16D/15N: Eastern marvels, from the villages to the sea

Welcome to the East!

Your journey with us begins upon your arrival in Arugam Bay, early morning, after your overnight bus or taxi ride from Colombo.

Relaxing at the beach

Arugam Bay Beach, world-renowned for surfing, is the scene of frenetic surfing activity, with its different waves suitable for surfers of varying levels. It is also home to many cafes and restaurants, with their feet in the sand and huts at the water’s edge. A relaxed and festive atmosphere for this marine break.

Lagoon Safari

The hours before sunset are the ideal time for bird watching and observing the other inhabitants of the lagoon.

You can discover the ecosystem of the mangrove and the lagoon by traditional boat, during a slow and serene ride in the magical light of the sun that leaves to other lands.

Surfing (optional)

World famous for its waves that attract surfers from all over the globe, the Arugam Bay area is the ideal place to learn and practice surfing.

Indeed, its different waves (Main point, Baby point, Peanut farm, Elephant rock, etc.) allow surfers from all backgrounds to find a wave adapted to their level.

Jeep Safari in Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park, with an area of ​​approximately 18,000 hectares, is the northeastern part of Yala Park, accessible from the east coast.

Due to its geographical location, it is off the beaten track and does not suffer from the overtourism present in other more visited parks.

Its mangrove is home to many birds such as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and cormorants.

Many mammals such as elephants and leopards inhabit the park’s different ecosystems.

Crocodiles and sloth bears have also taken up residence there. This morning, at dawn, you set off to meet them…

Gal Oya National Park Boat Safari

The children have gone silent. So has the engine of our boat. “What’s going on?” their mother’s eyes seem to ask. Without a word, our boatman slowly points his arm towards the lake shore in front of us. Barely hidden behind the branches, stands a huge elephant.

What a magical moment to be able to observe it while it doesn’t even seem to notice our silent presence. Quietly eating a lunch of green leaves plucked from the nearby trees. All aboard are fascinated by the serene scene, and for the next fifteen minutes we feel connected to the mighty animal, without noise, just delighted to be the privileged spectators of this fascinating spectacle.

Later, we observe a larger herd of elephants at the edge of the lake, mothers with their calves, entering the forest.

A variety of birds also offer us a spectacle of aerobatics and songs, from solitary kites flying high over our heads to flocks of cormorants gathering on the surrounding rocks.

Shy but fearsome crocodiles will disappear into the water as we approach.

To our untrained eyes, any dark shape in the distance looks like an elephant, and the naturalist accompanying us will have to gently convince us that they are in fact water buffalo grazing peacefully.

Bicycle ride “Let’s cook and fish!”

You will learn good recipes of delicious curries to bring back home and get in touch with local fishermen willing to share their ancestral way of fishing with you…

The day starts with a bike ride to explore the Batticaloa market.

You will then reach the family that will teach you Sri Lankan cooking, take your lunch with them.

After a relaxing chat, you will ride along our enchanting lagoon before meeting the fishermen on the lagoon for a refreshing fishing experience…

Boating in Unnichai

In the excursion Boating in Unnichai, you will leave the coastal area to reach rural villages.

Depending on the season, you will be able to observe the farmers and cultivation areas, paddy fields or vegetable gardens on the way.

When reaching Unnichai, local boatmen will take you on board in their traditional fishing boats for a ride on the lake.

You’ll then visit the village Hindu temple and feel its peacefulness, before enjoying a village lunch in a family.

In the afternoon, you’ll be invited to walk and chill out around Unnichai immense water tank or observe the buffaloes and birds around, before a farewell cup of tea with your host family.

Enjoy the beautiful simplicity of village life…

Historic Batticaloa

Now, let’s explore History and Religions…

Our tour Historic Batticaloa brings you to old buildings in Batticaloa, Kattankudy, Navalady, throughout 450 years of history and the vestiges of 3 colonial powers.

We will guide you into the cultural and religious diversity of our local communities, by visiting worshipping places of 4 different faiths (Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism).

We’ll break for lunch in a local family, where you’ll get a flavour of traditional Batticaloa food, and interact with your host family.

After lunch, you’ll get a glimpse of the scars of the recent war and tsunami as well as visit the Heritage Museum of Kattankudy… if time permits!

Bicycle ride “Towards Mylambaveli”

Here, the slow pace of travelling by bicycle will enable you to discover the villages and nature paths surrounding Batticaloa.

After a quiet visit of the bird sanctuary, you will participate in an offering ceremony at the Hindu temple, while your lunch is prepared by a local family.

After a healthy village lunch and a funny chat with your host family, you will visit the nearby organic farm, its fruit trees, coconut estate and cattle.

You will then ride back to Batticaloa along a stunning deserted beach and observe birds, wildlife and fishermen as you peacefully move along our gorgeous lagoon.

A day in Kudumbimalai

The day will start by leaving the main road for the previously war affected inland rural area.

Wildlife might surprise you on the way, with its lazy buffaloes, grazing cattle and wild birds.

You will climb the 1.750 ft-high Kudumbimalai mighty rock and enjoy a breathtaking view of the nowadays peaceful surroundings.

For lunch, you’ll be invited to share the usual village food of a local family, and will surely have a small walk around to see the villagers’ activities and hidden pond.

After a quick visit to the military museum, you’ll be on your way back in the wilderness again for an off-the-beaten-track tuktuk ride.

Excursion “Palamunai Colors”

In Palamunai Colours, you will explore the southern part of Batticaloa, riding along the beach, visiting the fish market.

You will meet handloom weavers, making colourful sarees and sarongs.

You will discreetly observe the midday prayer at the local mosque and interact with the believers.

Your lunch will be prepared by a local family, and will reflect the typical food of the community.

After a tasty meal and a relaxing chat with your host family, you will go through Kattankudy, a bustling Muslim town famous for its history and numerous businesses, visit its Heritage Museum, and the beautiful Al-Aqsa mosque.

Diving session (optional)

Batticaloa and Passikudah both have diving clubs and beautiful underwater discoveries to share.

Wrecks and coral reefs offer divers of different levels the opportunity to observe a rich aquatic life.

The wreck of the famous British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes, meanwhile, has been resting since the Second World War at a depth of about 40-50m.

It is accessible through the Batticaloa based diving centre.

Relaxing at the beach

Here is half-a-day of relaxation by the pool or on this long sandy beach which invites you for walks at sunset…

Deep sea ​​fishing

This morning, a small motorboat takes you out to sea for a session of rod fishing.

Relaxing at the beach

You have now arrived at the seaside, where you can relax, enjoy beautiful walks on the fine sandy beaches, swim in the Indian Ocean, take the time to take your time…

Visit to the Coconut Cultural Park

You have surely tasted coconut in delicious curries and other Sri Lankan delicacies.

You have seen scores of coconut trees on the way.

But did you know how these beneficent trees provide raw material for other usages?

Here is the place to discover how coconuts and coconut leaves can be turned into a variety of handicraft and daily-life items.

Managed by the Coconut Cultivation Board, this cultural park is a unique place for you to learn all you need to know about coconuts.

Sailing Experience

Here is a 3-hour sailing experience on a catamaran, moored in Passikudah Bay for your pleasure and unique discovery of the surrounding beaches and coral reefs… Welcome aboard!

Sailing, swimming, snorkeling in a big coral reef, sun tanning on the trampoline… multiple activities are possible during the trip, depending on the weather. It is also a unique opportunity to take gorgeous photos from the sea of Passikudah and Kalkudah beaches, Elephant Rock, etc.

Take the helm and enjoy the adrenaline rush of sailing a large catamaran yourself.

Come and enjoy the pure sensations of the sea, we know you will love it.

Snorkeling session

You are expected early in the morning at the seaside, in order to explore a beautiful reef and its underwater life.

Here you are in warm and transparent waters, privileged spectators of a colorful aquatic ballet.

Lunch on site.

Meeting and walking with a Veddha leader

The afternoon is dedicated to meeting a Veddha chief, who will introduce you to the lifestyle of his community and the tools used by his ancestors, at a time when this indigenous Sri Lankan community used to live by hunting and gathering in the thick jungles around.

With his contagious sense of humor, our Veddha chief will take you into the forest, teach you his hunting techniques and show you the caves where his ancestors used to live.

Jeep Safari in Maduru Oya National Park

The journey starts around 6am, reaching the entrance of Maduru Oya Park around 7am. A red dirt track takes you into the heart of this wild natural habitat.

For 2.5 hours, you will see different inhabitants of the forest: a herd of shy deer, many species of birds, from the wild rooster, the emblematic bird of Sri Lanka, to the powerful eagles perched silently in the trees looking for their next prey…

You may have the privilege of observing a herd of wild elephants, enjoying a breakfast of leaves. With the engine running, safety first in this wild nature…

After many other water monitors, lizards, buffaloes, woodpeckers and kingfishers competing in beauty in their brightly colored costumes, a peacock might bid you farewell by performing an elegant wheel, while you return to the park entrance for a hearty breakfast under the trees.

Visit the Hindu temple of Koneswaram

The Hindu temple of Koneshwaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Trincomalee, atop a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean.

It appears in the Hindu epic “Ramayana”, making it a major place of pilgrimage.

Snorkeling at Pigeon Island

A motorboat takes you early in the morning to Pigeon Island, a marine national park, famous for the many species of fish, crustaceans, turtles and sharks that thrive in its crystal clear waters.

With your mask and snorkel, it’s up to you to go and meet the rich underwater life.

Relaxing at the beach

Here is a relaxing afternoon on this long sandy beach which invites you to stroll till sunset…

Dolphin watching

Another ride in a small motorboat allows you to meet the dolphins that populate the ocean off the coast of Trincomalee.

What a joy to be able to observe these marine clowns who compete in acrobatics near your boat…

Relaxing at the beach

Before moving out of the Eastern Province, here is a final half-day of relaxation by the sea…

Back to Colombo / International Airport

Here has come the time to bid farewell to the Eastern Province and to travel back to Colombo by night train or to the International Airport by night bus.

There would be so many other beautiful places to discover though…

We wish you a good flight back home, and hope to see you again next time for new Sri Lankan adventures!

Thank you for travelling with us!