Sri Lanka Discovery
Despite its small size Sri Lanka has plenty to offer a second-time visitor, as this tour incorporating the North of Sri Lanka amply testifies.
This well-rounded tour starts with a leisurely stay in Pannala before continuing to Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest but less-visited national park. Colonial architecture and history buffs will be rewarded with visits to Mannar and Jaffna followed by some downtime on the idyllic beaches of Trincomalee on the east coast. Continue to the natural settings of Gal Oya and Ella before returning to Colombo for a night to complete your 18-day tour.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 01 - FLIGHT
Fly to Colombo
DAYS 2 & 3 - PANNALA
Arrive into Bandaranaike Airport and transfer to Horathapola Coconut Estate in Pannala for a two-night stay. Time at leisure with the option of arranging activities like Bullock cart ride, Village walk, cooking experience, cycling or bird watching.
DAYS 4 & 5 - WILPATTU
Transfer to your campsite in Wilpattu in the morning. The largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park is known for it Leopard and Sloth Bear population. Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, jackals, sambhur, barking deer, mouse deer Wild Pig, Water Buffalo and Mugger Crocodiles can also be spotted. Stay at the Leopard Trails Camp for two nights. Enjoy game drives in the park.
DAYS 6 & 7 - MANNAR
Depart by road today for a 3-hour journey to Mannar Island. Check in at the Palmyrah House for two nights and enjoy some bird watching around the property. The next day visit Vankelai Pond for the chance to see a variety of birdlife, including hundreds of flamingos. Visit Adam's Bridge, the series of islets and shoals stretching from Sri Lanka all the way across to India, attributed to the mythological Lord Rama, as part of his efforts to rescue his wife Sita from the demon King Ravana.
DAYS 8, 9 & 10 - JAFFNA
A 3-hour drive brings you to Jaffna today. Check-in at the Fox Resort for two nights. Drive through the city centre to view the Jaffna Library and the Dutch Fort. You will also see the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil which is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It plays host to the most important religious festival of the Jaffna Peninsula – the 26 day long annual chariot festival which ends on the August full moon. Explore Kadurugoda Stupas as well as Dambakolapatuna Vihara, a Buddhist site that dates back to the era of the King Dewanampiyatissa (307 BC to 267 BC). You will have a day to explore Delft Island, where you see the ruins of Dutch Fort and Court House, as well as ruins of ancient Indian Chola style temples.
DAYS 11 & 12 – TRINCOMALEE
After breakfast set out on the 4 hour drive to Trincomalee on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Check into your idyllic beach resort - Trinco Blu for two nights. Enjoy a city tour of the town, visiting Fort Fredrick and the Buddha statue at Gokana Temple. Continue up the road to scenic Swami Rock, a 130m high cliff nicknamed Lovers’ Leap, and the revered Thirukonesvaram Kovil, which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sri Lanka.
DAYS 13 & 14 – GAL OYA
After breakfast, you will transfer to Gal Oya for two days of leisure at the Gal Oya Lodge. Optional bird walks, jungle drives, bicycle tours and more can be arranged.
DAYS 15 & 16 - ELLA
Transfer to Ella and stay at the Mountain Heavens Hotel for two nights. Enjoy a trek to the Mini Adam’s peak and take a city tour of Ella.
DAY 17 - COLOMBO
After breakfast, you will transfer back to Colombo for your final night in Sri Lanka at the Galle Face Hotel.
DAY 18 – RETURN FLIGHT
Today you say farewell to Sri Lanka and board your return flight.
Extensions
Beach
Stay on at the beach resort in Bentota for a few more nights.
Sinharaja Rainforest
After lunch in Galle on day 13, drive to the Sinharaja rainforest, another World Heritage Site. Stay for 3 nights at the Boulder's Garden, an eco luxury resort nestled amidst huge boulders in the forest. Enjoy a full day guided walk in the rainforest on day 14. The next day is at leisure with the option of mountain biking, kayaking or a cave tour. Drive to Bentota on day 16 for 2 nights. Fly back day 19.
Maldives
Fly from Colombo to Malé. Transfer to the resort of your choice (several resorts are on offer) for 4 nights (the duration can be varied). Fly back on day 19.
South India
There are regular flights from Colombo to Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Trichy and Delhi. We will be happy to design a tailor-made extension to South India or one to the North to see the Taj Mahal.
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