Sunrise at NilaveliNilaveli BeachNilaveli BeachPigeon Island National Park
JK Travels Sri Lanka · Private beach itinerary · 8 days / 7 nights · Best May to September
8-Day East Coast Beach Holiday – Trincomalee & Pasikudah
This 8-day Sri Lanka east coast holiday is planned for May to September, when the south and west coasts get the monsoon and the east coast has its best weather. Stay four nights around Trincomalee and Nilaveli, with snorkelling at Pigeon Island, then three nights at the long, shallow bay of Pasikudah.
JK Travels Sri Lanka arranges your private car or van with an SLTDA-licensed chauffeur guide for the long transfers and day trips, so you can spend the rest of the time by the sea.
Your beach holiday at a glance
8 days on the coast, at your pace.
Bandaranaike International Airport → Trincomalee → Nilaveli → Pasikudah → Bandaranaike International Airport
DAY 01
Arrival and drive to Nilaveli
Nilaveli
Overnight: Trincomalee / Nilaveli
DAY 02
Nilaveli beach day
Nilaveli
Overnight: Trincomalee / Nilaveli
DAY 03
Snorkelling at Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island
Overnight: Trincomalee / Nilaveli
DAY 04
Trincomalee town and temples
Trincomalee
Overnight: Trincomalee / Nilaveli
DAY 05
South to Pasikudah
Pasikudah
Overnight: Pasikudah
DAY 06
A slow day at Pasikudah
Pasikudah
Overnight: Pasikudah
DAY 07
Pasikudah or Batticaloa
Pasikudah
Overnight: Pasikudah
DAY 08
Return to the airport
Bandaranaike International Airport
Departure day · No overnight stay
Pickup & return
Start and finish at Bandaranaike International Airport, with private transfers timed around your flights. Pickups from Colombo or Negombo hotels are also possible.
Hotels, rooms and meals are included only when listed in your confirmed quotation.
Day by day
Suggested 8-day itinerary
This is a suggested private programme. Flights, weather, sea conditions and your own pace shape the final plan, and optional activities are confirmed separately.
DAY 01
Arrival and drive to Nilaveli
Bandaranaike International Airport · ArrivalsSunrise at Nilaveli
Meet your driver at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel across the island to the north-east coast, about five to six hours with stops for lunch and rest.
Check in at your beach hotel near Nilaveli and relax after the journey.
Overnight: Trincomalee / Nilaveli
DAY 02
Nilaveli beach day
Nilaveli BeachNilaveli Beach
Nilaveli has a long, wide beach that is usually calm in season. Spend the day swimming and resting.
In the evening, walk the beach as the fishing boats come in.
Overnight: Trincomalee / Nilaveli
DAY 03
Snorkelling at Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island National ParkReef fish in Trincomalee Bay
Take a short boat ride from Nilaveli to Pigeon Island National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to snorkel over coral, reef fish and, often, blacktip reef sharks.
Boat and park entry fees are paid separately. Boats run in calm weather only, and the island is a protected area, so follow the rangers’ instructions.
Overnight: Trincomalee / Nilaveli
DAY 04
Trincomalee town and temples
Beach at TrincomaleeSunset at Trincomalee
Visit Fort Frederick and the Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock, with views over one of the world’s largest natural harbours.
Spend the afternoon on Marble Beach or Uppuveli. In some months, boat trips to look for whales and dolphins also leave from Trincomalee; ask us when you book.
Overnight: Trincomalee / Nilaveli
DAY 05
South to Pasikudah
Boat at PasikudahSnorkelling in Sri Lanka
Drive south along the east coast to Pasikudah, about two and a half to three hours.
The bay here is long and shallow, with calm, clear water in season, making it one of the easiest places in Sri Lanka for an unhurried swim.
Overnight: Pasikudah
DAY 06
A slow day at Pasikudah
Snorkelling over a reefBoat at Pasikudah
Spend the day on the beach or at your hotel pool. Snorkelling and boat trips are optional and paid locally.
The east coast faces the sunrise, so an early walk on the beach is worth it.
Overnight: Pasikudah
DAY 07
Pasikudah or Batticaloa
Palm-lined beach in Sri LankaSnorkelling in Sri Lanka
Stay on the beach, or take a short trip to Batticaloa to see the Dutch fort and the lagoon.
Return to Pasikudah for a final evening by the sea.
Overnight: Pasikudah
DAY 08
Return to the airport
Bandaranaike International Airport · DeparturesBeach at Trincomalee
Leave early for Bandaranaike International Airport, about six to seven hours with stops, timed around your flight.
With a late flight, you can add a stop at Dambulla Cave Temple on the way.
Departure day · No overnight stay
Clear arrangements before you commit
Price & practical details
Your quotation
Price is on request. Your quote covers a private air-conditioned car or van with an SLTDA-licensed chauffeur guide for the transfers and day trips in this itinerary, with the vehicle chosen for your group and luggage.
Inclusions
Only services listed in your personalised quotation are included. Confirm transport, hotels, room types and any meals or activities before booking.
Exclusions
Flights, entrance tickets, boat trips, lessons, equipment hire, park fees, optional activities, tips and personal expenses are extra unless listed in your confirmed quotation. Swimming and water activities depend on sea conditions; always follow local safety advice.
Before you book
8-Day East Coast Beach Holiday questions
When should I visit the east coast?
From May to September. In those months the east coast is usually dry and calm while the south and west coasts get the south-west monsoon.
Is snorkelling at Pigeon Island included?
No. The boat ride and national park entry fees are paid separately. Trips depend on sea conditions.
Is the drive from the airport long?
Yes. It is about five to six hours each way. You can break the journey with a night at Sigiriya or Habarana if you prefer.
Can we add Arugam Bay?
Yes. Arugam Bay is further south on the east coast and is the main surf spot in this season. Ask us to add it.
How much does this holiday cost?
Price is on request. The total depends on your dates, group size, vehicle, hotels and activities. Send your details for a personalised quotation.
