory with your guide, learning about the history and modern-day production methods of this region's most valuable crop.

Your day is at leisure to relax in the cool shade, drinking as much of the region’s world-class tea as you can!

Drive to Colombo, arriving mid-afternoon. There will be time to freshen up before heading out with your guide for a culinary exploration of the town’s vibrant foodie scene. Head for the sociable seaside promenade and lawns of Galle Face Green, where numerous streetfood vendors congregate. Try spicy isso wade prawn fritters, and traditional achcharu sweet-sour pickles, washed down with fresh lime juice. Nana’s serves arguably the best Tandoori Chicken in the city, and is a Galle Face institution - you can’t leave without trying some! Tuk-tuk to The Old Dutch Hospital (tastefully revamped to house shops and restaurants) to sample some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea and Pol Roti Kottu coconut-infused stuffed flatbreads. Leave room for traditional Sri Lankan jaggery sweets, and return to your hotel with your appetite fully satisfied

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight..