Sri Lanka Northeast Explorer - 12 days
Sri Lanka Northeast Explorer - 12 days
Sri Lanka Northeast Explorer - 12 days
12 Days Starting in Negombo, Sri Lanka and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Negombo, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, Colombo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1790/SLNE
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Sri Lanka's northeast with the Sri Lanka Northeast Explorer tour. Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura, marvel at the sacred Ruwanweliseya, and explore the vibrant city of Jaffna with its iconic temples and fort. Relax on the pristine beaches of Trincomalee and delve into the historic charm of Polonnaruwa. Climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and experience the cultural richness of Kandy, including a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy a scenic train ride through lush tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya and embark on a thrilling safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to Sri Lanka's largest herd of Asian elephants. With guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka's rich heritage and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Tuesday. Colombo - Negombo. Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met at Colombo Airport and transferred to your hotel by the beach in Negombo. Our start hotel is located on the seafront and a short walk from Galle Road and many of the city highlights. Choose to head out and explore, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail whilst you watch the perfect sunset over the Laccodive Sea.
Day 2: Anuradhapura
Location: Anuradhapura
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Negombo - Anuradhapura. This morning we make our way to Anuradhapura, the first capital and grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Upon arrival, we embark on an afternoon sightseeing tour of the city, visiting both historical and archaeological sites of interest. Highlights include the sacred bo-tree which is the oldest documented tree in the world, the 1600 columns of Brazen Palace and Ruwanweliseya, the most famous dagobas in Sri Lanka.
Day 3: Jaffna
Location: Jaffna
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Anuradhapura - Jaffna. Today we journey north to Jaffna, located on the northernmost peninsula of the island. Here, we enjoy a sightseeing tour taking in sights such as the Jaffna Fort, the second largest in Sri Lanka which was built by the Dutch in 1619. Another highlight is the Nallur Hindu Temple, the most important place of Hindu worship in Jaffna. We’ll also take a boat ride to Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple, which is said to be the site where Buddha visited during his second journey to Sri Lanka.
Day 4-5: Trincomalee
Location: Trincomalee
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jaffna - Trincomalee. Departing Jaffna, we head back south to Trincomalee on the north-eastern coast. A sightseeing tour here takes us to Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple, the Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Dakshina-Then Kailasam - a classical medieval Hindu temple complex. Day 5 is free to spend relaxing in Trincomalee. Enjoy this stunning location on the coast, while away the day unwinding on the beach.
Day 6: Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trincomalee - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. This morning we leave the coast and begin our journey inland to the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple. A spectacular complex of five caves dedicated to the Lord Buddha, within the caves of Dambulla you'll find over 150 images of Buddha, including an impressive 14-metre rock cut statue.
After exploring this ancient site we continue to Polonnaruwa, an intriguing 11th century city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we explore many interesting and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. We then return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Day 7: Polonnaruwa
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we make our way to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites. A steep staircase up the rock side reaches the summit and on the way up you can stop to see the world-famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens, which are hidden in a sheltered pocket of rock.
Leaving Sigiriya behind, we take a local hand tractor ride and a short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here we are welcomed into the home of a local family where we try our hand at preparing a meal of curry, dahl, spiced rice and pickle. After enjoying our homemade lunch we continue onto Kandy, stopping along the way at a spice garden in Matale. Arriving to Kandy, the evening is at leisure.
Day 8: Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Kandy, making our first stop at the Temple of the Tooth. The temple’s name derives from the legend that it houses one of Buddha’s teeth that was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre and then smuggled into Sri Lanka. From here we take a drive around Kandy Lake, visiting a local bazaar and gem museum along the way, before hopping on a tuk tuk for a ride up into the surrounding hills. In the afternoon we stop in at a working tea factory at Giragama, which has been manufacturing ‘Low Grown’ and ‘Long Leaf’ tea since 1903. This evening, we attend a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy some free time this morning before our transfer to the train station for a scenic railway journey. Our journey to Nuwara Eliya will take us past verdant tea plantations, through winding mountain passes, across suspension bridges and much more.
Arriving in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country in the afternoon, we’ll take a drive through an area known locally as ‘Little England’.
Day 10: Udawalawe National Park
Location: Udawalawe National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Udawalawe National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we make our way south to Embilipitiya, which will be our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. Not only is this national park renowned as one of the best places to see the famous Sri Lankan elephant, it is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and varies types of deer. This afternoon we enjoy a game drive through the park before returning to our hotel for the evening.
Day 11: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. Today we make our way back to Colombo, but not before paying a visit to the Gem Mine and Museum in Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems in the world. Arriving to Colombo later today, we embark on a city tour taking in the Fort area in the north of the city, as well as the stunning Gangarama Temple. We’ll end the tour with a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket amongst the locals.
Day 12: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saturday. Today offers free time for you to independently explore the city, before your included departure transfer to the airport.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3-5 star & heritage hotels -
Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
The tour includes breakfast daily and one lunch.
-
11 nights 3-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Accommodation for 11 nights in 3-5 star hotels and heritage properties is included.
-
Guided sightseeing
Guided sightseeing is included in Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Gem Mine, and Colombo.
-
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
A jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park is included.
-
Scenic train journey, canoe and tuk tuk trips
The tour includes a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, as well as canoe and tuk tuk trips.
-
Escorted by an English speaking national guide
The tour is escorted by an English speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more, and a professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less.
-
Airport arrival and departure transfer
Airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 12 are included.
-
All relevant transfers and transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles are included.
What's Not Included
-
International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour.
-
Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees amounting to USD$200-220 per person, paid in USD, are not included.
Age Policy
Over 15 if accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles, with a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, and enjoy canoe and tuk tuk trips for a unique local experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights in 3-5 star hotels and heritage properties, offering comfort and a touch of local charm throughout your journey in Sri Lanka.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights in 3-5 star hotels and heritage properties.
-
Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more, and a professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less.
-
Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport arrival and departure transfers are included on days 1 and 12.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
Breakfast is provided daily, and there is one lunch included during the tour.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
-
Is there a scenic train journey included in the tour?
Yes, there is a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya included in the tour.
-
What activities are included in the Udawalawe National Park visit?
The visit to Udawalawe National Park includes a jeep safari/game drive to search for wildlife, including the nation's largest herd of Asian elephants.
-
What cultural experiences are included in Kandy?
In Kandy, the tour includes a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a tuk tuk ride, and a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 21, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 18, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 22, 2025 - May 03, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 10, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 06, 2025 - May 17, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 27, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 23, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 21, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 25, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions