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Sri Lanka Northeast Explorer

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12 days

Take in the classic sights of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, but not before exploring ancient Anuradhapura, the northern city of Jaffna. Village visits, Elephant game viewing, scenic tea plantations and a couple days by the stunning coast in Trincomalee are all included within this incredible 12 day tour.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

12 days

Starts

Negombo

Ends

Colombo

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Tuesdays - year round

Hotel Rating

3-5 star & heritage hotels

Countries

Sri Lanka

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 1
Per person from
£1,571.50
Save 30% today
Total From
£4,490.00
£3,143.00
Deposit From
Final payment
£600.00
£2,843.00

Tour Highlights

Anuradhapura - See the ancient wonders of Sri Lanka's first capital, including sacred Ruwanweliseya, Sri Lanka's most famous dagoba
Jaffna - Take in the sights of Sri Lanka's northern most city, including Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple, Nallur Hindu Temple and Jaffna Fort
Trincomalee - Relax on the beach and explore this historic harbour city, with its revered Konesar Temple, Hot Water Wells and beautiful natural harbour
Colombo – Enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Old Fort area and impressive Gangaramaya Temple
Polonnaruwa - Explore the remarkable ruins of the ancient capital city of Ceylon
Sigiriya - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th century Lion Rock fortress and see the Heavenly Maidens
Dambulla - Discover over 150 images of Buddha in the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple
Kayanwala Village - Canoe to the village and help cook a delicious traditional lunch with a Sri Lankan family
Matale - Learn all about Sri Lanka's herbs and spices at the spice gardens in Matale
Kandy - Take in the highlights of Kandy including the famous Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride and watch a cultural performance
Giragama Tea Factory - Take a tour of a working tea factory with a long history
Take a scenic train ride passing waterfalls and tea plantations en route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and drive though Nuwara Eliya's 'Little England'
Udawalawe National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a game drive in Udawalawe, home to the nation's largest herd of Asian Elephants

Included

Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
11 nights 3-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Guided sightseeing - Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Gem Mine and Colombo
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe and tuk tuk trips
Escorted by an English speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 12
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$200-220pp, paid in USD
Tipping Kitty: USD$60-80pp, paid in local currency
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Sri Lanka

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.

Overnight: Negombo

Day 2 - Anuradhapura - UNESCO sites

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.

Overnight: Anuradhapura
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Jaffna Fort

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.

Overnight: Jaffna
Meals: Breakfast

Days 4-5 - Trincomalee temples & beach time

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.

Overnight: Trincomalee
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 6 - Dambulla & Polonnaruwa

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.

Overnight: Dambulla
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sigiriya & village visit

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.

Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Kandy & tuk tuks

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.

Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Scenic train trip & tea plantations

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’.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 - Jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park

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.

Overnight: Udawalawe National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Colombo city tour

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.

Overnight: Colombo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Goodbye Sri Lanka

Saturday. Today offers free time for you to independently explore the city, before your included departure transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Reviews

Very poor communication Paid for things we did not do Many different versions of itinerary Huge difference between accommodations Got DUMPED at final hotel On the go tours VERY DISAPPOINTING

The first tour guide and transport were excellent. After we met up with the group in Dambula the transport was less comfortable but the guide was also very good. Regarding accommodation we particularly enjoyed Jetwing Lake hotel and Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort. The most memorable visits were the food offering ritual at the Hindu temple in Trincomalee, The Sacred City in Anaradhapura, snorkelling on Pigeon Island arranged by the guide, the train ride, and the safari. The worst visit was probably the spice garden in Matale where we felt obliged to pay for a massage and buy their medicinal remedies. Overall though, we really enjoyed the tour, and felt it was good value for money, and met our expectations.

A fantastic tour of the island. Our guide for the north (Ashoke) was wonderful giving us a real insight into the Tamil culture.

We had Great time on this tour and well organised with excellent tour guides. On this tour we achieved more than our expectations.

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post-Tour Accommodation - Colombo

Double

£55per passenger

Twin

£55per passenger

Single

£95per passenger

Pre Accom Negombo Family

Double

£45per passenger

Twin

£45per passenger

Single

£85per passenger

Pre Accom Northeast Explorer Negombo

Double

£95per passenger

Twin

£95per passenger

Single

£185per passenger

Tour Extensions

Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.

Amari Galle Hotel Deluxe Ocean View Room | Sri Lanka
Galle Beach Break

This add-on can be booked in conjunction with any group tour that ends in Colombo - Sri Lanka's capital city.

