Northern Sri Lanka Tour & Beach Vacation

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean! On arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you're met by your private chauffeur-guide and driven to your hotel in Negombo, a seaside town which is only 20 minutes away from the airport. Rest of the day is at your leisure.

Morning at your own leisure. You may wish to sleep better cope with jet lag or wander around this small coastal town. This afternoon, head for one of the best-preserved ruins of ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura (approx. 5 hrs), known as one of the 3 ancient cities in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. Check in to your Anuradhapura hotel.

Today, you will visit the ancient sites which dot the towns of Anuradhapura and Mihintale, which is famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. Since the 4th century BC, Anuradhapura has been the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles. 

This morning after breakfast you will drive up to the very north of the island to Jaffna - a stunning place that has a turbulent history and strong Tamil influence - it's a really unique place to visit in Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, start your tour of the Jaffna area with your chauffeur guide. You will visit a fish market, a Hindu temple and witness the puja.

It's another day to continue your explorations of Jaffna. Today, you will visit one of the neighboring islands or go up to the top of the peninsula to the coast. The islands are generally untouched and are surrounded by aqua blue waters and white sand beaches.

Travel southeast today to reach the harbor city of Trincomalee. Explore the history or relax on the beautiful beaches.

Today you will enjoy a whale-watching tour out to the Indian Ocean - encountering the blue whales, dolphins, turtles and sometimes even sperm whales can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore or just relax on the beach.

A day at leisure to explore or just relax on the beach.

Head for Pasikuda (approx. 3 hrs by road). Upon arrival in the afternoon, you are free to relax on the lovely beach or explore on your own.

Free day at leisure.

Start the day with a drive to Sigiriya, en route visit Polonnaruwa (approx. 4 hrs by road), the second ancient capital of Cultural Triangle. It well preserves ruins of palaces, bathing pools, stupas and religious rock sculptures. Return to Sigiriya after your tour in Polonnaruwa. Continue to head for Sigiriya, check in the hotel upon your arrival.

In the morning start with a visit to the Landmark of this country, the 5th-century legendary sky citadel of "Lion Rock" - arguably the most impressive site in Sri Lanka; although a steep climb is requested, the story behind the monument, and the panoramic view of Dambulla seen on the top are definitely worth the effort.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration in the rural village of Hiriwadunna. Travel into the lush Sri Lankan countryside by a jeep or a tuk tuk. Hop into a bullock cart alongside paddy fields and rural vegetable plantations. At dusk, take a boat ride and sail to the other side of a lake, enjoying the fantastic sunset view, and looking out for birds, butterflies, as well as the villagers fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. 

In the morning, head westwards to Colombo city, the capital of Sri Lanka (approx. 5 hours' drive). Upon arrival, start your a guided city tour of Colombo the capital of this country including Independence Square, Gangarama Temple of Colombo, Galle Face Green Urban Park, Colombo's National Museum, and the former British Administrative Center.

This morning you will be picked up at hotel lobby by your chauffeur-guide and taken to the CMB airport (1-hour's drive from Colombo city) for your onward flight.