Sacred Ruins to Northern Wilderness

About This Tour

Day 1 — Kalpitiya Highlights: Kalpitiya Lagoon Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel up the western coast to Kalpitiya, a tranquil peninsula known for its marine life and quiet lagoons, then settle in for a relaxed first afternoon by Kalpitiya Lagoon, with optional kitesurfing, kayaking, or simply unwinding to the rhythm of the Indian Ocean; Day 2 — Wilpattu Highlights: Wilpattu national park travel inland for a thrilling jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest reserve, spending the day searching its forests and natural lakes for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a wide array of birdlife before retiring near the park for the night; Day 3 — Jaffna Highlights: Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil drive north along the A9 highway to Jaffna, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka’s Tamil heartland, visit the magnificent Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil with its colourful gopuram and vibrant rituals, then settle into your hotel and sample Jaffna’s distinctive cuisine; Day 4 — Jaffna Highlights: Jaffna Fort spend a full day exploring Jaffna and its surroundings, wandering the ramparts of Jaffna Fort built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch, and taking a boat to offshore islands such as Nainativu or Delft for temples, wild ponies, and quiet beaches; Day 5 — Sigiriya/Dambulla Highlights: Dambulla village tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress drive south into the Cultural Triangle, begin with an authentic Dambulla village tour with a home-cooked Sri Lankan meal, then in the afternoon climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its frescoes, water gardens, and summit views; Day 6 — Polonnaruwa Highlights: Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Minneriya national park continue to Polonnaruwa and explore its UNESCO-listed ruins by bicycle including the royal palace and Gal Vihara Buddhas, then in the afternoon head to Minneriya National Park for “The Gathering” of wild elephants; Day 7 — Kandy Highlights: Kandy Spice Walk, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic travel south through tea country to Kandy, enjoy a spice garden walk en route, then visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and end the day with a Kandyan dance and drumming performance; Day 8 — Ella Highlights: Tea factory visit, Pekoe trail (Stage 16) take the scenic train into Ella, hike Pekoe Trail Stage 16 through tea plantations and forest paths, then tour a working tea factory to learn how Ceylon tea is produced; Day 9 — Arugam Bay Highlights: Arugambay drive east to Arugam Bay on the east coast, settle into your beachfront stay, and spend the afternoon watching surfers and enjoying the relaxed beach atmosphere; Day 10 — Arugam Bay Highlights: Crocodile rock spend a second day in Arugam Bay hiking up Crocodile Rock for coastal views, taking a surf lesson at a famous break, or simply relaxing in a hammock by the beach; Day 11 — Yala Highlights: Kirinda temple, Yala National Park travel south to Yala, visit Kirinda Temple perched above the Indian Ocean, then enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park, famous for its high leopard density; Day 12 — Tangalle Highlights: Rekawa turtle watching, Hummanaya Blow hole continue along the coast to Tangalle, visit Hummanaya Blowhole, then after dark join a guided turtle-watching experience at Rekawa Beach to see nesting sea turtles; Day 13 — Galle Highlights: Unawatuna, Galle Fort drive to Galle, wander the UNESCO-listed Dutch fort, enjoy a final swim at Unawatuna Beach, and after lunch transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary