sri lanka Tours Northern Explorer

Itinerary:

Day 1  Colombo to Kalpitiya      
Upon arrival transfer to your rustic beach hotel in Kalpitiya.              

Day 2  Kalpitiya        
Today is at leisure to relax in your beachside hotel. If you are staying from mid-November to mid-April ask your consultant about adding a fantastic dolphin watching cruise.              

Day 3  Kalpitiya to Anuradhapura      
Drive to your hotel near Anuradhapura in the Cultural Triangle region. Later head to Wilpattu National Park for a game drive.      

Day 4  Cultural Triangle              
Start the day at Sigiriya or ‘Lion Rock’, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike to the top is fairly strenuous but worthwhile to see rock frescoes, ruins of the 5th Century palace and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Later explore the ruins and temples of Auradhapura.              

Day 5  Anuradhapura to Jaffna              
Depart your hotel in the Cultural Triangle early for the drive north to Jaffna. On arrival you will explore the main city sights, including the colourful Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Hindu Temple, the small museum and the Jaffna Public Library, one of the first buildings to be rebuilt after the ceasefire agreement. End the afternoon at the largely ruined Jaffna Fort, once one of the greatest Dutch forts in Asia.              

Day 6  Jaffna Peninsula            
Enjoy a full day tour of the Jaffna Peninsula. Visit the Hindu temple at Keerimalai where you might like to take a dip in the sacred ponds. Stop to visit the ancient port of Dambakola Patuna, then continue east to the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, Point Pedro. Once a bustling trading hub, Point Pedro is today a simple town set on a beautiful stretch of coast. Return to Jaffna via the ruins of the ancient Buddhist Kadurugoda Temple.              

Day 7  Jaffna to Trincomalee      
Set off early for Trincomalee and enjoy a city tour of the port town, visiting historic Fort Frederick and the revered Hindu temple of Koneswaram Kovil before heading to your beach hotel.  

Days 8-9  Trincomalee        
Enjoy a couple of days relaxing by the pool or on the white sand beach. Ask your consultant for details of our optional snorkelling adventure.  

Day 10  Trincomalee to Negombo              
A long drive takes you back across country to Negombo for your final night in Sri Lanka. Alternatively, ask your consultant about scenic light aircraft flights from Trincomalee to Colombo to cut your journey time to 2½ hours.    

Day 11  Negombo            
Transfer to Colombo airport.        

Your Bespoke Tour can depart on any day you please.