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North Sri Lanka Explorer: Ruins, Reefs and Islands

Duration
12 days
Price
£2,300 pp.
Location
Sri Lanka, Indian Subcontinent
Nilaveli Beach Near Trincomalee

Trip Highlights

  • Explore ancient ruins in Anuradhapura
  • Discover Jaffna's Tamil heritage
  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

What's Included

  • Guided tours
  • All transfers
  • 11 nights accommodation

Our experts say

The north of Sri Lanka is relatively unexplored and its hidden gems make for an amazing adventure.

Ancient ruins, deserted islands, colourful temples, coral reefs, and warm hospitality make the north a great choice for return visitors to Sri Lanka.

We have specially designed this itinerary to give you a flavour of this region. Assuming that this is not your first trip to Sri Lanka, we have also included some more offbeat sites in the Cultural Triangle.

This is just to give you an idea – get in touch so we can tailor your holiday to your specific requirements.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Sri Lanka!

We will be waiting to greet you on your arrival in Colombo. Meet your chauffeur guide who will be with you for your entire trip in Sri Lanka. Your first stop is a 45-minute drive up the coast to the town of Chilaw where you can freshen up and relax after your journey. You'll spend the night here.

Day 2 Enjoy seaside life at Kalpitiya

This morning drive 1.5 hours further north to Kalpitiya, a beautiful spot on a small peninsula between the Indian Ocean and a large lagoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy your choice of activities – you can go for a boat ride to spot dolphins and the occasional whale, snorkel or scuba dive on the country’s largest coral reef, do some kite surfing or just relax by the pool. You'll be staying in Kalpitiya for the next two nights.

Day 3 A day out in Wilpattu National Park

Day 4 Drive to Jaffna

Day 5 Day trip to Delft island and Nagadeepa

Day 6 Day out in Jaffna

Day 7 Drive to Trincomalee

Day 8 Trincomalee

Day 9 Drive to Habarana.

Day 10 Day trip to Reswehara and Avukana Buddhas

Day 11 Drive to Negombo, via Ritigala

Day 12 Fly home!

Speak to a Sri Lanka expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
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When to go to Sri Lanka

Find out the best time to visit Sri Lanka with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is the perfect time to visit different regions in Sri Lanka, temperatures will be warm and basking in sunshine, meaning the cultural triangle, beaches, national parks and hill country could all be visited during January. However, the central hills will be cooler than other regions due to their altitude.

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February

February is much like January, with long sunny days and calm seas. Visitors travelling during this month have a higher chance of spotting sperm and blue whales.

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March

March is considered the best time to visit the central hills, although cooler than other regions in Sri Lanka there is less chance of rains in March.

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April

Typically April, is the hottest and driest month of the year, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees if you're travelling to Golden Triangle regions. It is a great month to head to Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, with clear skies and long sunny days.

  • Top Tip: when sightseeing visit in the mornings and evenings as you will avoid the hottest part of the day.
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May

In May, the south is humid and increasingly hot whilst hill country is cooler with a higher chance of rainfall. We recommend travelling to the North and east of the island during May witnessing the unique history and culture of Sri Lanka.

  • Vesak Poya, takes place during the first full moon, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
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June

During June, temperatures in the south continue to be increasingly hot and humid as the southwest monsoon blows through the country. Southern regions will experience short sharp showers which tend to pass quite quickly.

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July

As the summer holidays commence in July, Sri Lanka is in peak season, with temperatures staying around 30 degrees all month. If you're looking to explore Sri Lanka and visit different areas July is a great time to visit.

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August

In August, the warm days continue with temperatures remaining in the high twenties. All in all it is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.

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September

All in all September is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.

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October

October brings with it the monsoon rains which affect the whole country, in saying this the weather remains warm and sunny. The monsoon can be unpredictable, rains can be heavy, sporadic or not come at all it is impossible to forecast.

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November

In November the monsoon continues, with conditions affecting the whole country.

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December

During December the monsoon rains can continue, however the southern and western coasts dry out and become warm and dry. The monsoon rains, means during December the landscapes become lush and full, meaning it is a beautiful time to explore the more rural areas of Sri Lanka.

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Plan with an expert Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original holiday experiences and then contact us with your brief, or call 01768 603 715

A tailor-made itinerary just for you A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

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