DAY 01: AIRPORT – NEGOMBO
Upon arrival, you will be met and greeted by the company representative and transferred to Negombo.
Check in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Negombo
DAY 02: NEGOMBO – ANURADHAPURA (B,D)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Anuradhapura.
Upon arrival in Anuradhapura, commence a city tour of the ancient city.
Explore the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura on a captivating city tour that delves into the rich history and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura is steeped in legend and lore, boasting magnificent ruins of ancient temples, stupas, and palaces. Witness the grandeur of sites such as the awe-inspiring Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, a testament to ancient engineering marvels. Wander through the ruins of monasteries and admire the intricate carvings and architectural splendours of structures such as Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiriya. This immersive journey through Anuradhapura’s timeless past offers a glimpse into the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, leaving visitors spellbound by its ancient grandeur.
Upon completion, check in to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura
DAY 03: ANURADHAPURA – JAFFNA (B,D)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Jaffna.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Jaffna
DAY 04: JAFFNA (B,D)
After breakfast, drive to Point Pedro Lighthouse.
Point Pedro, the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka, faces the Bay of Bengal and is home to a lighthouse constructed by the British in 1916, standing 105 feet tall. Nearby, the Sri Lanka Navy maintains a base camp, and a significant communication tower is situated next to the lighthouse. However, the lighthouse has fallen into disrepair, with its staircase broken in many places, making it inaccessible to visitors.
Afterward, visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil.
The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, located in the centre of Nallur, is Sri Lanka’s largest Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, venerated as the divine spear Vel. Murugan, originally a Tamil god of warriors and shepherds, is popular among Tamils and symbolises beauty. His worship predates Brahmanic Hinduism and was later integrated as Skanda, Lord Shiva’s son. Founded possibly in the 10th century and attributed to the first Jaffna king in the mid-13th century, the temple was renovated and expanded during the late medieval period when Nallur was the capital of the Jaffna Peninsula. King Chempaha Perumal is paradoxically credited with both destroying and reconstructing the temple. Part of a chain of temples from Nallur to Kataragama, it marks the route of the Sri Lankan Pada Yatra pilgrimage.
Upon completion, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Jaffna
DAY 05: KEERIMALAI – KARAINAGAR (B,D)
After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure.
In the late afternoon, proceed to Keerimalai.
Keerimalai, meaning “mongoose hill” in Tamil, is named after a legend about a sage cured of a mongoose-like face by immersing himself in the healing waters of the Keerimalai Sacred Water Spring. Today, this spring is popular among local men and boys who enjoy splashing in the picturesque ancient pond overlooking the sea, with a separate bathing area for women behind the main pond. Adjacent to the spring is the Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil, one of Sri Lanka’s sacred Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. The sage is said to have established this kovil thousands of years ago in gratitude for the pond’s healing powers. Located 30 minutes north of Jetwing Jaffna, Keerimalai sits at Sri Lanka’s northern edge and can be easily paired with a trip to Dambakola Patuna. Both the spring and the kovil are within walking distance of each other, allowing ample time to explore both attractions.
Upon completion, drive to Karainagar and visit Casuarina Beach.
Casuarina Beach, stretching across the northern perimeter of Karaitivu, invites holidaymakers with its wide expanse, shallow waters, and the distinctive trees that give the beach its name. These trees form a compact coastal forest, providing perfect shade from the northern sun. At the eastern tip of the beach stands the Karainagar Lighthouse, adding to the picturesque charm of the shoreline. Along the way, you’ll pass homes adorned with dried tobacco leaves on their outer walls. The final leg of the journey involves crossing the Palk Strait via the Karainagar Causeway to reach the peninsular island home of Casuarina Beach.
Upon completion, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Jaffna
DAY 06: JAFFNA – TRINCOMALEE (B,D)
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Jaffna and transfer to Trincomalee.
Upon arrival in Trincomalee, enjoy a city tour.
