Sri Lanka's East Coast Opens Up to Tourists

    WEST SUSSEX, ENGLAND, July 29, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sri Lanka is famous for its fabulous beaches, its national wildlife parks and for having an astonishing seven World Heritage Sites - the same number as Egypt! But it is less well known for its totally unspoilt rugged east coast - a virtual no-go area during the Tamil Tiger war. Now the area is opening up for tourism and Hayes & Jarvis (0844 415 1918, www.hayesandjarvis.com) has introduced a new tour - East Coast Sri Lanka - that spotlights the area's contrasting attractions.

Describing the east coast as the country's 'hottest new destination' H&J recommends adding the new five-day tour to its existing Classic Ceylon itinerary to provide a broader exploration of Sri Lankan many highlights - or twinning the tour with an All Inclusive stay in a Sri Lankan beach resort.

H&J Programme Director Lesley Rollo said: "This area of Sri Lanka has only recently become more accessible for tourists. Good quality hotels are opening up and we foresee strong demand for this rugged, rural area, which, arguably, boasts the best beaches in an island of great beaches.

"Holidaymakers can enjoy excellent diving, whale watching and lovely white sands. The whole area is wonderfully unspoilt and its historic main city, Trincomalee, is a great attraction with the world's fifth largest natural harbour."

With visits to Habarana, Trincomalee and Sigariya rock fortress en route and plenty of free time built in for people to spend on the beach or exploring on their own, this Sri Lanka holiday tour is priced from GBP429 per person and this includes half board accommodation, tour transport and entrance fees.

Take the tour then relax on the beach: Departing on 24 September, Hayes & Jarvis offers a seven-night holiday that combines the four-night East Coast Sri Lanka tour with three nights at the All Inclusive four-star Club Hotel Dolphin resort on Waikkkal beachfront near Negombo. Priced at GBP1,149 per person, the trip includes Jet Airways flights from London Heathrow.

Twin the East Coast with a culture-rich tour: Departing London Heathrow with Jet Airways on 17 September, Hayes & Jarvis offers an 11-night holiday that combines the East Coast Sri Lanka tour with its Classic Ceylon tour itinerary. Priced at GBP1,495 per person, this includes visits to the World Heritage Sites of Kandy, Dambulla Cave and Polonnaruwa as well as to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and Nuwara Eliya's tea plantations.

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