Sri Lanka: Jaffna and the East Coast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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