Sri Lanka - NorthIncludes:
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Colombo - NegomboArrive in Colombo on suggested Air Lanka flight UL605, arriving CMB approx. 22.30. Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel.
For those making alternate flight reservation, we can organise airport pick up at additional cost. Check in at Jetwing Beach is from 2pm. Accommodation Jetwing Beach, Negombo |
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Day 2 - Tour of Negombo, Lellama Fish Market, Angurukaramulla Temple
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After breakfast, we will take a tour of Negombo town and visit the fish market and Angurukaramulla temple. Negombo is one of the major commercial hubs in the country and the administrative center of Negombo Division. Negombo is known for its long sandy beaches and centuries old fishing industry. Negombo has a large bilingual (Sinhala/Tamil) population with a clear Roman Catholic majority.
Negombo Lagoon is a large lagoon in south-west Sri Lanka with several small rivers and canals. The water body is full of numerous varieties of fish, crabs and lobsters that make it an excellent location for fishing. Accommodation Jetwing Beach |
Day 3 - Climb to Dambulla Cave Temple Complex After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya (3 hours, 15 minutes).
This evening, we will climb to the impressive Dambulla cave complex, a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery with its five sanctuaries is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2) are of particular importance. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. Accommodation Aliya Resort & Spa |
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Day 4 - Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock, Minneriya Wildlife Jeep Safari
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After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya . Sigiriya rock fortress is an UNESCO world heritage site and is home to a series of rock frescoes that are considered to be the oldest in the world. You will have the opportunity to climb to the top of the rock to witness its elaborate ancient fortress complex (approximately 2.5 hours round-trip on foot, including stairs). The 200-metre-high ancient citadel built during the 5th century features a mirror wall with some of the world’s oldest graffiti, terraced gardens and splashing fountains.
This afternoon you are free to enjoy the hotel and surrounds. This evening we will depart to Minneriya National Park (30 mins). The park is the site of ‘The Gathering’ where a large number of elephants are attracted to the grass fields on the edges of the ‘Minneriya Tank’, a structure built in the 3rd century. The park is also an important habitat for 2 endemic monkeys, 2 types of deer, rare species such as the Sri Lankan leopard and sloth bear, as well as 11 threatened bird species. There are 8 species of endemic reptiles which include the salt water crocodile, Indian python, Asian water monitor and the Bengal monitor. Accommodation Aliya Resort & Spa |
Day 5 - Hiriwaduna Village, Anuradhapura
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After Breakfast we will have a Village Tour at Hiriwadunna. This village tour begins with a bullock cart ride on a dirt track for a traditional travel experience that lasts fifteen to thirty minutes. You will ride across scrub lined mud paths; rice fields; picturesque Hiriwadunna Lake and observe local villagers as they go about their tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Take a canoe ride across the lake where you will encounter birdlife and butterflies.
Lunch will be with a local villager who will demonstrate centuries old food practices. You will have the opportunity to help with cooking lunch. Accommodation Uga Ulagalla |
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Day 6 - Leisure, Evening Cooking Class
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Ulagalla Resort inhabits a largely unspoiled 58-acre estate outside the city of Anuradhapura, capital of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province and home to some well-preserved and seriously ancient Buddhist shrines. To ensure that the land remains a suitable home for the peacocks and monkeys that roam freely through its fields and forests, Ulagalla keeps its footprint minimal, generating half its energy from an on-site solar farm and providing bicycles so guests can traverse the expansive grounds without leaving too much of a mark.
Tonight we will have our first hands on cooking class Accommodation Uga Ulagalla |
Day 7 - Jaffna Fort
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Jaffna was the capital of a Tamil kingdom for centuries before it was conquered by Europeans, and the city still has many distinctive Tamil cultural characteristics. Jaffna fell under Portuguese rule in 1619 and was their last possession in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) before its capture by the Dutch in 1658.
Jaffna Fort is a fort built by the Portuguese in 1618 following the Portuguese invasion of Jaffna. It was captured by the Dutch in 1658 who expanded it. In 1795, it was taken over by the British and remained under the control of a British garrison till 1948. Buildings inside the fort include the Governor's residence (King's House), Queen's House, Kruys Church, the Garrison Parade Ground, police quarters and several buildings from the Portuguese era. This evening, we will visit the Jaffna Fort. Accommodation Jetwing, Jaffna |
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Day 8 - Point Pedro, Kantarodai, Jaffna Library Cooking Class
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After Breakfast we will visit Point Pedro and Kantarodai, followed by Ice cream at Rio Ice-Creamery.
