Unexplored North/East Tour of SriLanka
This 15-day itinerary provides a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka, encompassing a diverse range of cultural and natural attractions. Beginning with a visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the trip continues to Jaffna, Nilaweli, Sigiriya, Kandy, and Bentota, before concluding back in Negombo. Along the way, travelers will have the opportunity to visit many iconic landmarks, including the Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of Tooth, and Sigiriya Rock, and experience Sri Lankan culture with traditional dance shows and village tours. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy a Minneriya safari, while beach lovers will have plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach, swim, and enjoy water sports. Additionally, the itinerary offers a chance to learn about the country’s tea industry, visit a turtle hatchery, and take a Madhu River boat ride. Overall, this itinerary provides a well-rounded Sri Lankan experience, showcasing the country’s history, culture, nature, and leisure activities.
Day 01Arrival/ Negombo
Arrive in Negombo and check into your hotel.
Day 02,03 Anuradhapura (Ancient City)
On your first day in Anuradhapura, you can start by visiting the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is believed to be the oldest living tree in the world. This sacred tree is said to have been grown from a sampling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Next, you can visit the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, which is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa is over 2,000 years old and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
You can also visit the Abhayagiri Monastery, which was one of the largest monastic complexes in ancient Sri Lanka. The monastery complex includes several buildings, including a stupa, a bathing pool, and a preaching hall.
Day 03:
On your second day in Anuradhapura, you can start by visiting the Jetavanaramaya Stupa, which is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. The stupa is over 2,000 years old and is one of the tallest structures in the ancient world.
Next, you can visit the Isurumuniya Temple, which is known for its rock carvings and ancient sculptures. The temple is also located near a beautiful lake, which is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
Finally, you can visit the Thuparamaya Stupa, which is one of the oldest stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa is believed to have been built in the 3rd century BC and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Next, you can visit the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, which is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa is over 2,000 years old and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
You can also visit the Abhayagiri Monastery, which was one of the largest monastic complexes in ancient Sri Lanka. The monastery complex includes several buildings, including a stupa, a bathing pool, and a preaching hall.
Day 03:
On your second day in Anuradhapura, you can start by visiting the Jetavanaramaya Stupa, which is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. The stupa is over 2,000 years old and is one of the tallest structures in the ancient world.
Next, you can visit the Isurumuniya Temple, which is known for its rock carvings and ancient sculptures. The temple is also located near a beautiful lake, which is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
Finally, you can visit the Thuparamaya Stupa, which is one of the oldest stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa is believed to have been built in the 3rd century BC and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Day 04,05,06Jaffna (Nallur Temple, Jaffna Fort, Casuarina beach, Keerimalai Pond, Sangupiddy Bridge, Jaffna City Tour)
Day 04:
On your first day in Jaffna, you can start by visiting the NallurKandaswamy Temple, which is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is known for its colorful architecture and intricate carvings and is a popular spot for religious pilgrimage.
Next, you can visit the Jaffna Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later expanded by the Dutch and British. The fort offers a glimpse into Jaffna's colonial past and has great views of the surrounding area.
Day 05:
On your second day in Jaffna, you can visit Casuarina beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. The beach is known for its clear blue waters and soft white sand, and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
You can also visit Keerimalai Pond, which is a natural spring that is believed to have healing properties. The pond is located near the coast and is a popular spot for relaxation and meditation.
Day 06:
On your third day in Jaffna, you can visit the Sangupiddy Bridge, which is one of the longest and most picturesque bridges in Sri Lanka. The bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot for photography.
You can also take a city tour of Jaffna, which will give you a chance to explore the city's many cultural and historical landmarks. Some of the highlights include the Jaffna Public Library, the Jaffna Market, and the Jaffna Clock Tower.
On your first day in Jaffna, you can start by visiting the NallurKandaswamy Temple, which is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is known for its colorful architecture and intricate carvings and is a popular spot for religious pilgrimage.
Next, you can visit the Jaffna Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later expanded by the Dutch and British. The fort offers a glimpse into Jaffna's colonial past and has great views of the surrounding area.
Day 05:
On your second day in Jaffna, you can visit Casuarina beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. The beach is known for its clear blue waters and soft white sand, and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
You can also visit Keerimalai Pond, which is a natural spring that is believed to have healing properties. The pond is located near the coast and is a popular spot for relaxation and meditation.
Day 06:
On your third day in Jaffna, you can visit the Sangupiddy Bridge, which is one of the longest and most picturesque bridges in Sri Lanka. The bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot for photography.
You can also take a city tour of Jaffna, which will give you a chance to explore the city's many cultural and historical landmarks. Some of the highlights include the Jaffna Public Library, the Jaffna Market, and the Jaffna Clock Tower.
Day 07,08Nilaweli (Relax on the Beach, Pigeon Island, Koneshwaram Temple, Hot Water Wells)
Day 07:
On your first day in Nilaveli, you can spend some time relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun. Nilaveli beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
In the afternoon, you can visit Pigeon Island, which is a small island off the coast of Nilaveli that is known for its coral reefs and marine life. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the colorful coral gardens and see a variety of fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Day 08:
On your second day in Nilaveli, you can visit the Koneshwaram Temple, which is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is located on a cliff overlooking the sea and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
After visiting the temple, you can visit the Hot Water Wells, which are natural hot springs that are believed to have healing properties. You can take a dip in the warm water and relax in the beautiful natural surroundings.
In the evening, you can return to NilaveliBeach and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the ocean.
On your first day in Nilaveli, you can spend some time relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun. Nilaveli beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
In the afternoon, you can visit Pigeon Island, which is a small island off the coast of Nilaveli that is known for its coral reefs and marine life. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the colorful coral gardens and see a variety of fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Day 08:
On your second day in Nilaveli, you can visit the Koneshwaram Temple, which is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is located on a cliff overlooking the sea and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
After visiting the temple, you can visit the Hot Water Wells, which are natural hot springs that are believed to have healing properties. You can take a dip in the warm water and relax in the beautiful natural surroundings.
In the evening, you can return to NilaveliBeach and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the ocean.
Day 09,10Sigiriya (Sigiriya Rock, Minneriya Safari, Village Tour, Ayurvedic Spa)
Day 09:
On your first day in Sigiriya, you can visit Sigiriya Rock, which is one of the most famous and spectacular landmarks in Sri Lanka. The rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful frescoes, gardens, and the breathtaking view from the top.
In the afternoon, you can go on a Minneriya Safari, which is a great way to see the amazing wildlife in the area. Minneriya National Park is home to a large population of elephants, as well as a variety of other animals, such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
Day 10:
On your second day in Sigiriya, you can take a Village Tour to experience the local way of life and culture. You can visit a traditional village and learn about the customs, traditions, and daily activities of the villagers. You can also enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal and interact with the locals.
In the evening, you can enjoy an Ayurvedic Spa treatment, which is a traditional form of healing that uses natural herbs, oils, and techniques to promote relaxation, balance, and well-being.
On your first day in Sigiriya, you can visit Sigiriya Rock, which is one of the most famous and spectacular landmarks in Sri Lanka. The rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful frescoes, gardens, and the breathtaking view from the top.
In the afternoon, you can go on a Minneriya Safari, which is a great way to see the amazing wildlife in the area. Minneriya National Park is home to a large population of elephants, as well as a variety of other animals, such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
Day 10:
On your second day in Sigiriya, you can take a Village Tour to experience the local way of life and culture. You can visit a traditional village and learn about the customs, traditions, and daily activities of the villagers. You can also enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal and interact with the locals.
In the evening, you can enjoy an Ayurvedic Spa treatment, which is a traditional form of healing that uses natural herbs, oils, and techniques to promote relaxation, balance, and well-being.
Day 11,12Kandy (Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens, Traditional Dance Show in Kandy, Kandy city tour)
Day11:
On your first day in Kandy, you can visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning rock paintings, sculptures, and ancient Buddhist artifacts. The temple complex is made up of five caves and contains over 150 Buddha statues.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Temple of Tooth, which is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world.
Day 12:
On your second day in Kandy, you can visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is a beautiful botanical garden that is home to a stunning collection of plants, trees, and flowers from all over the world. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
In the evening, you can attend a Traditional Dance Show in Kandy, which is a cultural performance that showcases the traditional dance, music, and costumes of Sri Lanka. The show is a great way to experience the local culture and is sure to be a memorable experience.
You can also take a Kandy city tour to explore the city's beautiful architecture, markets, and temples. The city is known for its stunning colonial-era buildings, such as the Kandy Lake, and for its bustling markets, where you can find everything from spices to handicrafts.
On your first day in Kandy, you can visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning rock paintings, sculptures, and ancient Buddhist artifacts. The temple complex is made up of five caves and contains over 150 Buddha statues.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Temple of Tooth, which is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world.
Day 12:
On your second day in Kandy, you can visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is a beautiful botanical garden that is home to a stunning collection of plants, trees, and flowers from all over the world. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
In the evening, you can attend a Traditional Dance Show in Kandy, which is a cultural performance that showcases the traditional dance, music, and costumes of Sri Lanka. The show is a great way to experience the local culture and is sure to be a memorable experience.
You can also take a Kandy city tour to explore the city's beautiful architecture, markets, and temples. The city is known for its stunning colonial-era buildings, such as the Kandy Lake, and for its bustling markets, where you can find everything from spices to handicrafts.
Day 13,14Bentota (Giragama Tea Factory, Turtles hatchery, Madhu River Boat Ride, Relax on the Beach)
Day 13:
On your first day in Bentota, you can visit the Giragama Tea Factory, which is a great place to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the finest teas in Sri Lanka. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the tea plantations and the surrounding hills.
In the afternoon, you can visit a Turtles hatchery, where you can learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect the endangered sea turtles. You can also see the baby turtles and release them into the sea.
Day 14:
On your second day in Bentota, you can enjoy a Madhu River Boat Ride, which is a great way to explore the beautiful waterways of Sri Lanka and experience the local wildlife. You can see a variety of birds, monkeys, and other animals, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the riverbanks.
In the afternoon, you can relax on the beach and soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, or take part in some water sports activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, or diving. You can also enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many beachside restaurants.
On your first day in Bentota, you can visit the Giragama Tea Factory, which is a great place to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the finest teas in Sri Lanka. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the tea plantations and the surrounding hills.
In the afternoon, you can visit a Turtles hatchery, where you can learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect the endangered sea turtles. You can also see the baby turtles and release them into the sea.
Day 14:
On your second day in Bentota, you can enjoy a Madhu River Boat Ride, which is a great way to explore the beautiful waterways of Sri Lanka and experience the local wildlife. You can see a variety of birds, monkeys, and other animals, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the riverbanks.
In the afternoon, you can relax on the beach and soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, or take part in some water sports activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, or diving. You can also enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many beachside restaurants.
Day 15 Departure
On your last day in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to the airport for your flight back home. You can spend some time reflecting on your trip and all the amazing experiences you had during your stay in Sri Lanka.
If time allows, you can also do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts to bring back home with you. Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful handicrafts, spices, tea, and gemstones, so you are sure to find something special to take back with you.
If time allows, you can also do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts to bring back home with you. Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful handicrafts, spices, tea, and gemstones, so you are sure to find something special to take back with you.