Sri Lanka Northern Discovery

Your flight lands at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Your chauffeur driver welcomes you and escorts you to your vehicle for the short drive to Negombo. After a brief journey, you check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to unwind. You may take a gentle stroll along the beach or simply rest after your flight. No meals are provided today. Breakfast awaits tomorrow morning.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you on a five hour drive to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital. You explore the sacred city by bicycle, pedalling past massive stupas, intricately carved stone pillars, and monastic ruins. You visit the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree in the world, and Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya, known for its rock carvings. The peaceful atmosphere and rich history make this a memorable day. You check into your hotel for the night. Breakfast is included.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you north to Jaffna, a drive of about four hours. In the evening, you visit Nallur Kandaswami Temple, one of the most significant Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. The temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, features a stunning five‑story gopuram and intricate Dravidian architecture. You soak in the spiritual atmosphere before returning to your hotel. Only breakfast is included today.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you to the ferry point for a short ride to Nainativu island. You visit Nagadeepa Temple, a sacred Buddhist site believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha himself. The temple features a white stupa, colourful frescoes, and a serene atmosphere. A short walk takes you to Nagapoosani Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, adorned with four impressive gopurams and around 10,000 sculptures. You return to Jaffna for a second night. Breakfast is included.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you south to Habarana, a journey of about five hours. In the late afternoon, your chauffeur driver leads a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, where you may witness the famous elephant gathering. You search for herds of wild elephants, sambar deer, crocodiles, and over 170 bird species. As the sun sets over the reservoir, you return to your hotel. Breakfast is provided.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you to Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You explore the ancient capital, seeing the Gal Vihara Buddha statues, the Royal Palace complex, and the Thuparama shrine. In the late afternoon, your chauffeur driver takes you to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You climb the 600‑foot lion rock, passing ancient frescoes and reaching the summit for panoramic views. You return to your hotel for a second night. Breakfast is included.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO site with five caves containing over 150 Buddha statues and beautiful frescoes. You then visit Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale, a colourful Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of rain and fertility. Continuing to Kandy, the hill capital, you absorb the city’s sacred atmosphere. You overnight in Kandy. Breakfast is included.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you on a Kandy city tour. You visit the local market, enjoy an upper lake drive, and explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to over 4,000 plant species including a giant Javan fig tree and an orchid house. At 6:30 PM, you witness the traditional Theva ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where offerings of sugar, honey, and ghee are presented. You return to your hotel for a second night. Breakfast is included.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you watch rescued elephants being fed and bathed in the river. In the afternoon, you continue to Galle and explore the Dutch fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You walk along cobblestone streets lined with Dutch‑style villas, visit the Clock Tower, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Galle Lighthouse overlooking the Indian Ocean. You check into your hotel for two nights. Breakfast is included.

After breakfast, you have a full free day to relax on your own. You may swim at Unawatuna Beach, explore more of the Galle Fort boutiques and cafes, or simply rest at your hotel. Optional excursions such as snorkelling or a boat ride on the Madu River can be arranged locally at extra cost. No chauffeur services are scheduled today. Breakfast is included.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver takes you to Colombo for a city tour. You visit Gangaramaya Temple and its Seemamalakaya, Independence Square, and the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo. You also enjoy a scenic drive along Galle Face Green and time for shopping at Odel Shopping Mall. In the evening, you drive to Negombo for an overnight stay. Breakfast is included.