Sri Lanka’s Northern Explorer – NEW
No matter where you’re going from, we take you there
DAY 1: Warm welcome to Sri Lanka at Bandaranayake International Airport by Serenite Lanka.
DAY 2: Arrive Colombo - Negombo
On arrival in Colombo you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. The afternoon is yours at leisure to explore your new surroundings. (D)
DAY 3: Negombo - Anuradhapura via Sigiriya
After breakfast, leave for the Rock fortress of Sigiriya. Rising almost 370 metres above sea level, the fortress has the ruins of a palace dating back to the 5th century AD on the summit of the rock. Be sure to take in the awe-inspiring view from the summit of the surrounding countryside. This afternoon, continue on to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Note: A number of steep steps must be climbed in order to reach the top level of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (B, D)
DAY 4: Anuradhapura - Mihintale
Set off in the morning for a sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura, the 4th century BC capital. A tour of the ancient ruins includes the gigantic Stupas – second in size to the Pyramids of Egypt. You’ll also see the Sri Maha Bodhi which is said to be the oldest documented tree on earth. Continue to ‘Mihintale’, the Mahindas’ Mountain. This was where the great Sinhalese King Devanampiyatissa was converted to Buddhism by Arahat Mahinda, the son of the last Buddhist emperor of India. (B, D)
DAY 5: Anuradhapura - Jaffna
Today a scenic drive takes you from Anuradhapura to the northern city of Jaffna. Travelling through a diverse landscape of tropical woodlands, rice paddies and marshes to reach the town of Vavuniya, this is where your journey to Jaffna really begins. Here, the landscape changes to open terrain with patches of scrub jungle and Palmyrah palm trees. After a brief stop at the little town of Omanthai, continue on to Killinochi where the Tamil tigers had a de facto capital. The landscape changes again when you reach the place known as Elephant pass, a treeless landscape with salt pans bordering the lagoon. Across the Elephant pass you enter the Jaffna peninsula. You continue the drive past the busy Jaffna town for your overnight stay. In the evening take a short walk to the famous Nalllur Kovil, which is seen as the most significant and important Hindu temples in the Jaffna peninsula. (B, D)
DAY 6: Jaffna
After breakfast leave on a sight-seeing tour of Jaffna. Visit Manthrimanai – the remains of the palace of King Sangilian the last King of Jaffna and the Cankilian thoppu. Continue to Point Pedro, passing under the Theru Modi Madam. Afterwards, your sightseeing tour takes you to visit the Nelavarai bottomless well – a natural underground water well with many enthralling legends adding to the mysteries that encircle it. Continue to see the Keerimalai springs where the waters are said to have healing properties. Later journey to Kandarodai where some historians suggest marks the spot where Buddha landed on his second visit to the island. (B, D)
DAY 7: Jaffna
Start your day with a leisurely drive over the lagoon on the Pannai Bridge, which connects the island of Kayts to the Jaffna peninsula, to visit the quiet and tranquil Chatty beach near Velani. Continue down the Kurikattuwan road to the jetty at Punkuduthiv and then take the ferry across to Nagapooshani amman and Nagadeepa Buddhist temple in Nainativu. In the afternoon continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Jaffna Fort and the famous Jaffna library. (B, D)
DAY 8: Jaffna - Trincomalee.
Begin today with the journey to Trincomalee, taking in the beautiful scenery on the way. En route, you will reach the “Maha Divul Wewa” reservoir. Make sure you have your camera ready for the picturesque area surrounding it. Further along your journey, you will have the chance to experience the ‘Kanniya Hot Wells’, where 7 natural hot springs each have a different temperature. A high wall surrounds this rectangular enclosure, and each spring is enclosed by a dwarf wall to form a well, the waters are said to have therapeutic healing properties which can cure Arthritis and Rheumatism. Continue onto Trincomalee, where you will have the balance of the day at leisure. (B, D)
DAY 9: Trincomalee.
A sight-seeing tour of Trincomalee is on the agenda for this morning. The tour includes a visit to Fort Fredrick, which, built in 1624 still remains formidable to this day. Currently used as an army garrison, entrance to the fort is monitored; however you are given the opportunity to either walk or drive into the fort and visit the famous Koneswaram Temple, built atop ‘Swamy Rock’, a rocky promontory cape overlooking Trincomalee. Afterwards, visit the World War 2 cemetery situated on a slope facing the Trincomalee-Nilaweli road. Return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B, D)
DAY 10: Trincomalee.
A free day to spend exploring Trincomalee at your own pace. (B, D)
DAY 11: Trincomalee / Polonnaruwa.
After breakfast, set off on a leisurely and exciting drive through a diverse landscape of rice paddies, marshlands, semi-forest, jungle areas and reservoirs for the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Once here, discover all that Polonnaruwa has to offer with a sight-seeing tour. Polonnaruwa was declared the Capital city in 1070 AD, a city with ruins of Palaces and Buddhist shrines. A particular highlight on your tour being the gigantic rock sculpture of the Lord Buddha found in the area known as the Gal Vihariya (Stone Temple). Return to your hotel in Polonnaruwa for an overnight stay. If you have chosen to extend your holiday with The Lake, this is where you’re tour will come to an end. (B, D)
DAY 12: Polonnaruwa - Colombo
After breakfast, drive back to Colombo for an overnight stay. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Negombo: Goldi Sands Hotel; Anuradhapura: Palm Garden Village; Jaffna: Jaffna Heritage; Trincomalee:Chaaya Blu; Polonnaruwa: The Lake; Colombo: Ramada Colombo;
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.