Journey to the North of Sri Lanka

Uncover an intoxicating mix of vibrant Tamil culture and colonial-era charm in Trincomalee and Jaffna

Journey to the North of Sri Lanka

Explore Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, including such well known sights as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, before venturing north to the old Portuguese port city of Trincomalee and the Tamil capital of Jaffna, which was off limits for so many years. Although tourism is new to this area, the people are welcoming and the culture fascinating. A train journey returning to Colombo completes this 10-day itinerary.

Outline Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Colombo

    On arrival at Colombo airport, you will be met by our local representative and escorted to the Ramada Hotel, in the city centre, for one night (inc. breakfast).

  2. Day 2: Colombo to Lake Kandalama

    After breakfast, transfer by private vehicle to Sigiriya, stopping for refreshments at Saruketta in Kurunegala en-route. On arrival, check into Amaya Lake Resort for two nights (inc. breakfast).

  3. Day 3: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

    After an early breakfast, embark on a busy day of sightseeing, taking in the highlights of Sri Lanka’s famous ‘cultural triangle’ – Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

  4. Day 4: Dambulla - Nilaweli

    Check out after breakfast and travel north to Dambulla. Comprised of five separate caves housing over one hundred Buddhist statues and paintings, Dambulla is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex, containing some of the country's most evocative expressions of religious art.

  5. Day 5: Trincomalee

    After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Trincomalee (or ‘Trinco’, as it’s affectionately known), accompanied by a local guide.

  6. Day 6: Nilaveli to Jaffna

    After breakfast, transfer to Jaffna by private vehicle (approx. 4 hours). On arrival, check into Jetwing Jaffna for three nights (inc. breakfast).

  7. Day 7: Jaffna

    After breakfast, embark on a tour of Jaffna in the company of an experienced local guide.

  8. Day 8: Jaffna Islands

    After an early breakfast, transfer to the port where you catch a boat ride to Neduntivu Island.

  9. Day 9: Jaffna - Colombo

    Transfer to the railway station after breakfast and board the morning train to Colombo. The journey takes 7½ hours, as you travel from the dry and arid north of the island to the green, temperate hills of central Sri Lanka before finally arriving into Colombo Central.

  10. Day 10: Departure

    At leisure until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Price guide

Please contact the office for more information

Kilimanjaro and post-climb Safari

Special thanks to all the guides and porters whose professionalism made the climb all the more memorable.

Sheenagh