Point Pedro is a town located at the northernmost point of the island. The eastern coast of Point Pedro forms a 3-mile-wide, 20-mile-long beach with sand dunes up to 100 feet high, extending to Thalayady. Kantarodai is a small hamlet and archaeological site. On the side of a grove of lovely palm trees is a collection of stupas and mounds, the remains of ancient buildings. Archaeological investigations done at Kantarodai in 1966-7 found that the site was inhabited from about the 2nd century BCE to about the 13th century CE. Jaffna Public Library, built in 1933, is one of Jaffna's most notable landmarks. During the early 1980s, it was one of the biggest libraries in Asia, containing over 97,000 books and manuscripts. Over a million books burned in an arson attack in 1981. Some ancient Sinhala and Tamil books were never recovered. In 2001, rehabilitation of the library was completed, with new structures being built and new books received. This evening we will have our second cookery class at the hotel. Accommodation Jetwing, Jaffna |
Day 9 - Nallur Kandaswami Temple, Vavuniya, TrincomaleeToday we will visit the Nallur Kandaswami Temple before lunch at Vavuniya, and then proceeding to Trincomalee
In the hot arid lands of Nallur, in Jaffna, rises the majestic Hindu temple for Skanda/ Murugan – the god of love, war and beauty. It has reigned over the land for centuries, attracting devotees from various walks of life. The temple itself embodies a kind of peace that can only be felt in the most divine of places. The temple was originally founded in 948 AD. Trincomalee, on the island’s northeastern coast is situated on a peninsula in Trincomalee Bay—formerly called Koddiyar (meaning “Fort by the River”) Bay—one of the world’s finest natural harbours. Accommodation Uga Jungle Beach |
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Day 10 - Leisure
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After Breakfast at the hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Set in a ten-acre reserve beside both the jungle and beach, the Uga Jungle Beach is a boutique hotel located on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Built with its surroundings in mind, the property has teak walkways and steppingstones bringing the outside, indoors. There are a total of 48 villas facing the beach, lagoon or situated in the jungle. With a modern style and amenities, the villas are also in keeping with the tropical surroundings of the property. The hotel invests in the local economy so far, it’s built two wings for nearby hospitals and trains local people in hospitality.40% of its staff were refugees from the civil war. War widows do the hotel laundry, and the hotel has planted more than 2,000 trees along its three-kilometer coastline. Accommodation Uga Jungle Beach |
Day 11- Pasikudah, Dinner on the BeachPasikuda is the pin up of picture postcard beaches thanks to its soft white sand and translucent water. Between May and September, this is the best place in Sri Lanka for a Sri Lankan beach holiday. Most days are cloudless, the ocean is warm, and water clarity is very good which makes it ideal for snorkeling, diving, sailing and a host of other water sports. The curve of Pasikuda bay means that swimming can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Accommodation Uga Bay |
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Day 12 - Leisure
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After Breakfast, spend the rest of the day at leisure at Uga Bay.
While the cultural triangle in the country’s interior and the beaches of the southwest feel pleasantly under-developed, it’s the east coast that truly retains the excitement of a genuine discovery. It’s a long way from pretty much everywhere, but once you’ve arrived, Pasikuda is pure tropical fantasy — all swaying palms, placid waters and long, powdery beaches. The real surprise, however, is arriving at one of the frontiers of international beach-going and finding a place like Uga Bay: not some sand-swept little mom-and-pop operation, but a thoroughly modern hotel. - Michelin Guide Accommodation Uga Bay |
Day 13 - Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Kandy
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After Breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa is the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s cities and served as the capital under King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Indian Chola invaders in 1070 CE. With its rich history, Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins provide one of the best archeological sites in the country. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. On completion, proceed to Pabalu Mandapa for Lunch, followed by a tour of the Ranweli Spice Garden. Accommodation Mahaweli Reach Hotel |
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Day 14 - Kandy City Tour, Temple of the tooth, Botanical Gardens, Cultural Show, Cooking Class.
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This morning we will drive to Kandy town and take a sightseeing tour, including the fresh food market and Royal Botanical Gardens. Kandy, a UNESCO world heritage town, is Sri Lanka’s hill capital and the stronghold of the last king of Sri Lanka. It is the islands 2nd most visited place. Home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake, we will learn of its interesting and sometimes gruesome history. We will then take a tour of the ‘Sacred Temple of the Tooth’ and learn of its unique history and tales of an underground/underwater tunnel to the lakes island.
This evening you will experience a Kandyan Dance and Cultural Show. Following the cultural show, we will gather on the lawn beside the pool where we will have our third cooking class. Accommodation Mahaweli Reach Hotel |
Day 15 - Train ride to Colombo.Collect your packed breakfast and enjoy the 2 1/2-hour train ride from Kandy to Colombo.
Colombo is located on the west coast of the country. The official capital of Sri Lanka is a satellite city in Colombo called Sri Jayawardenapura. Colombo however, is often referred to as the capital city. This evening, we will stroll down Galle Face Green and dine at a street food market. Accommodation Galle Face Hotel |
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Day 16 - Colombo City Tour, Shopping, Lamprais @ Dutch Burgher Union, Airport.
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After Breakfast, proceed on shopping tour.
As you embark on a Colombo city tour, get ready to explore the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka. Your first stop will be the iconic Lotus Tower, a towering structure that offers stunning views of the city. Next, head over to the vibrant Pettah Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of local life. Continue your tour to the Old Parliament Building, a colonial-era masterpiece that now serves as a museum. Marvel at the intricate architecture of the Independence Memorial Hall, which commemorates Sri Lanka's independence from British rule. Finally, make your way to the futuristic Port City, a massive reclamation project that promises to be one of the most ambitious urban developments in South Asia. As you explore this modern marvel, take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress Sri Lanka has made over the years. With its blend of old-world charm and new-world innovation, Colombo is truly a city like no other. Lampris for Lunch at the Dutch Burgher Union. Return to Hotel. Late check out until 8:00 pm. Departure to Airport. *Please note flight leaves at 00.20hrs the next day when booking flights. |
