DAY 1 | COLOMBO / ANURADHAPURA
DURATION: Approx. 5 Hours
After breakfast we head for Anuradhapura, which was founded in the 6th Century BC and venerated by Buddhists the world over, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of our famed Cultural Triangle.
As the cradle of Buddhism on the island, it contains the sacred 2,000-year-old Bo Tree, grown from a cutting from the tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Buddha himself attained enlightenment.
Surrounded by monasteries and ancient places of worship, and occupying an area of over sixteen square miles, Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.
Overnight Accommodation – Palm Garden Village
DAY 2 | ANURADHAPURA / JAFFNA
An early start and a packed breakfast sees you on the road to Jaffna, Sri Lanka’s northernmost city that lies on the Jaffna Peninsula.
This de facto capital city of the north has 2,000 years of history, including capture and fortification by former Dutch colonial rulers, and more recent military isolation during Sri Lanka’s recently ended civil war.
But things are changing rapidly. Jaffna now welcomes increasing numbers of tourists and visitors to the Chundikkulam bird sanctuary, Elephant Pass, where Jaffna lagoon is shallow enough for them to walk across, and other unspoiled places of interest.
Asia’s best example of Dutch fortification is the ‘star’ fort, which includes the King’s House and the Dutch Church. Since Jaffna’s population is predominantly Tamil, there are also many Hindu kovils.
En route to Jaffna, you will visit the famed Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar. For over 400 years, it has been a center for pilgrimage and worship for Sri Lankan Catholics, and a symbol of unity between Tamils, Buddhists, Hindus and Protestants.
You will also see the Thiruketheeswarm Kovil at Mannar, one of the biggest and most sacred Hindu temples, and take a break at Vavuniya, a once-regular stop-off point on the road to Jaffna before the new road and rail line shortened journey times.
Overnight Accommodation – Jetwing Jaffna
DAY 3 | JAFFNA
After breakfast, sightseeing in and around Jaffna. Transport can be arranged for those who would like to go further afield.
Overnight Accommodation – Jetwing Jaffna
DAY 4
Jaffna to Kurikatuvan for the ferry to the island of Nainativu.
After breakfast we depart for Nainativ. Only 56km from India, this historic island is home to Nagadeepa Vihara, which legend has it marks the place where the Buddha stayed, and which is commemorated by one of Sri Lanka’s most revered and sacred stupas.
Historically, Nainativu and the surrounding islands were known for the quality and size of their conch shells, which are essential for certain Hindu and Buddhist rituals. Perfect specimens can fetch very high prices.
Spend your third night in Jaffna.
Overnight Accommodation – Jetwing Jaffna
DAY 5 | JAFFNA / PASSIKUDHA
DURATION: Approx. 5.5 Hours
After breakfast we leave for Passikudha, a rapidly developing tourist resort that shares wonderful beaches with neighbouring Kalkudah.
Later, relax at the hotel.
Overnight Accommodation – Anantaya Resort & Spa
DAY 6 & 7 | PASSIKUDHA / BATTICALOA
DURATION: Approx. 30 Minutes
After breakfast, depart for Batticaloa, known locally as ‘the land of the singing fish’, a pretty and scenic city on a peninsula separating a lagoon from the Indian Ocean.
It is another city fortified by the former Dutch colonial rulers after capture from the Portuguese 1628. The square fort has four bastions bordered by the lagoon on two sides.
Batticaloa is famed for its seafood, and here you can try your luck with the local prawn fisherman. Anything you manage to catch can be taken back to the hotel and served with your lunch at Hotel East Lagoon.
Later, return to Passikudah to relax on the beach.
Overnight Accommodation – Anantaya Resort & Spa
DAY 8 & 9 | PASSIKUDHA / ARUGAM BAY
DURATION: Approx. 3 Hours
After breakfast, depart for Arugam Bay. Some of the best surfing in Sri Lanka can be had at the bay’s Pottuvil Point Break, Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point and Peanut Farm.
Overnight Accommodation – Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing
DAY 10 | ARUGAM BAY / BERAGALA
DURATION: Approx. 3 Hours
After breakfast, depart for Beregala, one of Sri Lanka’s premier beach resort towns, where you can rest and relax at the hotel.
Overnight Accommodation – Melheim Resort
DAY 11 | DEPARTURE
After breakfast, depart for Colombo, your final destination.