Tours in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: Jaffna and the East Coast

13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS

from £99,999 / US$129,566 per person*

Tour Highlights

  • Discover Colombo’s charming colonial architectural gems
  • Explore the ruins of the 16th-century Kalpitiya Fort
  • Enjoy private jeep safaris inside Wilpattu National Park
  • Uncover the secrets and rich heritage of Jaffna
  • Boat excursion to Nainativu and Delft Islands
  • Attend a lively ‘Pooja’ at Jaffna’s Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
  • Learn why Trincomalee’s harbour remains a strategic asset for mariners
  • Relax by the Indian Ocean at the Jungle Beach Resort
  • VIP meet and greet on arrival at Colombo airport

Tour Overview

KALPITIYA PENINSULA • WILPATTU • ANURADHAPURA • JAFFNA • TRINCOMALEE

Off-limits until 2009, this private tour of Jaffna and the East Coast combines the ancient historic Tamil heartlands of Sri Lanka’s north and northeast with visits to one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful national parks and time to relax by a stunning beach near Trincomalee. Noticeably different from other parts of Sri Lanka, Jaffna and the East Coast is a perfect destination for the second-time visitor looking to discover the region’s natural beauty, rich colonial maritime heritage, and distinct southern Indian-influenced culture.

Starting in Colombo, drive north to the little-visited Kalpitiya Peninsula with its fine Dutch Fort, then continue to explore stunning Wilpattu National Park and the quaint traditional villages surrounding Anuradhapura. Next, proceed through the once heavily contested Elephant Pass to the Jaffna peninsula, where your sightseeing will include an excursion by boat to Nainativu and Delft Islands and a visit to the vibrant Nallur Kovil Hindu temple at prayer time.

Travel to Point Pedro, Sri Lanka’s most northerly point, and journey through a war-torn landscape of abandoned villages and swaying palm trees before arriving on the Indian Ocean and checking in at your charming beach hotel, which is set amongst a tangled tropical jungle. The Jaffna and East Coast holiday concludes with a tour of Trincomalee’s vibrant markets and important colonial sites and a day at leisure to relax, swim, and unwind.

Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Colombo

Colombo (Seema Malaka Temple. Beira Lake) Sri Lanka DT 61056658

Land at Colombo International Airport under your own arrangements (please ask us if you would like a quote for international flights). On arrival, you will enjoy a VIP meet and greet service before being transferred to your chosen hotel.

ACCOMMODATION (1 night)

Sapphire: Galle Face Hotel (Landmark Room)

Diamond: Uga Residence (Park Suite)

Day 2 Colombo, Arrive Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya Sri Lanka DT 70816984c

Embark on a walking tour of Colombo, which reveals the many colonial architectural gems hidden within this bustling commercial capital city. Later, drive to the Kalpitiya Peninsula, in Sri Lanka’s north-west. Kalpitiya is renowned for its secluded beaches and was an ancient commercial hub with extensive maritime trading links.

ACCOMMODATION (2 nights)

Sapphire: Bar Reef (Villa)

Diamond: Bar Reef (Villa)

Day 3 Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya (Dutch Catholic Church) Sri Lanka DT 101366774

Spend the morning exploring Kalpitiya Fort, a massive 16th-century citadel facing the lagoon, in a bustling village. A walk along the ramparts will reveal characteristic Dutch architecture. Visit the Portuguese-built church and the remnants of the commander’s quarters before returning to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 4 Wilpattu National Park, arrive at Sigiriya

a. general (wildlife crocodile) Sri Lanka DT 49122626

Set off this morning to the picturesque Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest wildlife reserves. Wilpattu is an unspoilt park featuring open grasslands, dense scrub jungle and a unique complex of lakes called ‘Villus’. The park is situated along the northwest lowland dry zone and provides shelter to an array of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bear, barking deer, spotted deer, crocodiles and a variety of birds including coastal and water birds. Spend the entire day inside Wilpattu National Park and continue through typical Sri Lankan villages and towns to Sigiriya.

ACCOMMODATION (2 nights)

Sapphire: Aliya Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Diamond: Water Garden Sigiriya (Deluxe Villa)

Day 5 Vehergalla Village Safari

a. general (rural village setting) Sri Lanka DT 88737950

Accompanied by your guide, take a relaxed bicycle ride through Vehergalla Village and discover the simplicity of Sri Lankan village life. Share a cup of tea with the village elders and gain an insight into local customs and traditions. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Day 6 Ritigala ruins, arrive Jaffna

Ritigala (Ritigala monastery) Sri Lanka DT 85060705

Begin your day with a trek through wooded hills to the ancient Ritigala Buddhist Monastery, whose rock inscriptions date back to the 1st century BC. The partially excavated ruins lie deep within the forest, and a walk amongst the overgrown ruins reveals stone bathing pools, courtyards and rooms believed to have been used for meditation and congregational ceremonies. Continue via Elephant Pass to Jaffna, a causeway that separates the Jaffna Peninsula from the rest of the island. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

ACCOMMODATION (3 nights)

