Northern Sri Lanka Tour

12 nt Tour visitng Colombo, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Passikudha & Kandy

Explore Trincomalee's pristine beaches and visit Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the sacred Temple of the Tooth. Discover Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes, captivating history, and warm hospitality on this unforgettable journey.

This 12-night tour includes flights, private transfers, hotel stays, train travel & excursions

Highlights include:
- Visit to Jaffna Fort & Nallur Kovil
- Keerimalai Hot Spring
- Whale Watching 
- Koneswaran Temple, Trincomalee
- The Temple of the Tooth Kandy

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Airport – Colombo 

On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport you will be met by your Chauffeur guide & transferred to your hotel in Colombo.
Transfer Time (Airport to Colombo): Approximately 45 minutes.
Check into the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside
Room type: Superior Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis 

Day 2: Colombo – Jaffna 

Pick up time 05:00 am Early morning after a cup of tea/coffee and a packed breakfast from the hotel you will get on board to the local train (01st class tickets or 02nd tickets) which is how the British used to travel during the colonial times in the late 1800’s. You will have reserved seats for you and witness the beautiful ride along forests, villages, Waterfalls and tea estates.

Train journey from Fort station to Jaffna station
Train leaves Fort (Colombo) by 05:45 am and reach Jaffna by 11:51 am.
Approx. 6-7 hours journey

Notes
• It is important to note that there have been delays in the train timings quite often.
• Please note the purchase of train tickets cannot be guaranteed currently due to the process in place within the Sri Lanka Railways Department especially during peak periods. Tickets for travel are issued 30 days in advance of travel, are limited and extremely difficult to obtain. In the unlikely event a ticket/s cannot be obtained we will of course make the necessary refunds & the clients will travel by road. This is a destination issue and it is best expectations are managed accordingly.

Your chauffer guide will take you to the hotel in Jaffna from Jaffna railway station, check in to the hotel and relax enjoying the hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Jetwing Jaffna
Room type: Deluxe Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 3: Jaffna

Pick up at 08:30 am this day after breakfast you will explore Jaffna.
Transfer Time (Hotel to Jaffna Fort): Approximately 10 minutes.

Jaffna Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the Jaffna Fort is one of Sri Lanka’s last well-preserved colonial ramparts. Sprawled over the southeastern edge of the northern capital, the Jaffna Fort owes much of its grandeur to the Dutch who captured it from the Portuguese, and later expanded it into the landmark we see today. Following the departure of the Dutch, the British also used the Jaffna Fort as a stronghold until Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. Today, the Jaffna Fort is a popular attraction for all visitors to the city, with open grounds and century-old walls that can be scaled upon as you take in the views of Jaffna around you.
Transfer Time (Jaffna Fort to Nallur Kovil): Approximately 10 minutes.

Nallur Kovil, standing proudly in the ancient capital of the Jaffna Kingdom, the grand and golden Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil has long been a symbol of the region to individuals of all faiths. Adorned with a rich history that contributes significantly to the unique northern heritage of our island, the kovil also hosts the annual Nallur festival during the month of August ever year. Taking place over 25 days, the festival is the longest in Sri Lanka, and is a colourful month-long display of vibrant processions, dancing, drumming, and more.

Accommodation: Jetwing Jaffna
Room type: Deluxe Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 4: Jaffna

Pick up at 09:30 am after a scrumptious Jaffna breakfast, you will be taken to visit the below sites.
Transfer Time (Hotel to Dambakola Patuna): Approximately 40 minutes.

Dambakola Patuna, Following the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka over 2000 years ago, Sanghamitta, the daughter of ancient Indian emperor Ashoka, landed at the ancient port of Dambakola Patuna with a sacred sapling from the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. The Sri Lankan King Devanampiyatissa later used this sapling to plant the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura, which today holds the honour of being the oldest surviving human-planted tree in the world. A temple was built here to commemorate the arrival of the sapling, however no remnants of this ancient landmark exist today. The Sri Lankan Navy however, has since built a new temple named the Sri Sangamitta Viharaya, and is one of the key Buddhist landmarks of the northern peninsula.
Transfer Time (Dambakola Patuna to Keerimalei Hot water spring): Approximately 20 minutes.

The Keerimalai Hot Spring is a natural spring located in the Keerimalai area of Jaffna. The source of the water is an underground fresh water spring in Tellipallai, Maviddapuram. The spring is considered as a holy pond, with many Hindu and other devotees patronizing it seeking miraculous healing, remedy for impotency, and physical wellbeing.

Transfer Time (Keerimalei Hot water spring to Point Pedro): Approximately 40 minutes.

Point Pedro, also known as Sakkoatai cape, is the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. A trading post during pre- Colonial times, it is an unpretentious spot which nevertheless is replete with significance and well worth a look for those with a sense of history and looking for simple pleasures. 
Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Jetwing Jaffna
Room type: Deluxe Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 5: Jaffna - Trincomalee

Pick up time 09:00 am this day after breakfast you will proceed to Trincomalee.
Transfer Time (Jaffna to Trincomalee): Approximately 04 ½ hours.

Check into the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Trinco Blu
Room type: Superior Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 6: Trincomalee

Pick up time 05:30 am this day early morning after a cup of tea, you will be taken on a Whale Watching Excursion.
*you will get a packed breakfast from the hotel*
Transfer Time (Hotel to Trincomalee Harbor): Approx. 25 minutes.

