This itinerary involves a lot of driving, but does showcase the best of Sri Lanka’s national parks, wildlife and beaches, exploring the stunning east and south coasts of the island. The itinerary can also be altered to include an internal flight to reduce the amount of driving, or alternately extra nights can be added to spread out the driving. If you enjoy taking in stunning landscapes, seeing wildlife and relaxing on beaches, this is for you.
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Description
1 night – Waikkal
2 nights Wilpattu National Park
3 nights – Trincomalee
2 nights – Kandy
2 nights – Yala
1 nights – Udawalawe
3 nights – Mirissa
✈️ UK to Waikkal (1 night): On arrival, a warm welcome awaits from your personal driver who will be ready to transport you to Waikkal on the western coastal belt of Sri Lanka. Throughout your holiday, your dedicated driver will be at your service, ensuring seamless transfers between your hotels and offering you the flexibility to explore any additional sightseeing spots along the way. Situated along the picturesque western coast of the island, Waikkal offers pristine beaches, fringed with swaying palm trees and lapped by the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean. The real draw though, especially for nature lovers, is the nearby Muthurajawela Marsh. This expansive wetland ecosystem boasts a labyrinth of waterways and mangrove forests that are teeming with wildlife, including numerous bird species, amphibians, and reptiles. The best way to view the marshes is on a boat safari. As you wind your way through the marshes, your tour guide will help you spot the diverse array of bird species from herons and kingfishers to owls and egrets, plus mammals including the fishing cat and the endangered Sri Lankan leopard. Also, don’t forget to scan the waters for reptiles including crocodiles and water monitors.
🚗 Waikkal to Wilpattu National Park (2 nights): Heading inland and into the heart of the country’s wilderness, your driver will escort you to your next destination: Wilpattu National Park. The park is the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka and boasts dense forests, expansive grasslands and lakes – all home to a huge variety of creatures and best explored on a jeep safari. Some of the creatures your tour guide will help you to spot include the leopard, elephant, and sloth bear plus various bird species including painted storks, crested serpent eagles, and peafowl.
🚗 Wilpattu National Park to Trincomalee (3 nights): Next, you’ll travel to the north-eastern coast of Sri Lanka to discover the historic town of Trincomalee. Beyond Trincomalee’s fascinating cultural heritage and landmarks lies a paradise for nature lovers.
The nearby Pigeon Island National Park, boasting vibrant coral reefs and a wealth of marine life, is a great place to take in Sri Lanka’s stunning natural beauty. It’s also home to a fascinating variety of bird species including the Nicobar pigeon, after which the island is named. The area’s picturesque beaches are perfect for snorkelling and dolphin watching, and for those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are plenty of glass-bottom boat trips for you to enjoy the underwater life.
🚗 Trincomalee to Kandy (2 nights): For the next stop on your itinerary you’ll head to Kandy, a picturesque town in the heart of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Here, nestled amidst rolling hills, lies the Temple of the Tooth Relic, believed to house a tooth belonging to Lord Buddha. Just a short walk away you’ll find the serene Kandy Lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery including a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, and home to various bird species.
🚗 / 🚂 Kandy to Yala (2 nights): For the next part of your adventure, you can choose between a direct private transfer to Yala or opt for a beautifully scenic train journey that takes you from Kandy to Ella, located approximately three-quarters along the route. Upon reaching the train station in Ella, your driver will be ready to take you on the final part of your journey via car to Yala. The train journey from Kandy to Ella is renowned for its stunning scenery, passing through picturesque tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and lush green valleys, and is very popular with our eShores clients. Yala itself is home to Yala National Park, the country’s most visited national park. Boasting dense forests, expansive grasslands and coastal lagoons, the best way to get up and personal with the wide range of wildlife is to take a jeep safari where you can spot the Sri Lankan leopard, elephants, sloth bears, and various species of birds.
🚗 Yala to Udawalawe (1 night): From one iconic park to the next, your driver will transfer you from Yala to Udawalawe, renowned for its large herds of Asian elephants which roam freely in their natural habitat. Along with the elephants there is a range of other fascinating wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears and water buffalo. In the centre of the park, the Udawalawe Reservoir offers fabulous opportunities for birdwatching.
🚗 Udawalawe to Mirissa (3 nights): To round off your unforgettable Sri Lankan journey, you’ll head to the beautiful beaches of Mirissa. Here, you can bask on the pristine beaches and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. With its idyllic setting it’s the perfect way to savour the last few days of your holiday in Sri Lanka.
✈️ Mirissa to UK: You’ll board your flight back to the UK; with countless memories and photos of the wonderful Sri Lankan wildlife you’ll have encountered.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Terence
I found eShores very helpful Indeed organising everything and explained our holiday very clearly, we can relax now as it’s all done
Posted 12 hours ago -
JenniferElizabeth
Very professional service. Michelle a friendly member of the team answered my query within a few hours and also gave me alternatives for the accommodation. She also held the flights for a few days so I could discuss the quote with my family, I didn't feel pressurised to commit straight away.
Posted 2 days ago -
Anonymous
We have recently returned from the advertised eShores multi-centre city break to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. We had a fabulous time and are very grateful to Dave Felton who organised everything for us. We didn't have to worry about booking any of it ourselves, as Dave arranged the flights, transfers, hotels and train tickets for us. He responded quickly to our queries and he also gave us tips about places we might like to see on our trip. We received all the information we needed in good time, and appreciated the additional details that eShores include, for example, telephone numbers for transfers and details of exactly where to find the driver at the airport, contact details for the hotels, and advice on travel.
Posted 2 days ago -
Mark
This is the third time of booking with eshores. They are absolutely brilliant at what they do. Tell them where you want to go and when and they will do the rest. Both previous holidays went as smooyh as could be. Every time I have booked I have dealt with Michelle. She is totally fantastic. Very knowledgable very friendly and always ensures the best deal. Will definitely be using again and again.
Posted 3 days ago -
Tricia
I have just returned from Japan having enjoyed a great adventure with my son. Eshores was recommended to me and has lived up to my expectations in every way. Michelle couldn't have been more helpful with the planning. Don't hesitate to use their service.
Posted 4 days ago -
TracyLouise
Rachel has been absolutely amazing, she has gone above and beyond helping me find a suitable itinerary for our Thailand trip with endless emails back and fourth as I work full time. At last it booked and we are so looking forward to it. Will use eshores again in the future.
Posted 4 days ago -
Deborah
great Holiday to Athens and the Saronic Islands booked by Nick for us. Everyting went very smoothly and and queries were dealt with quickly. Prices seem tio be very competitive compared to booking the trip yourself. Would definitely recommend
Posted 4 days ago -
Cheryl
Laura was very good at suggesting our itinerary. Also very patient with changing it! I found them very competitive also.
Posted 4 days ago -
Julia
Matt dealt with my request for a bespoke trip to Kerala incredibly promptly with good options even though he’d literally just returned from holiday himself. Good prices, changes on my part dealt with quickly and I am so pleased my friend recommended eShores else I’d never have found them
Posted 4 days ago -
Fay
Myself and my partner have just booked through eShores for a holiday/honeymoon of a lifetime. Our travel consultant Hannah has been so helpful and resourceful throughout the whole process and has designed us a custom getaway to suit every detail. All of the stress was taken out of the booking process which means we can prepare for our holiday peacefully. To say we’re excited is an understatement! Thank you Hannah! 🩷
Posted 5 days ago
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