Sri Lanka
Northern Explorer Small Group Tour

(Approximate driving time: 40 minutes)

On arrival transfer to hotel accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight Villa Hundira or similar. 

Please note: Early check-in is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

(Approximate driving time: one hour)

Early this morning we cruise among colourful fishing vessels on the Negombo lagoon, observing coastal birds. Later, after a relaxed breakfast, we drive towards Dunagaha in Gampaha District to experience a taste of village life. Our bungalow accommodation lies on a working coconut estate, set among fragrant spice gardens. The afternoon is free to relax and explore the estate. Overnight Ambarella Lodge or similar. (BD)

After breakfast it’s time to explore the nearby villages by tuk-tuk, accompanied by a local guide. English is little understood, except by the village guide, so communication can be problematic. However, a smile goes a long way and your visit does contribute to the villages’ economy. Later we visit a pineapple plantation, a family textile workshop that uses old-style wooden looms, and a small brick factory. Afterwards we call in at a local house for a cookery masterclass, hopefully followed by a delicious lunch based on the results. In the afternoon we return to the lodge. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight Ambarella Lodge or similar. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours)

Leaving after breakfast, we journey north to Wilpattu National Park. Compared to parks in the south of the country, Wilpattu receives relatively few visitors, ensuring a less hectic safari experience an inherently reduced impact on wildlife biodiversity. In the afternoon we take a safari in a wilderness area on the outskirts of the park. Wildlife highlights may include leopard, elephant, sloth bear and rich birdlife. Overnight Big Game Park Wilpattu (non-air-conditioned tent) or similar. (BLD)

Please note: Wilpattu National Park is off-the-beaten-track and its vegetation is denser than most other Sri Lankan parks. Wildlife is very much in residence but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

(Approximate driving time: four hours)

Early this morning, when wildlife is most active, we take a further safari in Wilpattu. Afterwards we return to camp for breakfast and then drive to Anuradhapura, the first ancient kingdom of the Sri Lankan kings and now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though we can’t explore the whole site, we will visit the sacred Bo Tree, regarded by experts as the world’s oldest tree, guarded by monks for over 2,000 years. Lunch is taken in a landmark colonial building which has played host to many dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II. Later we travel back to the west coast, and the fascinating, forgotten Mannar Island, occupied by the Tamil Tigers until 2009. On arrival we explore the town, the ruined 16^th century Portuguese fort and its ramparts which afford good panoramic views, and the causeway connecting the island to the mainland. Overnight Palmyrah House or similar. (BLD)

This morning, after an early breakfast, we visit Mannar’s fish market. Fishing is the island’s main source of income, and a visit to the market offers insights on this important local industry. Mannar is renowned for its dried fish, said to be the best in the country. Leaving the fishermen, we visit the ancient Hindu temple of Thiruketheeswaram, dating from 600BC or possibly much earlier. Afterwards we continue to Doric Bungalow, built in 1801 as the grand residence for the first British Governor of Ceylon. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it is considered as one of the first buildings in the country constructed to a classical plan. Empires come and go, and elsewhere we call in at the ruined Dutch fort in Arippu, in its heyday the centre of lucrative pearl fisheries. If time allows, we walk along the beach and observe enormous mounds of oyster shells left from this time. In the late afternoon we drive to the very tip of Mannar Island and the outpost of Talaimannar. Once ferries to India departed from this point but now the village has become a base for the Sri Lankan Navy and has a slightly eerie feel. From the railway station you can walk the recently restored railway line right to the sea where a lighthouse marks the island’s farthest most extent. From here it’s only 29km to a set of sandy shoals in the Indian Ocean, the only land border between India and Sri Lanka. Overnight Palmyrah House. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours)

This morning we travel to the far north and the city of Jaffna, just now starting to open up after the end of the civil war and in stark contrast to the much more touristic cities of the south. On arrival we check-in and after some time to relax take lunch at a local Jaffna home. Our local Tamil guide will assist with translation allowing a great opportunity for cultural exchange and a glimpse into the lives of an ordinary family. A special kool, traditional soup, will be served first followed by pittu, made from coconut and rice flour, usually served with crab curry, fried prawns, dhal curry and other Jaffna specialities. After time to digest lunch we explore Jaffna city by bicycle, visiting the fort, the library, Subramanium Park and other notable sites. Afterwards we’ll return to our hotel to relax and perhaps take a swim. Overnight Jetwing Jaffna or similar. (BLD) 

Please note: Let us know if you’d prefer not to cycle as we can arrange a tour by tuk-tuk instead.