Arrive at the Harbor by 0630 HRS and be met by your guide for the day and the crew. Set out across the azure sea with the clear and crisp early morning breeze to keep you cool. The naturalist on board will be a fount of incredible facts about local marine life making the expedition an intense ‘Marine Nature Watch’, experience. Continue out to sea and hopefully encounter the mighty giants of the sea, the Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Killer Whales.

Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Trinco Blu
Room type: Superior Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 7: Trincomalee

Pick up at 08:30 am this morning after breakfast you will be explore Trincomalee.
Transfer Time (Hotel to Trincomalee): Approximately 10 minutes.

Koneswaran Temple, undoubtedly one of the first sites to be ticked off the Trincomalee tourist map is this revered temple located atop a cliff inside Fort Fredrick. This important Hindu pilgrimage site displaying Darvidian architectural style is believed to be one of the Panch Ishwarams (five abodes of Shiva) with a swayambhu lingam. The shrine exudes sacred vibes and is a wonderful place for seeking solace in the divine presence. Surrounded by magnificent views of the Indian Ocean, this fabulous temple tops our list of places to visit in Trincomalee.
Thereafter you will be taken to visit Fort Fedrick.
Transfer Time (Koneswaran Temple to Fort Fedrick): Approximately 10 minutes.

Fort Fedrick, this important historical landmark with an imposing entrance is a must-do for history and nature enthusiasts when you visit Trincomalee. While the history is interesting, the presence of freely-roaming spotted deer adds charm to the stroll through this fort. Built by the Portuguese, Fort Fredrick is partly under military occupation and also houses a famous Buddhist vihara and sacred Hindu temple. Breathtaking sunsets and sweeping views of Trincomalee bay and town make the visit truly rewarding.
You will also be taken to visit the Pathirakali Amman Temple.
Transfer Time (Fort Fedrick to Pathirakali Amman Temple): Approximately 10 minutes.

Pathirakali Amman Temple, the spectacular gopuram of this Kali temple with its vibrant colours and myriad sculptures catches your eye from a distance, while the unique interiors will leave you spellbound. Also called the Kali Kovil, you can feel the powerful and benevolent presence of the goddess in this popular Durga temple in the heart of the city. Of all Trincomalee temples, this one is sure to leave you awestruck with its colourfully adorned walls and spiritual vibes.
Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Trinco Blu
Room type: Superior Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 8: Trincomalee - Passikudha

Pick up time 09:00 am this day after leisurely breakfast you will proceed to Passikudha.
Transfer Time (Trincomalee to Passikudha): Approx. 02 ½ hours.

Check into the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilties.

Accommodation: Amaya Beach
Room type: Standard Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 9: Passikudha

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure.

Accommodation: Amaya Beach
Room type: Standard Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis
 
Day 10: Passikudha - Kandy

Pick up time 08:30 am this day after breakfast you will proceed to Kandy.
Transfer Time (Pasikudah to Kandy): Approx. 04 ½ hours.

Check into the hotel and relax till evening before heading to Kandy Temple the Tooth Relic.

The Temple of Tooth Relic (“Dalada Maligawa” as known to the locals) is located in Kandy. This sacred temple is also home to the palm-leaf transcripts and its history dates back to 1687. This stunning piece of architecture is instantly recognised by its octagonal shape and golden roof. Although you are not able to view the actual tooth itself, the casket within which it is held is displayed twice a day.

Thereafter you will witness a Cultural Dance Show.

Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Citadel
Room type: Superior Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 11: Kandy

Pick up time 08:30 am this day after breakfast you will be taken to visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden.
Transfer Time (Hotel to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens): Approx. 25 minutes.

This beautiful garden is located 6km from Kandy. It was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It covers approximately 147 acres and is a stroller’s paradise with extensive well-kept lawns, pavilions, an octagon conservatory, fernery, a giant Javan fig tree and numerous flower beds. The best attraction is the orchid House where you can discover more than 1000 plants.

Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Citadel
Room type: Superior Room
Basis:     Bed and Breakfast Basis

Day 12: Kandy - Colombo 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and have a relaxed morning.
Pick up time 12:30 pm you will get on board to the local train (01st class tickets or 02nd tickets) which is how the British used to travel during the colonial times in the late 1800’s. You will have reserved seats for you and witness the beautiful ride along forests, villages, Waterfalls and tea estates.

Train journey from Kandy station to Fort station
Train leaves Kandy by 01:10 pm and reach Fort station (Colombo) by 03:50 pm.
Approx. 02 ½ hours’ journey

Notes
• It is important to note that there have been delays in the train timings quite often.
• Please note the purchase of train tickets cannot be guaranteed currently due to the process in place within the Sri Lanka Railways Department especially during peak periods. Tickets for travel are issued 30 days in advance of travel, are limited and extremely difficult to obtain. In the unlikely event a ticket/s cannot be obtained we will of course make the necessary refunds & the clients will travel by road. This is a destination issue and it is best expectations are managed accordingly.
Your chauffer guide will take you to the hotel in Colombo from Fort railway station, check in to the hotel and relax enjoying the hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside
Room type: Superior Room
Basis: Bed and Breakfast Basis 

Day 13: Colombo – Airport 

Having reached at the end of your program, you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your homeward flight
Transfer Time (Colombo to Airport): Approximately 45 minutes.

Flight Details:

Depart London Heathrow at 21.30 hrs arrive Colombo at 12.45 hrs ( next day )
Depart Colombo at 13.05 hrs arrive London Heathrow at 20.00 hrs