About this tour

12-Day Sri Lanka Explorer: North, East & Cultural Heartbeat

Discover Sri Lanka beyond the usual routes — from ancient rock fortresses and sacred islands to untouched eastern beaches and the vibrant capital. This journey blends culture, wildlife, food, and pure coastal chill.

🌅 Phase 1: The Cultural Heartbeat

Day 1: Arrival & The Coastal Warm-up (Negombo)

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

• Skip Colombo traffic and head straight to Negombo

• Vibe: Sunset cocktails by the beach & a stroll through the “Little Rome” canals

Day 2: The Sky Fortress (Sigiriya)

• Drive to the Cultural Triangle

• The Big Climb: Scale Sigiriya Lion Rock in the late afternoon for golden-hour views

• Evening: Traditional Sri Lankan village dinner in Habarana

Day 3: Caves & Wild Giants (Dambulla / Minneriya)

• Morning: Explore the Golden Dambulla Cave Temples

• Afternoon (Optional): Elephant safari in Minneriya National Park to witness the famous “Gathering”

🌊 Phase 2: The Jaffna Expedition

Day 4: The Road to the North (Jaffna)

• Scenic drive through the Vanni region — the gateway to the North

• Check-in and explore the vibrant, colorful atmosphere of Jaffna town

Day 5: Island Hopping & Sacred Waters (Nainativu / Delft)

• Public ferry to Nainativu Island to visit the sacred Nagapooshani Amman Kovil

• Hidden Gem: Visit Casuarina Beach for its shallow turquoise waters and white sand

Day 6: Culture & Cold Treats (Jaffna City)

• Visit the iconic Jaffna Public Library and Jaffna Fort

• Foodie Must: Try the legendary Rio Ice Cream near Nallur Kandaswamy Temple

🏝️ Phase 3: The Untouched East

Day 7: The Coastal Crossing (Trincomalee)

• Scenic drive from Jaffna to Trincomalee (approx. 4 hours)

• Evening: Relax and unwind at Uppuveli Beach

Day 8: Underwater Paradise (Pigeon Island)

• Morning: Boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkeling with black-tip reef sharks and turtles

• Afternoon: Visit Koneswaram Temple, dramatically perched on a cliff over the bay

Day 9: Sun, Sand & Serenity (Trincomalee)

• A well-earned Do-Nothing Day

• Optional: Visit the Kanniya Hot Springs or enjoy more beach time

🏙️ Phase 4: The Final Stretch

Day 10: The Capital Calling (Colombo)

• Drive back to Colombo (approx. 6 hours)

• Evening: Rooftop bar experience or sunset walk at Galle Face Green

Day 11: Rivers & Mangroves (Bentota)

• Day trip to Bentota

• Activities:

  • Boat safari on the Madu River, or

  • Visit Brief Garden (designed by Bevis Bawa)

• Return to Colombo for a farewell dinner

Day 12: Modern Colombo & Departure

• Last-minute shopping at Pettah Market or Dutch Hospital

• Transfer to the airport for departure

🎒 Quick Pro Tips

• Best Time to Go: February to September (perfect for East & North coast weather)

• Must-Try Food: Jaffna Crab Curry & Negombo Lagoon Prawns