We start this morning with a visit to Nallur temple. A traditional shalv /Veddi will be provided to wear when you enter the temple. The temple’s history and importance will be explained, along with the rituals followed by those worshipping. During the visit we’ll learn about Jaffna’s culture, its association with south Indian culture, the effects of migration and exile, and the scars of war. Afterwards we explore other areas in and around Jaffna including Karainagar, Casuarina Beach, Kayts Jetty, Hanuman temple, and the miniature Buddhist pagodas of Kantharodai. A memorable banana leaf lunch, in true Jaffna style, will be provided at a village home, with dishes such as fried cuttlefish, Jaffna prawn curry, toasted crab, fish masala, mashed brinjal and drumstick curry.  The rest of the afternoon is free to relax at the hotel pool or explore the city independently. Overnight Jetwing Jaffna or similar. (BLD)

Off-limits for years due to the civil war, the islands off the Jaffna Peninsula make a fascinating destination. Today we head to Delft Island where wild ponies roam and the coastline is blessed with clear waters and white sand beaches. During the one-hour ferry crossing our local Tamil guide will explain some of the difficulties and challenges of living on such remote islands. Although around 6,000 inhabit Delft this windswept island feels largely deserted. Our tour includes an abandoned Dutch fort, a 1,000-year-old temple, and a huge baobab tree. We also visit the Pigeon Hole, the Dutch Tower, and the ruins of stables used in colonial times by the British and Portuguese. Lunch is taken with an island family offering the chance to glean a few more tips on preparing traditional Sri Lankan food. The experience of visiting Delft is difficult to define but this isolated outpost that gazes out towards India leaves its mark on most visitors. Later we return to Jaffna by ferry. Overnight Jetwing Jaffna or similar. (BLD)

Please note: On sunny days it can be fiercely hot on Delft Island. Please dress accordingly. Wear a hat and ensure you are protected from the sun.

(Approximate driving time: four-and-a-half-hours) 

Today we leave Jaffna and head south via the Elephant Pass, stopping at the war memorial, a sobering reminder of the recent bloody conflict. In the afternoon we explore Trinco (Trincomalee), the main city on the East coast. The city is making a slow recovery after the civil war and the earlier 2004 tsunami. We walk in the central areas of the city and head to Ruben’s place, a renowned spice merchant whose curry mix is famous in town. Continuing, we take a stroll in the market and visit Koneswaram Temple, site of the famous lovers leap with stunning views out to the ocean. If time allows, we stop at the Trincomalee British War Cemetery. The day ends by driving to the idyllic Nilaveli Beach, our base for the next two nights. Overnight Pigeon Island Beach Resort or similar. (BD)

Optional whale watching: Early this morning we set out in search of marine mammals. If lucky we may see the thrilling acrobatics of spinner dolphins and possibly encounter the largest animal on the planet, the blue whale. Sri Lanka’s east coast is renowned for whales although, as with all wildlife, sightings can never be guaranteed. As ever, the trip is subject to weather and sea conditions. Prices are available request. Please let us know at the time of booking if you are interested in this excursion.

Those preferring to spend the day on shore are free to stroll along the palm fringed beach or perhaps idle by the pool with a good book, recharging before the final leg of our tour. Overnight Pigeon Island Beach Resort or similar. (BD)

Please note: Snorkelling trips to Pigeon Island may be arranged. Please contact us if you are interested.

(Approximate driving time: five hours)

Today we leave the east coast behind and drive towards Sigiriya. En route we stop for an authentic staple, a rice and curry lunch.  Afterwards we continue to Ritigala monastery, the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastic complex on the lush eastern slopes of Ritigala mountain, dating back to the 1st century BC. We explore this tranquil site and absorb the history-laden atmosphere before continuing to our accommodation. Overnight Kassapa Lions Rock or similar. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: one hour)

This morning we arrive early at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya. The air is still cool and large numbers of visitors have yet to appear. In lower reaches of site we explore interesting features such as the Royal Gardens and the water gardens. Then it’s time to climb the immense rock fortress itself. Half-way up we visit the remarkably well-preserved frescoes, before the final staircase climb to the rock’s summit. Breath-taking views are on offer, stretching for miles in every direction. After descending we take a well-earned rest followed by lunch at a restaurant in Habarana that captures the essence of village cuisine. Lakmal, the proprietor, takes great pride in his coconut sambol, to be enjoyed with rice and bread. Afterwards we continue to Hurulu Eco Park for a jeep safari in search of wild elephants. After the safari we head back to the hotel. Overnight Kassapa Lion Rock. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: four hours)

After breakfast we leave for Colombo. On arrival there’s time for a brief rest before we meet our local guide, Rashan, who will show us his city. At Galle Face Green we sample street food, tasting kottu rotti, an everyday Sri Lankan meal not to be missed and best enjoyed on the street. Later we explore the evening market at Pettah which attracts vendors from all over Sri Lanka. It’s a great place to try delicious seasonal fruit. Later we walk through the crazy streets of Slave Island, a great place to observe local people going about their daily lives. Afterwards we return to the hotel for a farewell dinner at the Verandah Restaurant followed by a nightcap at the Travellers Bar, just a stone’s throw from the waves breaking on the beach. A fitting way to end the adventure. Overnight Galle Face Hotel. (BD)

Please note: Extra nights may be booked on request, subject to availability.

Transfer to the airport at an appropriate time for your onward flight (B)