Things to do in Trincomalee

Ella Day Tour from the East Coast

The Sri Lankan town of Ella may be little in size, but it's big on things to do and see. On this full day tour, you'll travel by train through the leafy highlands for a day of exploring everything Ella has to offer. Ravana Falls, Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak are just some of the highlights, as well as a guided walk through the town.Known for its cooler climate and stunning vistas, Ella is a popular place for both tourists and locals to visit. You'll arrive mid-morning by train, starting the tour with a visit to a local tea estate. Then, you'll have the chance to hike to Ella's Rock, offering panoramic views of the rolling hills and tea plantations. You'll also stop by the cascading Ravana Falls and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.After lunch, you'll head straight for the town centre of Ella for a short walking tour along the slow-paced main street. There's also an easy hike to Little Adam's Peak where more Instagrammable pics of the surrounding mountains and valleys await.

Sigiriya, Dambulla and Minneriya Park Safari Tour from the East Coast

Visiting two contrasting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day calls for a great day out in Sri Lanka. Combine that with a chance to see the country's fauna, and you're on to an even bigger win. You'll see both Sigiriya's Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple on this full day tour from the east, ending the day with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. You'll start the day in Sigiriya's Lion Rock. It juts out into the sky, and its frescoes and landscaped gardens make for an awe-inspiring sight. Climb the steps of this fortress and you'll be met with panoramic views across Sri Lanka's jungles, hills and lakes. Then, it's onto Dambulla Cave Temple. The well-preserved rock painting and statues here are without doubt the finest in the country.After lunch in a tropical village, the tour ends on a high with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. With your cameras at the ready, you'll have the chance to spot elephants, leopards and much more. The park is also renowned for its birds, with over 170 species recorded here.

Kandy Day Tour from the East Coast

It's almost non-stop action on this immersive tour of Sri Lanka's cultural hub. Not only is Kandy home to the magnificent Temple of the Tooth Relic, but it's also a city of tree-lined streets crammed with hawkers, tuk-tuks and vintage buses. You'll also visit a spice garden, a tea plantation and botanical gardens.You'll start the tour at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. It's home to more than 4,000 species of plants – including orchids and spices – and a hefty collection of trees, too. Stretch your legs and try to spot the garden's cheeky residents – toque macaques, a monkey species native to Sri Lanka. Then, it's time for a traditional lunch.Once you've appeased your appetite, you'll head into Kandy city for a guided tour and some free time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. And as we continue through the Central Highlands, we'll stop at a fragrant spice garden in Mawanella and a tea plantation and factory – for a proper cup of Ceylon tea – in Giragama.

Kandy, Sigiriya, Dambulla & Minneriya Park Safari Two-day Tour from the East Coast

Make the most of your Sri Lankan break with this two-day tour to some of the country's best bits. You'll see the Temple of the Tooth Relic, climb the steps of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and even go on a wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park. And what's more, overnight accommodation, activities and all meals are covered.Day one is dedicated to what's best known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Starting at the Royal Botanical Gardens, you'll venture into the city for a guided tour and some time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. You'll end the day with a show and the evening at your disposal.There's a lot more to pack into day two, starting with a visit to a fragrant spice garden, before heading to two more UNESCO treasures – Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple. After lunch in a tropical village, the tour ends on a high with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. With your cameras at the ready, you'll have the chance to spot elephants, leopards and much more.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour from the East Coast

Before there was Sri Lanka, there was Polonnaruwa. This late-10th century city left behind a treasure trove of palaces, temples and statues – these well-preserved ruins gained it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this early morning tour from the east, you'll be able to follow in the footsteps of ancient kings that once ruled the kingdom with a guided tour.You'll head into Polonnaruwa first thing to avoid the intense midday-sun. This ancient kingdom reached its peak under the rule of King Parakramabahu I, and, with a local expert in tow, you'll get the lowdown on the ruins, many of which were created under his reign.Observe some of the most impressive relics, like Gal Vihara - a collection of four Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite – and Lankatilaka Temple – a large, hollowed-out stupa with tall walls. You'll also see the King's Palace, monasteries and reservoirs. And watch out for the native 'temple monkeys' that reside in and around the area.

Ancient Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Park Safari Tour from the East Coast

A perfect mix of history and nature awaits on this full day tour from the east. First, you'll delve into the past at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Polonnaruwa – a 10th-century kingdom that helped shape the nation of Sri Lanka. Then, spend the afternoon on a thrilling wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park, spotting monkeys, elephants and more.You'll head into Polonnaruwa early-morning to avoid the rising heat. Follow in the footsteps of ancient kings that once ruled the kingdom with a guided tour of its well-preserved ruins. You'll get to see relics such as the King's Palace and Gal Vihara - a collection of four Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite.After lunch, it's time to get wild. With your cameras at the ready, enjoy a 4x4 safari through Minneriya National Park, where you'll have the chance to spot herds of elephants, monkeys, deer and plenty more. The park is also renowned for its birds, with over 170 species recorded here.