Explore the coastal charm of Trincomalee, a city where history, culture, and stunning ocean views come together effortlessly. Visit Fort Frederick, rich with colonial history. Stroll along pristine beaches, watch local life unfold, and enjoy the relaxed coastal vibe that makes Trincomalee so special. It is the perfect blend of sightseeing and laid-back exploration, ideal for a memorable holiday experience by the sea.
Check in to your property and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Trincomalee
DAY 07: TRINCOMALEE (B,D)
After breakfast, visit Koneswaram Temple and the Kanniya Hot Springs.
Koneswaram Temple
Perched dramatically on Swami Rock, Koneswaram Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Hindu shrines. Overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, the temple offers not only spiritual significance but also breathtaking panoramic views, creating a peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Hot Springs (Kanniya)
The Kanniya Hot Springs are a unique natural attraction featuring a cluster of shallow wells with warm, mineral-rich water. Known for their cultural and historical significance, these springs offer a quick, relaxing stop where visitors can experience something truly different in the heart of Trincomalee.
Upon completion, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Trincomalee
DAY 08: TRINCOMALEE – PASSIKUDAH (B,D)
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Trincomalee and transfer to Passikudah.
Check in to your hotel in Passikudah and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Passikudah
DAY 11: PASSIKUDAH – SIGIRIYA (B,D)
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to Sigiriya.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya
DAY 12: POLONNARUWA – MINNERIYA (B,D)
After breakfast, proceed to Polonnaruwa and enjoy a city tour of the ancient kingdom.
Discover the timeless beauty of Polonnaruwa, where history and serenity come together in a truly captivating setting. Wander through the well-preserved ruins of this ancient kingdom, from majestic temples and royal palaces to the iconic stone statues of Gal Vihara. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful surroundings, a city tour here feels both enriching and relaxing, whether you explore by bicycle or on foot, soaking in the stories of Sri Lanka’s glorious past at your own pace.
Upon completion, transfer to Minneriya to embark on a jeep safari.
Experience the wild side of Sri Lanka with a safari in Minneriya National Park, a destination known for its incredible natural beauty and unforgettable wildlife encounters. As you venture across open grasslands and around the ancient reservoir, you may witness herds of elephants gathering in one of Asia’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. With the warm sun casting golden hues across the landscape, this safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, tranquillity, and breathtaking scenery, ideal for an authentic nature escape.
Upon completion, return to your hotel in Sigiriya and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya
DAY 13: SIGIRIYA – KANDY (B,D)
After an early breakfast, proceed to visit the World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the rock.
Immerse yourself in the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Sigiriya, the iconic 5th-century rock fortress of King Kasyapa in Sri Lanka. Rising majestically from the surrounding landscape, Sigiriya is not just a testament to ancient engineering prowess but also a masterpiece of art and culture. As you ascend through the imposing ‘Lion Paws’ entrance, you’ll be greeted by the symmetrical royal gardens below, showcasing the meticulous urban planning of ancient Sri Lanka. The rock citadel is adorned with mesmerising frescoes, reminiscent of the Gupta-style paintings found in the Ajanta caves of India, offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the past. The ‘mirror wall’, etched with centuries-old graffiti, adds another layer of intrigue to the site, while the museum downstairs provides a fascinating journey through the citadel’s storied past. From its ingenious hydraulic system to the intricate irrigation networks, Sigiriya stands as a monumental achievement of a great king, captivating visitors with its timeless allure and leaving a lasting impression as one of Asia’s most remarkable wonders.
Upon completion, check out from the hotel and proceed to Kandy.
Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour.
Explore the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Kandy, housing the revered relic of the Buddha’s tooth. Admire the intricate architecture, vibrant murals, and golden roof while immersing yourself in its spiritual ambience. Witness daily rituals and evening puja ceremonies, offering a glimpse into Buddhism’s devout practices. A visit promises a profound journey into Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Kandy
DAY 14: KANDY – COLOMBO (B)
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to your accommodation in Colombo. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Optional – Enjoy dinner at Ministry of Crab (not included in the main cost; strictly subject to pre-booking).
Overnight stay in Colombo
DAY 15: COLOMBO - AIRPORT
After breakfast, check out from your property and transfer to the airport for a safe departure home.
End of Tour!
