North and East Adventure | Sri Lanka I Experience Travel Group

Most visitors to Sri Lanka stick to the same parts of the country. This holiday covers the less-explored northern half of the country, taking in its unique wildlife, local culture, and pristine beaches. Veering away from the usual tourist trail, you’ll uncover some of the island's hidden gems, such as the Jaffna Peninsula, the beaches of Trincomalee, the wildlife of Wilpattu, and the rural life of Anamaduwa. If you haven’t been before, and time permits, we would recommend including a stop in The Cultural Triangle as it fits in neatly between Trincomalee to Wilpattu.

The north and east of Sri Lanka have great weather in the European summer months, especially in May and June when the rest of the country is experiencing the southwestern monsoon.

Highlights include:

Seeking out wildlife in Wilpattu National Park
Experience rural Sri Lankan life at The Mudhouse near Anamaduwa
Explore the unique history and culture in the towns and islands of the Jaffna Peninsula
Relax on the secluded and untouched beaches near Trincomalee
Discover a side of Sri Lanka that most other tourists miss

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Talk to us today to learn more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday.

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart The UK for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

DAY 2 & 3 COLOMBO

On arrival in Sri Lanka, your chauffeur-guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After time to relax and sleep, you’ll spend a full day exploring the city from various perspectives with expert guides. Discover colonial heritage on foot and the commercial area by tuk-tuk, stopping to taste Sri Lankan tea and local snacks en route.

DAY 4- 6 JAFFNA

You’ll take a domestic flight to Jaffna and transfer to your hotel, a comfortable base from which to explore the town and the beautiful peninsula. Culturally closer to southern India than to Colombo, the Jaffna peninsula is a fascinating mix of rural tradition, intoxicating landscapes, and a rich fashion of colonial and indigenous cultures. The ancient Tamil Kingdom was fortified by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, modernised by the British and then significantly affected by the Civil War from 1983 to 2009.

There will be time to explore the city’s complex history and see the different architecture and influences left by settlers. Spend a morning exploring nearby Nagadeep Island and an afternoon visiting a local village to learn about typical traditions, food, crafts, and agriculture.

During your stay, see the community’s resilience first-hand and how the region has emerged from the civil war.

DAY 7- 10 TRINCOMALEE

From Jaffna, your chauffeur guide will drive you southeast to your beach resort near Trincomalee.

Over the next few days, you might choose to enjoy the beach, though your chauffeur-guide will be available should you wish to head out for a tour of Trincomalee town and its old Dutch Fort, go snorkelling or diving around Pigeon Island, visit hot springs or explore Thiriyaya Temple.

DAY 11 &12 Wilpattu National Park

From Trincomalee, you’ll travel to Wilpattu National Park– one of the most important conservation areas in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is the island’s largest national park and is home to a range of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sambur, water buffalo, and various rare birds. Wilpattu is less crowded than some of Sri Lanka’s other parks, and your visit here will surely be a fantastic wilderness adventure.

Day 13-14 The Mudhouse

It’s a fairly short drive from Wilpattu to The Mudhouse for the final part of your journey through Sri Lanka. A stay here is a unique experience and a chance to experience local life in the Sri Lankan countryside. Explore the grounds and the organic farm, spend your stay kayaking in the tank (lake), spotting rare birds, exploring temples, and bizarre rock formations.