Double

£435per passenger

Twin

£435per passenger

Single

£675per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Jetwing Sea
Negombo

Just minutes from the beach, the Jetwing Sea is a charming hotel with a modern sense of elegance. Guest rooms are elegantly appointed with a beautiful blend of white and subdued shades of brown to ensure a relaxing ambiance. The hotel is complete with a refreshing swimming pool, countless dining options and a stunning roof top spa - perfect for a bit of pampering and indulgence! Well located in the heart of Negombo - just a short walk to the Indian Ocean.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Rajarata Hotel
Anuradhapura

A modern and conveniently located hotel, Rajarata offers its guests a comfortable stay whilst being within easy each of the highlights of Anuradhapura. After a long day of sightseeing guests can relax by the outdoor pool or dine in the Tranquil restaurant, serving local and western cuisine.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Jetwing Jaffna
Jaffna

In the heart of the town of Jaffna, Jetwin Jaffna is one of the newest Jetwing properties. Hotel rooms are elegantly furnished in a contemporary yet traditional style with beautiful interiors and wonderful en suite bathrooms. The on site restaurant serves a fantastic array of local and international cuisine. Complimentary Wifi is available throughout and the hotel is also next door to the Cargills supermarket which is brimming with excellent facilities including food court, cinema and banks.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Pigeon Island Resort
Trincomalee

Set on the northern coast of Sri Lanka in the city of Trincomalee, this beach resort offers guests modern rooms and suites featuring private balconies and minibars. Thanks to its seaside location there are plenty of water sports on offer, as well as whale and dolphin watching. At the on-site restaurant guests can choose from a variety of Sri Lankan and Western dishes.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Jetwing Lake
Dambulla

The Jetwing Lake hotel is a brand new property with spacious and comfortable rooms that enjoy a contemporary design blended with splashes of Eastern influenced decor. The ensuite facilities are magnificent and in keeping with the luxurious feel of the property as a whole. Each room also comes with a balcony, from which guests can get some fresh air and enjoy the spectacular views. Within the complex there is a pool, spa and fitness centre, where guests can while away their free time. There is also a restaurant, which serves sumptuous meals.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Radisson Hotel Kandy
Kandy

The stylish Radisson Hotel Kandy (formerly OZO Kandy), prides itself on its smart facilities and stunning mountain surrounds. Its highlight being the rooftop pool where you can soak up panoramic views over Kandy whilst enjoying a cocktail or two. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serves a tasty array of Asian and international cuisine using only fresh and handpicked produce. Other amenities include a fitness centre and complimentary WiFi, with guestrooms boasting signature soft beds and rain showers.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Jetwing St Andrew's
Nuwara Eliya

Jetwing St. Andrew's is a unique colonial retreat set in a former country house and surrounded by landscaped gardens. All the spacious rooms are classically furnished with elegant wood and offer free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. The grounds of the hotel give a great feel of colonial splendour and guests can wake up to a typical English breakfast and enjoy a stiff brandy at the bar later in the day. Fine dining is offered at the Old Course Restaurant and the hotel also boasts an antique snooker table, which is the oldest in Sri Lanka.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Udawalawe National Park

Situated on 7 acres of land, the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is the only hotel of its class in the area. Rooms are spacious with beautiful hard wood flooring and artwork depicting the wildlife of Udawalawe. Food here is delicious and plentiful with an extensive breakfast menu. The outdoor pool is a great place to relax by and enjoy a refreshing splash in after a good day on safari. Well located just a few minutes drive from Udawalawe National Park.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Radisson Hotel Colombo
Colombo

The Radisson Hotel Colombo (formerly OZO Colombo) is a modern and stylish hotel, with sweeping Indian Ocean views from its rooftop infinity pool and many of its rooms. There's free WIFI access throughout the hotel and the guestrooms are bright and airy with all modern amenities. To top it off, there's also a fantastic fitness centre and a restaurant serving delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cusine. The hotel is centrally located on Marine Drive, near Galle Road and just a 10 minute drive from the city centre.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Sofia Colombo City Hotel
Colombo

Sofia Colombo City Hotel is located near Kollupitiya Beach and offers modern accommodation with excellent amenities. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace with a restaurant and bar, and free WiFi throughout. At Sofia Colombo’s Seascape Restaurant, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean alongside delicious meals. Additionally, guests have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, as well as 24-hour front desk and room service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay for all.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
3 Dec - 14 Dec
Save 15%
£2,335£1,985
£3,155£2,682
10 Dec - 21 Dec
Save 15%
£2,335£1,985
£3,155£2,682
17 Dec - 28 Dec
Save 15%
£2,335£1,985
£3,155£2,682
24 Dec - 4 Jan
Save 15%
£2,495£2,121
£3,335£2,835
31 Dec - 11 Jan
Save 15%
£2,495£2,121
£3,335£2,835
2025
Twin/Double
Single
7 Jan - 18 Jan
Save 15%
£2,495£2,121
£3,335£2,835
14 Jan - 25 Jan
Save 30%
£2,245£1,572
£3,075£2,153
21 Jan - 1 Feb
Save 30%
£2,245£1,572
£3,075£2,153
28 Jan - 8 Feb
Save 30%
£2,245£1,572
£3,075£2,153
4 Feb - 15 Feb
Save 30%
£2,245£1,572
£3,075£2,153
11 Feb - 22 Feb
Save 30%
£2,245£1,572
£3,075£2,153
18 Feb - 1 Mar
Save 30%
£2,245£1,572
£3,075£2,153
25 Feb - 8 Mar
Save 30%
£2,245£1,572
£3,075£2,153

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