Sri Lanka Unveiled: Off the Beaten Trail
(12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS)
Sri Lanka Unveiled: Off the Beaten Trail
12 nights | 13 days
Locations - Coconut estate, Wilpattu, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Habarana, Colombo
Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport
A wonderful old country house, surrounded by lush greenery, and a lake front that offers a laid back feel of the countryside, an ideal start for your Sri Lankan holiday.
Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and head towards the North for a couple of days in the wild.
Settle down close to the Wilpattu National park, the largest national park, It is popular for the sightings of asian wild Elephants, leopards, sloth bear, deer and crocodiles.
Overnight stay at Wilpattu
Early in the morning with packed breakfast, go on a full day game drive to Wilpattu National Park.
As the park is relatively bigger and considering the drive times to get into the park, a full day game drive is recommended instead of two half day game drives. Patience is the key when exploring Wilpattu, take your time and be surprised by what it offers. The less number of visitors in Wilpattu makes sightings more exclusive, you won’t regret it. A packed lunch will be provided inside the park, during a full day game drive.
Overnight stay at Wilpattu
This morning after breakfast, head towards Anuradhapura Railway station and hop-in to the train to Jaffna!
You will be met by our insider in the Jaffna town, a local from the area who will take you around the city of Jaffna in vintage type cycles – just like the locals do! In the evening, enjoy a traditional local dinner at a local house, creating the opportunity for you to interact with the locals while introducing you to the culinary journey in the North.
Overnight stay at Jaffna
After breakfast, we take the local ferry to Delft Island – this is a one of a kind local experience!
Your host will take you around the Island, some interesting facts on the history, war, and historical monuments. Try out another traditional meal with a local family – the curries can be spicy but worth it!
Overnight stay at Jaffna
Today explore the outskirts of Jaffna with your host, we start the day by a spiritual visit to the Nallur Kovil.
Afterwards explore the town of Karainagar, Casurina beach, Kayts jetty, Nilavari deep well and many other interesting areas of Jaffna.
Overnight stay at Jaffna
Bid farewell to the North and travel towards the North East for a few days to enjoy the Indian Ocean.
Overnight stay at Trincomalee or Nilaveli
Spend the full day at leisure enjoying the Indian Ocean!
In one of the days, explore the town of Trincomalee, the city is still recovering from the war and the tsunami, yet the smiles of its people remain the same. Stroll around the town, stop by at local saloon for a haircut or a vintage style head massage. Try out a lovely ice cream and a fruit salad from a local ice cream parlour to beat the heat.
Overnight stay at Trincomalee or Nilaveli
After the beach stay in the East coast, travel to the cultural triangle for a couple of nights, where a treasure chest of heritage awaits to be explored!.
Later in the afternoon visit hike to the Pidurangala Rock for the sunset.
Tonight you will be based at a rustic yet charming treehouse that will bring you close to nature and the local people. You will be indirectly supporting a few local families by spending a couple of nights at this unique accommodation. Remember you are close to nature – therefore, you may encounter small harmless insects and might encounter some wild Elephants roaming around the area.
Overnight stay at Habarana
Early this morning, visit the famous rock fortress,Sigiriya Lion Rock
Return to your accommodation for a relaxed breakfast and spend the rest of the day at leisure at the property.
Overnight stay at Habarana
After breakfast, travel to the commercial capital, Colombo!
Meet an insider from Colombo, where you will be taken to the places where locals go for a tipple from the fancy and classy locales to the real dive bars known locally as “dodgy bars”. Arrack is aromatic but it does have a kick so take it easy enjoy his selection as they are a profile of Sri Lankan society and embark on a little journey behind the scenes in Colombo.
Overnight stay at Colombo