Sacred North to Serene Shores

About This Tour

Day 1 begins with your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, followed by a scenic journey up the western coast to Kalpitiya, a peaceful peninsula known for its lagoons and marine life, where you spend a relaxed afternoon by Kalpitiya Lagoon enjoying optional kitesurfing or simply unwinding by the ocean; Day 2 takes you inland to Wilpattu National Park, the country’s largest wildlife reserve, where you embark on an exciting jeep safari through forests and natural lakes in search of leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and diverse birdlife before staying overnight near the park; Day 3 continues north along the A9 highway to Jaffna, the cultural heart of the Tamil north, where you settle in and sample its bold, distinctive cuisine at a local restaurant; Day 4 is spent exploring Jaffna in depth, including a visit to the historic Jaffna Fort, wandering its ramparts, exploring the vibrant Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and local markets, and taking a boat trip to offshore islands such as Nainativu for ancient temples and quiet beaches; Day 5 brings a drive south-east to Trincomalee on the pristine east coast, where you unwind on the soft sands of Nilaveli Beach with its calm turquoise waters; Day 6 begins with a boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkelling among coral reefs, reef sharks, and tropical fish, followed by a visit to the culturally significant Kanniya Hot Springs before returning to the beach for sunset; Day 7 takes you south-west into the Cultural Triangle around Dambulla, where you enjoy an immersive village tour before climbing the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its ancient frescoes and sweeping summit views; Day 8 concludes in Kandy, where you enjoy a spice walk en route, visit the Ceylon Tea Museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage, and pay respects at the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before transferring back to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary