Overview
Explore the untouched beauty of Northern Sri Lanka, a region that was once hidden from the world due to the 30-year civil war. Today, the stunning landscapes of the northern peninsula have finally been revealed, offering a wealth of experiences for adventurous travelers. To truly understand Sri Lanka, one must appreciate the diverse cultures and peoples that call this island home. The Northern and Eastern coasts stand in stark contrast to the rest of the country, with communities predominantly made up of Tamils, who follow Hinduism, and Moors, who practice Islam. In these regions, you’ll discover vibrant cultures, delicious cuisines, unique ways of life, and much more.
With urlaub auf sri lanka, we take you on an immersive journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s North and East. You’ll visit historically significant sites, experience the rich cultural heritage, and marvel at breathtaking landscapes that embody the true spirit of this incredible region.
Highlights
- Explore Sri Lanka’s Northern & Eastern beauty, including ancient temples, fortresses, and pristine beaches, showcasing cultural diversity.
- Visit historical landmarks, like Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Kandy, along with scenic safaris and whale watching.
- Immerse in unique Tamil and Moor cultures through vibrant traditions, cuisine, and religious practices of the regions.
- Enjoy luxury accommodations with full board, guided tours, and all-inclusive activities across Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes.
Itinerary
You will be welcomed & picked up by our chauffer guide from Colombo International airport & transfer to Negombo for your first night stay.
Negombo is a major tourist destination in Sri Lanka. This city is an ideal and liberal place with luxury, tropical life style, for those who want quick access to and from the country’s main international airport and also to Colombo city. The 100 km long canal network running through the city is still used, and outrigger canoes and modern water-craft ply this route daily, for trade and tourist purposes. Remnants of colonization include the Dutch fort built in 1672, as well as centuries-old Portuguese and Dutch houses, Administrative buildings, Churches and the ceiling frescoes of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Negombo is also home to the country’s second-largest fish market, also locally famous as being called the “Lellama (Lel-La-Ma)”, at the north end of the town’s lagoon. There are daily fish auctions, which give tourists a chance to meet the area’s fishermen, buy fish and even organize fishing trips into the lagoon and the ocean beyond.
After Breakfast and leave for Anuradhapura Ancient City. Anuradhapura is the birthplace of Sinhala civilization & one of the world’s largest archeological sites. It is considered as the greatest monastic city of the ancient world, & was founded in the 5th century BC.
Do the ancient tour of Anuradhapura. Visit all major highlights of the Ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Check out from Palm Garden Village in Anuradhapura and proceed to the Northern Peninsula. Four hours journey.
On the way, stop at the “War Memorial” of Kilinochchi”
Northern Province is one of nine provinces of Sri Lanka and there are five districts in Northern Province, namely Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi. Mannar & Mulative. Jaffna is the capital of the Northern Province & Jaffna district. The total population of the Northern Province records as 1.059 million according to the 2012 census.
Northern Province of Sri Lanka is located just 35km (22miles) from India. The province is surrounded by the ‘Gulf Mannar’ and ‘Palk Strait’ to the West side, Palk Strait to the North West side, the famous Bay ‘Bay of Bengal’ to the north and east. The Province has large number of Lagoons such as Jaffna Lagoon, Nanthi Kadal, Chundikulam Lagoon etc. Geographically, Northern Province is belong to dry zone as well as some parts are belong to arid zone (Mannar). Area is mostly dry but receives rains from North East Monsoon which occurs during months of November to March.
Start the expedition of Jaffna after breakfast. Visit & explore;
- Jaffna Fort
- Ancient Naagadeepa Buddhist Temple
- Nallurkandaswami Hindu Temple
- Ruins of King Sangilian’s Minister’s house
- Jaffna Library Building
- Point Pedro
- Kadurugoda Temple & Ruins
Check out from Jetwing Jaffna after your breakfast and proceed to the fort city of Eastern Province and one of most pristine and beautiful beaches of the Island –“Trincomalee”. The Journey from Jaffna to Trincomalee is about four hour drive.
Trincomalee is one of major cities in Sri Lanka and largest city in Eastern Province. In ancient times, this city was called as “Gokanna” and the city is located on a peninsula in Trincomalee Bay formally called “Koddiyar Bay” (Fort by the river). This is well known as one of finest harbors in the world. Trincomalee is considered as one of major settlements of Indo- Aryan in ancient days.
Present day, Trincomalee is one of a top tourist destinations in the island.
Check into Anilana Nilaveli Beach resort & have a relaxing time by the famous Nilaveli Beach.
Kandy is the second largest city in the country after Colombo. It was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
Start the excursions tour of Trincomalee after the breakfast. Visit and explore following sites;
- Fort Frederick
- Sri Thirukoneshwaram Hindu Temple
- Trincomalee War Cemetery
- Kanniya Hot Springs
- Sri Pathrakali Amman Hindu Temple
- Famous Uppuveli beach
Relax at the hotel in the evening.
Start the Blue Whales & Dolphin watching tour at 06.00am. Approximately 2-3 hour trip.
After the whale watching, come back to the hotel and rest.
After lunch, you can visit the famous “Pigeons Island “via ten minutes boat ride and do scuba diving around the Island.
On your fourth & the last day in Trincomalee, you will have a rest and relaxing day at the hotel.
Check out from Anilana Nilaveli hotel & proceed to Sigiriya. Two and half hour journey.
Visit & explore the eighth wonder of the Ancient World “Sigiriya Lion Rock”, 1600 years old ancient fortress.
Sigiriya is an ancient palace located in the central Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king’s death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.
Do a morning private jeep safari tour to Minneriya National park. Tour is started at 07.00am. Two hour safari trip.
Come back to the hotel after the safari. Get a refresh and proceed to the last kingdom of Ancient Sri Lanka “Kandy”.
En route visit the most fascinated ancient Buddhist Temple and one of the largest cave temple complexes in south Asia “Dambulla Golden Rock Temple”.
Golden Rock is a cave temple which dates back to the 1st Century .BC. Its rock ceiling is one large sweep of colorful frescoes which depict Buddhist mythology and the tales of the Buddha’s previous births. The caves house the largest collection of Buddha statues in one place.
After Golden Rock Temple leave for Kandy en route visit Matale Spice Garden.
Reach Kandy and witness the traditional Kandyan cultural show. This is an indoor live show and we book seats in advance
Kandy is the second largest city in the country after Colombo. It was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
Leave from the Golden Crown Hotel in Kandy after breakfast. Visit the most sacred Buddhist Temple in the Buddhist world “The Temple of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha” in Kandy.
After the temple, you will be transferred to the commercial capital of Sri Lanka- Colombo for your last night stay. This will be a three hour drive.
Transfer back to your return flight back home from Colombo after an amazing tour of Sri Lanka.
Includes/Excludes
Inclusions:
- Air Conditioned Private Car / Family Van / Mini Coach or Luxury Bus
- 4 & 5 Star Hotels & Resorts on Half Board basis
- Certified English / German speaking Professional Friendly Guides
- All Costs related to all tour excursions, Entrance fees of all UNESCO Heritage sites, Safari Jeep and other mentioned all tour activities are included
- Unlimited mineral water bottles for the entire tour
- Unlimited mileage throughout your tour
- All Government taxes & tariffs are included
- No Additional Charges
Exclusions:
- Additional meals & beverages outside of the booked meal plan
- Visas & Flight Bookings
- Expenses of personal nature
- Tips & Portage
What to Pack for Sri Lanka
- Sun Creams
- Hat or a cap
- Slippers, Sandals , Jelly Flats
- Camera, memory cards & spare batteries
- Hiking Shoes
- Rain Jacket
- Back Pack & a Day Pack
- Warm Weather Clothes
- Sun Glasses
- Bathing Suit
- Mosquito Spray
- Sarong or wraparound skirt
- Travel Diary or a travel book
Special Notes
- Rooms are subjected to availability at the time of booking confirmation
- An advance payment of 25% of the total tour price is required at the time of the booking confirmation & the balance payment should be settled 15 days prior to the arrival
- Alcohol will not be served at any hotel or any restaurant on POYA DAYS (FULL MOON DAYS)
- The Standard check in time of Hotels in Sri Lanka is 14.00hr
- The Standard check out time of Hotels in Sri Lanka is 11.00hr
FAQs
The 12-day, 11-night tour includes air-conditioned private transport, stays at 4 & 5-star hotels, professional guides, all entrance fees for UNESCO heritage sites, safari jeep rides, whale watching, boat rides, and unlimited mineral water throughout the tour. All government taxes and tariffs are also included.
Yes, the tour is designed to accommodate a wide range of ages and fitness levels. There are sightseeing tours, cultural experiences, and relaxing beach days. However, some activities, like safaris and hikes to historical sites, may require moderate physical activity. It’s recommended to contact the tour operator for any specific health concerns.
Recommended items to pack include sunscreen, a hat or cap, lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, camera gear, mosquito repellent, a bathing suit, and a rain jacket. Be sure to bring a sarong or wraparound skirt for visiting temples and religious sites. Also, don’t forget your travel essentials like a backpack and travel diary.
Alcohol will not be served on POYA days (Full Moon Days), as it is a religious observance in Sri Lanka. Hotel check-in times are typically at 14:00, and check-out is at 11:00. It’s important to make an advance payment of 25% to confirm booking, with the remaining balance due 15 days before arrival.