Sacred Shores & Hidden Kingdoms: North & East Sri Lanka – 12 Nights

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo to unwind by the beach and enjoy the relaxed coastal charm of this lively fishing town.

Travel to Wilpattu National Park for an afternoon safari before continuing to the ancient city of Anuradhapura for an overnight stay.

Today’s journey takes you north to Jaffna, covering 200 km in about 5 hours. The drive is scenic, passing through rice fields, palmyrah groves, and quiet villages. Jaffna is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka’s Tamil community and offers a distinctly different rhythm from the south.

Jaffna’s population is predominantly Hindu Tamil, with vibrant temples and deep-rooted traditions. The city is known for its resilience, spicy cuisine, and intellectual heritage. Temperatures sit around 29°C, with high humidity and bursts of tropical rain. Vegetation here includes palmyrah palms, tamarind trees, and dry-zone shrubs.

Check in and relax before heading to Nallur Kovil at 6:45 pm for the evening pooja. The temple comes alive with chants, bells, and flickering lamps—a sensory experience that blends devotion with spectacle. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the spirit of the north.

Wake up to the gentle hum of Jaffna life and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Today is all about soaking in the local rhythm. Start with a stroll through the Jaffna market, where vibrant stalls overflow with chillies, mangoes, dried fish, and palmyrah products. It’s a sensory feast and a great place to chat with locals and pick up a few treats.

Next, visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, a serene space that reflects the city’s Catholic heritage. Jaffna’s population is predominantly Tamil Hindu, but there’s a strong Christian presence too, especially among older generations. The city’s demography is youthful and resilient, shaped by decades of history and revival.

In the evening, head to Jaffna Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1618. It’s a stunning spot to watch the sunset over the lagoon, with golden light bouncing off ancient stone walls. Grab a scoop of Rio Ice Cream, a local institution and enjoy the laid-back charm that makes Jaffna so special.

Today’s adventure takes you to Delft Island, a remote coral island off the Jaffna Peninsula. The journey includes a drive to Kurikadduwan Jetty (45 km, 1.5 hours) and a ferry ride across the Palk Strait (45 minutes). The island is known for its wild ponies, Dutch colonial ruins, and coral walls.

Delft’s population is small and mostly Tamil, with a lifestyle shaped by fishing, farming, and tradition. The island’s vegetation is sparse, palmyrah palms, scrub brush, and hardy grasses adapted to dry, salty conditions. Conditions here are hot and breezy, around 30–32°C, with little rainfall and plenty of sunshine.

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and sip on palmyrah toddy, a local delicacy. It’s a rare chance to experience island hospitality, simplicity, and the rhythm of life untouched by modern rush. Return to Jaffna in the evening and relax at your hotel, reflecting on a truly unique day.

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Trincomalee, a scenic drive of 280 km (approx. 6.5 hours) through changing landscapes from dry plains to coastal greenery. Trinco is a historic port city with one of the world’s finest natural harbours and a rich blend of cultures. Trincomalee’s population is a mix of Tamil Hindus, Sinhalese Buddhists, and Muslims, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most diverse cities. The temperature is around 30°C, with coastal breezes and occasional showers. Vegetation includes mango trees, coconut palms, and tropical hardwoods, with lush greenery near the coast.

Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Whether it’s a walk along Uppuveli Beach, a sunset cocktail, or a quiet dinner by the sea, Trinco invites you to slow down and enjoy its gentle pace.

Start your day with a visit to Koneswaram Kovil, perched dramatically on Swami Rock overlooking the Indian Ocean. This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers panoramic views, spiritual energy, and a deep sense of history.

Next, head to the hot water springs of Kanniya, just 8 km (20 minutes) inland. These seven bubbling wells are believed to have healing properties and are tied to local legends.

Enjoy a Trinco-style lunch & spend your evening by the beach, perhaps at Uppuveli or Nilaveli, where the sand is soft and the water warm. Whether it’s a swim, a cocktail, or a quiet sunset, Trinco’s charm lies in its gentle pace and natural beauty.

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Pasikudah, a scenic drive of 140 km (approx. 3.5 hours) along the eastern coastline. Batticaloa is known for its lagoons, musical fish, and colonial history. It’s quieter than Trinco but full of character and warmth.

The city’s population is predominantly Tamil, with a mix of Muslims and Christians, especially near the lagoon. The temperature sit around 30°C, with a mix of sunshine and light showers. Vegetation includes palmyrah palms, banana trees, and mangroves, especially around the waterways.

Check in and spend your evening at leisure. Whether it’s a walk along the lagoon, a visit to the old Dutch Fort, or a quiet dinner by the water, Batticaloa invites you to slow down and enjoy its gentle rhythm.

Today is all about exploring Pasikudah's local life. Start with a visit to the local markets, where you’ll find fresh produce, spices, and handmade goods. The city’s demography is youthful and community-driven, with strong ties to agriculture and fishing.

Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, a beautiful colonial-era church, and take a walk along the lagoon to spot the famous “singing fish”—a local phenomenon where fish are said to produce musical sounds at night.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional kottu roti—a sizzling mix of chopped roti, vegetables, egg, and meat, cooked on a hot griddle with rhythmic clatter. It’s a street food staple and a delicious way to end the day.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Pasikudah's beaches are quiet, golden, and perfect for unwinding. Whether you’re lounging with a book, taking a dip in the warm waters, or simply soaking up the sun, this is your moment to relax and recharge.

For the adventurous, optional snorkelling or diving is available off the coast, with coral reefs and shipwrecks waiting to be explored. The waters are calm during April to October, with temperatures around 30°C and light coastal breezes.

Pasikudah's charm lies in its simplicity. The people are warm, mostly Tamil, with a mix of Muslims and Christians, and the pace is gentle. Enjoy a seafood lunch, take a sunset walk along the lagoon, or simply do nothing at all. This is your day to just be.

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey inland to Kandy, a scenic drive of 230 km (approx. 6 hours) through changing terrain—from coastal plains to misty hills. Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka’s hill country and home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Kandy’s population is predominantly Sinhalese Buddhist, with a rich colonial and royal heritage. Temperatures are cooler here, around 24–26°C, with misty mornings and lush greenery. Vegetation includes tea plantations, jak trees, and flowering sal trees, giving the region its emerald charm. Check in and relax before heading to the Temple of the Tooth in the evening.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic and offers a deeply spiritual experience with evening poojas, drumming, and incense. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the island’s soul.

Today you’ll head to Colombo, the bustling capital, covering 120 km (approx. 3.5 hours). En route, stop at a gem museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s famed sapphires and stones, and visit a tea factory to see how the island’s iconic brew is made from leaf to cup.

Colombo is a melting pot of cultures, Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, and more with a vibrant urban energy.

Check in and spend your evening at leisure. Whether it’s a sunset drink by the Galle Face Green, a stroll through the Dutch Hospital precinct, or a quiet dinner at a rooftop restaurant, Colombo offers a stylish end to your journey.

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport, about 35 km (1 hour) from central Colombo. It’s time to say goodbye to the island that’s given you leopards, temples, beaches, and unforgettable flavours.

Take with you the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality, the rhythm of its landscapes, and the stories from every corner from Jaffna’s palmyrah groves to Kandy’s misty hills.

Whether you return or send guests, Sri Lanka will always welcome you with open arms.

Meals: Breakfast