Northeast Odyssey of Culture and Scenic Vistas

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through Sri Lanka, where history, culture, and nature come together in the most exciting ways. Start by stepping back in time in Anuradhapura , Sri Lanka's ancient capital, then dive into the unique culture of Jaffna . Unwind in the laid-back coastal town of Trincomalee , and soak in the energy of Colombo with its bustling streets and historic sites. Wander through the remarkable ruins of Polonnaruwa and conquer the famous Sigiriya rock fortress, taking in views that will stay with you forever. Discover the peaceful beauty of the Dambulla caves, adorned with hundreds of Buddha statues.

Experience true Sri Lankan village life in Kayanwala , where you can learn to cook a traditional meal with a local family, and visit the fragrant spice gardens of Matale . In Kandy , the island's cultural heartbeat, you'll visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, hop on a tuk tuk ride, and enjoy a mesmerizing cultural performance. Take a scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya , often called 'Little England,' with its lush landscapes and cool climate. Finally, get up close with wildlife on a safari in Udawalawe National Park , home to Sri Lanka’s largest herd of Asian elephants.

This journey is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and wildlife, letting you experience the very best of Sri Lanka in one incredible tour.

Tour Overview

Duration: 11 Nights/ 12 Days

Start: Colombo

End: Colombo

Arival and Departure Transfers: Provided

Tour Guide: Provided

Meals Included: All 3 Meals

Hotel Rating: 4 Star or Above

Way of transport

Tour Highlights

Anuradhapura – Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital, home to historical treasures like the sacred Ruwanweliseya, the nation’s most iconic dagoba.
Jaffna – Discover the rich cultural heritage of Jaffna, the northernmost city in Sri Lanka, featuring landmarks such as the Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple, Nallur Hindu Temple, and the Jaffna Fort.
Trincomalee – Unwind on beautiful beaches and uncover the history of Trincomalee, a harbour city with notable sites like the Konesar Temple, the Hot Water Wells, and its picturesque natural harbour.
Colombo – Embark on a guided city tour, visiting historic areas like the Old Fort and the stunning Gangaramaya Temple, showcasing Colombo’s vibrant culture and heritage.
Polonnaruwa – Step back in time with a visit to the remarkable ruins of Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Ceylon, where history comes alive in its well-preserved remnants.
Sigiriya – Conquer the famous 5th-century Lion Rock fortress at Sigiriya, offering breathtaking views and the chance to admire the exquisite frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens.
Dambulla – Explore the incredible Dambulla Rock Temple, home to over 150 statues of Buddha and a collection of ancient cave shrines with stunning artwork.
Kayanwala Village – Paddle through tranquil waters to Kayanwala Village, where you can join a local family in preparing a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, offering a truly authentic experience.
Matale – Dive into the world of Sri Lanka's rich herbal and spice heritage with a visit to the vibrant spice gardens in Matale.
Kandy – Immerse yourself in Kandy’s cultural wonders, including the revered Temple of the Tooth, a fun tuk tuk ride, and an enchanting cultural performance.
Giragama Tea Factory – Take a fascinating tour through a traditional tea factory in Giragama, where you’ll learn about the tea production process and Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Scenic Train Ride – Enjoy a scenic train journey through lush landscapes, past cascading waterfalls and vibrant tea plantations, before arriving in Nuwara Eliya, often called 'Little England' for its colonial charm.
Udawalawe National Park – Embark on an exciting wildlife safari through Udawalawe National Park, home to the largest herd of Asian elephants in Sri Lanka, offering a thrilling nature adventure.

Included

All Meals
11 nights 3-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Guided sightseeing - Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Gem Mine and Colombo
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe and tuk tuk trips
Escorted by an English speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 12
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Negombo

Accommodation: Beachfront hotel in Negombo.
Activities: Arrive at Colombo Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy a relaxing evening by the beach.

Day 2: Anuradhapura

Travel: Drive to Anuradhapura.
Activities: Afternoon sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura, visiting historical and archaeological sites.
Highlights: Sacred bo-tree, Brazen Palace, and Ruwanweliseya dagoba.

Day 3: Jaffna

Travel: Journey north to Jaffna.
Activities: Sightseeing tour of Jaffna.
Highlights: Jaffna Fort, Nallur Hindu Temple, and boat ride to Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple.

Day 4–5: Trincomalee

Travel: Drive to Trincomalee.
Activities: Sightseeing tour of Trincomalee.
Highlights: Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple, Temple of the Thousand Pillars, and Dakshina-Then Kailasam.

Day 5: Free day to relax on the beach.

