Sands of Paradise
Day 01 – Airport | Chilaw
We’ll be there to warmly welcome you at the airport and take you straight to the seaside town of Chilaw, where you can rest and relax before your adventure truly begins.
*Overnight stay in Chilaw
Day 02 – Chilaw | Munneswaram | Kalpitiya
Today you’ll drive out to Kalpitiya, a haven for whale watching. On the way, you’ll visit the famous Munneswaram Kovil, a collection of five temples including a Buddhist temple. Prepare for a dip into the rich culture of Sri Lanka and to experience the ornate sculpture and artwork of the temple.
*Overnight stay in Kalpitiya
Day 03 – Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is not only famous for its beaches but also for whale watching. So, after an early breakfast, you’ll head out on to the warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean for a glimpse of these giants of the sea. Majestic blue whales, sperm whales, dolphins and many other species frequent these waters and you’ll probably have an excellent opportunity to get up close with these amazing creatures.
*Overnight stay in Kalpitiya
Day 04 – Kalpitiya
Enjoy the day and do whatever you like. Just rest and relax or perhaps explore the Kalpitiya area or even get more adventurous and try some kitesurfing, windsurfing or scuba diving.
*Overnight stay at Kalpitiya
Day 05 – Kalpitiya | Wilpattu
Get ready to head into the wilderness. You’ll be driven to the Wilpattu National Park, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Sri Lanka, covering over 130,000 hectares of land. The park is called Wilpattu because of the “Willoos”, natural lakes, that form in the depressions in the ground. It’s one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the famous Sri Lankan Leopard.
*Overnight stay in Wilpattu
Day 06 – Wilpattu | Jaffna
After breakfast, you’ll head up north to Jaffna, a major city on the Jaffna Peninsula at the very northern tip of Sri Lanka. The city was once a war-torn region of the country during the civil war, which ended in 2009, but has since recovered to its former glory. In Jaffna, you’ll visit the Jaffna Library, Point Pedro (the northernmost point of the island) and world-famous Nallur Kovil, which is a breathtaking Hindu kovil.
*Overnight stay in Jaffna
Day 07 – Jaffna
After breakfast, you’ll visit Delft Island, about 30 km off the coast of Jaffna, travelling by ferry to this mysterious island that is home to a Portuguese Fort and is steeped in history dating back to the ancient Chola Dynasty and colonial rule. You’ll enjoy strolling through the quaint villages on the island and see the wild horses that roam on the plains.
Later in the day, you’re in for a beach treat at northern Sri Lanka’s favourite beach, Casurina Beach, lined with its signature Casurina trees and white sand.
*Overnight stay in Jaffna
Day 08 – Jaffna | Anuradhapura
Today you’ll travel down to the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Buddhism’s holiest places and home to the world’s oldest historically authenticated tree, the Sri Maha Bodi, at more than 2,200 years old. The tree was a sapling taken from the original bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
*Overnight stay in Anuradhapura
Day 09 – Anuradhapura | Yapahuwa | Negombo
On the way to the seaside town of Negombo on the west coast, you’ll make a stop at the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, which is believed to have once enshrined the tooth relic of the Buddha. The well-preserved ruins are a treat for any history buff.
*Overnight stay in Negombo
Day 10 – Negombo
Negombo is a beautiful seaside town with plenty of beach and places to explore. You’ll be treated to a tour of the local fish market, a boat ride along the Dutch canal and then have the rest of the day to yourself.
*Overnight stay in Negombo
Day 11 – Negombo | Airport
You’ve experienced the delights and treasures of Sri Lanka’s north and had a glimpse of the island’s rich biodiversity. Now we’ll get you to the airport and bid you farewell as you carry back memories to treasure for life.