Sri Lanka Northern Trail

WELCOME TO THE TEARDROP ISLAND
Ayubowan! Have an amazing and tremendous get-away! With a striking welcome, we welcome you to the well-known teardrop island. After landing at Katunayake International Airport and welcomed by our chauffer guide he will drive you to your accommodation by the sea. Check-in at the hotel and relax by the shoreline of Negombo

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

ADVENTURE THROUGH WILPATTU NATIONALPARK
After breakfast, Start off your adventure with an experience safari guide to Wilpattu National Park for a half day safari – This National Park is situated in the dry zone, and is unlike any other wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. A unique complex of over 50 wetlands called “Villu” is the most prominent topographical feature of the national park. ‘Villu’ are shallow natural lakes filled with rainwater surrounded by open grassy plains amidst the dense scrub jungle. The presence of these Villus with an abundance of water can best be explained in the weather patterns that prevail over the park.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

KEEP AN EYE OUT OF THE PARK´S INHABITANTS AT WILPATTU
After a healthy breakfast , set off your day for a full day safari with your guide. This World-renowned for its leopard population, you will have the opportunity to explore the park with our guides who hold an intimate knowledge of the area to find these elusive animals. It is not only the leopard that you should keep an eye out for, the national park is also home to majestic Sri Lankan elephants, insect-eating sloth bears and hoards of water buffaloes which walk through the lush forests and grasslands up to the lakes. You’ll hear the calls and sounds of many bird species so try spot the exotic species such as the hornbill, hawk eagles and jungle-fowl.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

HEAD TOWARDS THE VIBRANT CITY OF JAFFNA
Today begins your journey to the north of Sri Lanka as you make your way towards Jaffna.
Jaffna, is located at the northern tip of the island, which was once a city rich with its eclectic mixture of colonial charm and vibrant Tamil culture,welcoming its visitors to the traditional island.
The drive goes through a picturesque countryside, an area that has still remained untouched by hoards of tourists. With a little luck you will see elephants grazing next to the roads as they head north towards the clearer roads which are untravelled. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the day at leisure.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

DIVE INTO THE CULTURE OF JAFFNA
After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll explore the city even further by walking down the winding streets to explore the city’s history. Here, you will visitthe Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil or Nallur Murugan Kovil is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the Jaffna District of Northern Province, Sri Lanka. The temple is a socially important institution for the Sri Lankan Tamils Hindu identity and many temples have been built in Europe and North America using the same name as a cultural memory. You can also visit the Jaffna library, the Museum and the 17th-century Dutch Fort. Admire the contrast from the colonial past and the spirit of optimism of the local people, which gives the city its uniqueness.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

EXCURSION TO THE DELFT ISLAND
We’ll take an hour’s ferry ride from the Kurikadduwan Jetty on Pungudithivu Island to a forgotten island similar to Nagadeepa. Neduntheevu, popularly known as Delft Island is a magnificent block of land dating back to the times of the Chola Dynasty, as well as the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods. It is home to a small population of Tamil people, mostly living in quiet compounds close to the Northern coast. Visit the Fort built by the Portuguese which though in ruins, is peaceful yet grand, before swimming in the calming waters offshore.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

REST AND RELAXATION IN TRINCOMALEE
It’s time to explore the east coast of Sri Lanka. Your driver will take you to Trincomalee, where you will get to see the “Koneswaram Temple.” This Hindu Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located on a rocky cape with an amazing panoramic view of the Indian Ocean coast.
The city itself is historic with a mix of charm, a myriad of waterfronts, and teeming with friendly locals.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

BATH IN THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS IN TRINCOMALEE
The itinerary for today is up to you! It’s a free day to relax and enjoy your accommodation or to explore Trincomalee and its surrounding areas on your own. Trincomalee is great for sunbathing but besides relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sun, there is a lot more to do if you are feeling a bit more active. There are a number of water activities like swimming and snorkeling where you can explore the waters teeming with marine life.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

GO BEYOND THE COAST OF TRINCOMALEE
On your last day in Trincomalee, relax, splash around in the water or finally finish your holiday reading. Explore the local beach. Take it easy. Or adventure further afield and visit Fort Frederick with the well-known Wellington House – also called Wellesley Lodge. Swami Rock, popularly known as “Lover’s Leap” or the Hindu temple Thiru Koneswaram Kovil are other destinations that you can discover on your own.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

BASK IN THE PANORAMIC VIEW FROM SIGIRYA ROCK
After breakfast you will be visiting two places: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Minneriya National Park. Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 370-meter granite rock with a magnificent palace built around 475 AD by King Kashyapa. It is a wonder of ancient engineering, art, and culture. On the summit, reached with the help of metal staircases and ladders, you can see the remains of the palace walls, gardens, and ponds. After having climbed the rock you can return back to the hotel or go to a local restaurant for a quick lunch before heading to Minneriya National Park. The central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank which, during the dry season, is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds that come to fish in the shallow waters.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

EXPLORE THE MEDIEVAL CITY OF POLONNARUWA
Today you will head to Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s medieval capitals, established as the first city of the land in the 11th Century. It replaced Anuradhapura, which was plundered, made desolate and laid hopelessly bare to the invading armies from South India. In its heyday, the 6km of city walls housed hundreds of people. You will get to visit the ruins of this ancient city where you will see the remains of the palace, swimming pools and various dagobas. The highlight of the ruins is the Gal Vihara Rock Sculptures and the three giant stone sculptures of the Buddha that were carved in granite by an unknown sculptor in the 12th century.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

EXPLORE THE CITY OF NEGOMBO
Upon returning to Negombo, explore what you missed when you first arrived in the city. As a coastal city, there’s no surprise that it’s known for seafood. Visit the bustling fish market which has the day’s finest catch of fish, lobsters, crabs, and prawns. East of the town center lies Angurukaramulla Temple, which is home to a larger than life 6m reclining Buddha, before ending the day with a stroll by the palm-lined beach to watch the sunset over the sea.Take the time to relax in comfort, it is your last night which you will spend in Negombo.

Example Hotel: Standard | Comfort

GOOD BYE TO THE PEARL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
We hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this special region of Sri Lanka has to offer. The rich history, its natural beauty and architectural marvels and the people that make the country what it is.At an arranged time, drop your car off at the airport before your flight back home. We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!