Sapphire: Jaffna Heritage (Standard Room)

Diamond: Jaffna Heritage (Standard Room)

Day 7 Jaffna Town

Jaffna (Jaffna Fort. Gurunagar) Sri Lanka DT 140821818

Spend the day exploring Jaffna town and its hinterland. In the morning, visit St Mary’s Cathedral, a classic 17th-century Dutch cathedral and St James’ Church, the grandest in Jaffna. As you drive through the town, you will observe that Jaffna, with its many Dravidian-style temples and predominantly conservative Tamils in traditional outfits, is distinct from mainland Sri Lanka. As you venture out of Jaffna, you’ll pass through deserted villages, which are yet to recover from the long civil war. Stop at Point Pedro, the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, visit the Keerimalai hot springs, explore the Kanthrodai Buddhist dagoba ruins, and discover Vallipuram Kovil – the second largest Hindu temple in Sri Lanka.

Day 8 Jaffna’s outlying islands

Nainativu Island (Jaffna Peninsula. Nagapooshani Amman Kovil temple) Sri Lanka DT 126084597

Set off this morning by private boat to explore the remote islands lying off Sri Lanka’s north coast. On Nainativu Island, admire the intricately carved statues at the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, then proceed to visit the serene ancient Nagadeepa Buddhist temple. Continue by boat to Neduntivu or Delft Island, noted for its Dutch Fort, ‘growing rock’, giant Baobab trees, and wild ponies. In the afternoon, visit the remnants of the 17th century Dutch-built star-shaped Jaffna Fort, battered and bruised from the long civil war, see Jaffna’s library, and explore Nallur Kandaswamy Temple.

Day 9 Arrive Trincomalee

Fort Frederic Trincomalee Sri Lanka © Bennetts

Start early today and drive to Trincomalee, the most important town along Sri Lanka’s east coast. On arrival, walk through the historic Fort Frederick, with its many charming colonial buildings, visit the coastal artillery batteries that were used during World War II and then attend the atmospheric afternoon pooja at the ancient Koneswaram Kovil. A walk through Trincomalee’s lively market will conclude the day’s sightseeing.

ACCOMMODATION (3 nights)

Sapphire: Uga Jungle Beach – Trincomalee (Lagoon Cabin)

Diamond: Uga Jungle Beach – Trincomalee (Jungle Cabin)

Day 10 Trincomalee

Trincomalee Sri Lanka DT 131036112

Begin your day with a visit to the Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Hood Maritime Museum (subject to permission at the time of booking) with its fine collection of naval artefacts, including weapons, gun batteries and underground ammunition storehouses. While at the museum, enjoy the wonderful panorama over Trincomalee from Hood’s Tower. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 11 Trincomalee

Trincomalee (beach) Sri Lanka DT 57308293

Today will be at leisure to relax by the beach, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the leisure facilities at your beach hotel.

Day 12 Arrive in Colombo

The Wallawwa Kotugoda Sri Lanka

Leave the palm-fringed tranquil beaches behind and fly from Trincomalee to Colombo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Kotugoda. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

ACCOMMODATION (1 night)

Sapphire: The Wallawwa (Garden Suite)

Diamond: The Wallawwa (Garden Suite)

Day 13 Farewell to Sri Lanka

a. general (Tuk-tuk. Auto Rickshaw) Sri Lanka DT 23580093

Transfer to Colombo International Airport and check in for your onward flight.

Customise your tour

Personalise this Sri Lanka tailor-made holiday by adding some extra nights into the itinerary or extending the tour. Here are some ideas…

1 NIGHT

Spend an extra night at Trincomalee

Trincomalee (Veeramakali Amman Kovil. sacred cow) Sri Lanka DT 39975694

2 NIGHTS

Explore Rosyth Estate House

Rosyth Estate House Sri Lanka

3 NIGHTS

Discover ancient cities in the Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya Rock Sri Lanka DT 56039772

Pricing Notes & Information

Price Guideline

*Price guideline, per person, based on two people sharing.

LOW SEASON
Sapphire Hotels from £99,999 (US$1,749)
Diamond Hotels from £99,999 (US$2,391)

HIGH SEASON
Sapphire Hotels from £99,999 (US$2,021)
Diamond Hotels from £99,999 (US$2,974)

What's Included

  • Accommodation as described
  • VIP meet and greet service on arrival at Colombo airport
  • Service of Corinthian Travel representatives
  • Domestic flight between Trincomalee and Colombo
  • Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • Accompanying English-speaking chauffeur-guide in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Open-air Jeep (or similar) for wildlife safaris inside Wilpattu National Park
  • Bottled water in the vehicle for transfers

Notes

Jaffna and The East Coast is a private tour operating between May and September based on arrival in Colombo on any day of the week. The best time to visit Wilpattu National Park and Trincomalee is between April and September, whilst the best time to visit Jaffna and Kalpitiya is between December and April and from July to September.

All prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. Prices do not include international flights (please ask us for a quote), are per person, based on two people sharing a room, and a minimum group size of two.

Single and sole traveller supplements will apply.

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