Day 6: Dambulla

Travel: Depart for Dambulla.
Activities: Visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
Highlights: Over 150 Buddha statues and a 14-meter rock-cut statue.
Continue: Proceed to Polonnaruwa.
Activities: Explore Polonnaruwa archaeological sites.
Highlights: Royal Palace and Gal Vihara.

Day 7: Sigiriya & Kayanwala Village

Morning: Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Activities: Climb to the top of the 5th-century fortress.
Highlights: World-famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens.
Afternoon: Bullock cart ride and canoe trip to Kayanwala Village.
Activities: Join a local family to prepare a traditional meal.
Evening: Proceed to Kandy.

Day 8: Kandy

Activities: Sightseeing tour of Kandy.
Highlights: Temple of the Tooth, drive around Kandy Lake, visit local bazaar and gem museum.
Experience: Tuk tuk ride into the surrounding hills.
Afternoon: Visit Giragama Tea Factory.
Evening: Attend a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.

Day 9: Scenic Train Journey to Nuwara Eliya

Travel: Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
Activities: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes during the train ride.
Arrival: Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England'.

Day 10: Nuwara Eliya

Activities: Explore Nuwara Eliya.
Highlights: Visit tea plantations, enjoy boating or fishing on Lake Gregory, and explore Victoria Park.

Day 11: Udawalawe National Park

Travel: Drive to Udawalawe National Park.
Activities: Jeep safari/game drive in the park.
Highlights: Spot wildlife, including elephants and leopards.

Day 12: Colombo

Travel: Drive to Colombo.
Activities: Guided sightseeing tour of Colombo.
Highlights: Visit the Old Fort area and Gangaramaya Temple.
Evening: Transfer to Colombo Airport for departure.

Hotels

Marino Beach Colombo

A 5-star hotel offering 300 luxurious rooms with sea or partial sea views, featuring a rooftop infinity pool, lush gardens, and modern amenities, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers. (I Prefer, marinobeach.com)

Mandarina Colombo

Located in the heart of Colombo, this contemporary hotel offers modern accommodations with sea views, a rooftop infinity pool, and easy access to urban attractions. (Tripadvisor)

Jetwing Sea

On the gold-sand Jetwing Beach along the Laccadive Sea, this contemporary hotel is 5 km from the remains of the Negombo Dutch Fort and 14 km from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Amaya Lake Dambulla

Nestled along the shores of Kandalama Lake, this eco-friendly resort spans 50 acres, offering luxurious chalets, an outdoor pool, Ayurvedic spa treatments, and proximity to cultural sites. (Travel Weekly)

Earl's Regency Hotel

A luxurious hotel nestled in the hills of Kandy, offering elegant rooms, a large outdoor pool, fine dining, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Grand Kandyan Hotel

An opulent hotel located near the Temple of the Tooth, featuring spacious rooms, multiple dining options, a rooftop pool, and modern conference facilities.

Grand Hotel

A colonial-era hotel set amidst lush gardens, offering elegant rooms, high tea service, and a blend of old-world charm with modern amenities in the "Little England" of Sri Lanka.

Heritance Tea Factory

A unique hotel converted from a former tea factory, providing guests with an immersive experience into Sri Lanka's tea heritage, complete with vintage decor and scenic views.

Rajarata Hotel

Set near the shores of Nuwara Wewa lake, this relaxed hotel is 4 km from both Anuradhapura Airport and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree to Buddhists. It's also 5 km from Ruwanwelisaya,.

Ekho Lake House

A heritage hotel overlooking the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, providing elegant rooms, serene surroundings, and easy access to ancient city ruins.

The Lake Hotel

Situated by the lake, this hotel offers tranquil accommodations, an outdoor pool, and convenient access to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.

Jetwing Vil Uyana

An eco-luxury resort featuring thatched dwellings set amidst paddy fields and wetlands, offering a unique blend of nature and comfort near the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya Jungles

A resort nestled in lush greenery, providing spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and easy access to the cultural sites of Sigiriya and Dambulla.

Jetwing Jaffna

On a tree-lined side street, this upscale hotel is a 2-minute walk from the historic Clock Tower, a 12-minute walk from Jaffna train station and a 13-minute walk from the 17th-century Jaffna Fort.

Pigeon Island Resort

A 5-minute walk from Nilaveli Beach along the Indian Ocean, this down-to-earth hotel is 3 km from the ferry to Pigeon Island National Park, and 16 km from Kanniya Hot Water Well.

Centauria Lake Resort

Situated by Chandrika Lake, this tranquil resort features air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, an outdoor pool, Ayurveda treatments, and diverse dining options amidst tropical landscapes. (Lakpura™)