1
Arrival — Colombo & Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka
Met on arrival by a RIZ representative and private chauffeur guide, then transferred to Negombo to settle in.
RIZ-069 Days / 8 NightsPrivate Journey
East Coast Escape
Clear waters, coastal landscapes and an easy-going atmosphere across Trincomalee and the eastern seaboard, paired with the Cultural Triangle en route.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
Sri Lanka's Quiet Coastline.
The east coast remains far less visited than the south, and East Coast Escape is built to make the most of that — clear, calm water, uncrowded beaches, and the natural harbour and clifftop temple at Trincomalee. A short stop in the Cultural Triangle on the way opens the journey with heritage before settling into coastal time.
The east coast's dry season runs opposite to the south and west, making this itinerary a strong option during the northeast monsoon months when conditions here are at their best.
ROUTEColombo / Negombo→Sigiriya & Dambulla→Polonnaruwa→Trincomalee→Nilaveli→Departure
Why This Journey
- Reaches Sri Lanka's less-visited, uncrowded east coast.
- Combines Cultural Triangle heritage with genuine coastal relaxation.
- Ideal during the northeast monsoon season, opposite the south coast's dry months.
- Private chauffeur-guide throughout — no fixed group departures.
- Every accommodation and vehicle tier can be adjusted to suit budget and style.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Moments That Define the Journey
Clear waters of Trincomalee
Climb to the summit of Sigiriya
The ruins of Polonnaruwa
The painted caves of Dambulla
Snorkelling at Pigeon Island
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Nine Days to the East Coast
1
2–3
Sigiriya & Dambulla
Ancient Cities & Cave Temples
The climb to Sigiriya's summit and a visit to Dambulla's painted cave temples.
4
Polonnaruwa
Royal Ruins
A morning exploring the medieval royal capital before continuing east.
5–6
Trincomalee
Natural Harbour & Heritage
Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock, the historic harbour, and time to properly settle into coastal life.
7–8
Nilaveli
Quiet Beaches & Clear Water
Two days on the east coast's calmest beaches, with an optional snorkelling trip to Pigeon Island.
9
Departure
Journey's End
Private transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure.
This itinerary is indicative. Sequence, drive times and inclusions may be adjusted for seasonal conditions, park closures or supplier availability, and your final programme is confirmed in your RIZ quotation.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
Choose Your Level of Comfort
Accommodation Tier
- EssentialQuality 3-star / boutique
- Comfort4-Star / 5-Star / Boutique Hotels & Villas
- PremiumSuperior 4-star / selected 5-star
- Luxury5-star / curated boutique
- SignatureHandpicked unique stays
Vehicle Category
- StandardPrivate sedan
- ComfortPrivate SUV / premium MPV
- Family / Small GroupPrivate SUV / large MPV / premium van
- Premium GroupLuxury van / premium coach
- Large GroupTour coach
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & ADD-ONS
Extend the Journey
Pigeon Island SnorkellingWhale Watching — TrincomaleeDeep Sea FishingDiving ExcursionAdditional Night — Colombo
CORE INCLUSIONS
What's Included
- 8 nights' accommodation at the selected tier
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private chauffeur-guided transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- All entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet and departure transfer
- 24/7 RIZ emergency contact during travel
NOT INCLUDED
Important Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Sri Lanka ETA / visa fees
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified for a particular day)
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and add-ons
IMPORTANT OPERATING NOTES
Before You Travel
- East coast conditions are best from May to September; itinerary timing may be adjusted seasonally.
- Dietary and accessibility requirements should be shared before confirmation.
- Hotel check-in/check-out times follow individual property policies.
- Water-based excursions are weather-dependent.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & SAFETY
Travelling Responsibly
- Pre-arrival confirmation and an arrival safety briefing are provided.
- Drivers and guides are briefed to RIZ's professional service standards.
- Marine activities follow responsible reef and wildlife guidelines.
- Local suppliers and community experiences are prioritised where possible.
REQUEST A QUOTE
Ready to Begin Planning
East Coast Escape?
Share your travel dates and preferences and a RIZ Lanka DMC specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for RIZ-06.