Northern Heritage & Southern Escape
Explore Jaffna, Sacred Cities, Scenic Highlands & Southern Beaches
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- Tour Plan
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From Sri Lanka’s remote north to the sunny shores of the south, this immersive 17-day private tour covers a diverse mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Begin in Negombo before heading to Wilpattu National Park for your first wildlife experience. Explore the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura, then head north to Jaffna, where Tamil...
What's included
Destination
Anuradhapura , Colombo , Ella , Jaffna , Kandy , Mirissa , Negombo , Nuwara Eliya , Polonnaruwa , Sigiriya , Trincomalee , Unawatuna , Wilpattu , Yala Discover Destinations
Price includes
- Bottled Water
- Hotel accommodations with breakfast
- Jeep Safaris
- Private driver/guide with air-conditioned vehicle
- Train Ride
Price does not include
- Entrance tickets
- Lunches/dinners
- optional-activities
From Sri Lanka’s remote north to the sunny shores of the south, this immersive 17-day private tour covers a diverse mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Begin in Negombo before heading to Wilpattu National Park for your first wildlife experience. Explore the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura, then head north to Jaffna, where Tamil culture, temples, and untouched coastlines await.
Return south to marvel at Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ruins of Polonnaruwa, then head east to snorkel at Pigeon Island in Trincomalee. Wind through the scenic central hills from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, take the iconic train to Ella, and go on safari in Yala National Park. End your adventure on the golden beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna, with a final cultural stop in Galle and city tour in Colombo.
Route: Negombo → Wilpattu → Anuradhapura → Jaffna → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Trincomalee → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Mirissa → Unawatuna → Colombo
Additional Info:
- Jaffna region is best explored May–September
- Whale watching in Mirissa is seasonal (Nov–Apr)
Ideal For: Cultural enthusiasts, explorers, and repeat visitors seeking deeper regional experiences.
- Tour Timeline
Tour Timeline
Day 1
Arrival in Negombo
- Meet and greet. Rest at beachfront hotel.
Overnight Stay: Negombo
Day 2
Negombo → Wilpattu
- Transfer to Wilpattu National Park.
- Afternoon safari.
Overnight Stay: Wilpattu
Day 3
Wilpattu → Anuradhapura
- Visit ancient Buddhist sites, stupas, and Bodhi Tree.
Overnight Stay: Anuradhapura
Day 4
Anuradhapura → Sigiriya
- Stop at Mihintale en route. Leisure evening.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Day 5
Sigiriya & Minneriya Safari
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Safari in Minneriya/Kaudulla to spot elephants.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Day 6
Sigiriya → Trincomalee
- Beach relaxation and snorkeling options.
Overnight Stay: Trincomalee
Day 7
Trincomalee Tour
- Koneswaram Temple, Fort, and Nilaveli Beach.
Overnight Stay: Trincomalee
Day 8
Trincomalee → Kandy
- Scenic drive. Stop at Matale spice garden.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Day 9
Kandy Day Tour
- Explore Temple of the Tooth, city walk, and dance show.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Day 10
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
- Tea estate tour, Ramboda Falls, Gregory Lake.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya
Day 11
Train to Ella
- Relaxing hill country ride with stunning views.
Overnight Stay: Ella
Day 12
Explore Ella
- Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock (optional), and cafes.
Overnight Stay: Ella
Day 13
Ella → Yala
- Ravana Waterfall, scenic drive to Yala.
Overnight Stay: Yala
Day 14
Yala → Udawalawe
- Morning safari in Yala.
- Visit Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe.
Overnight Stay: Udawalawe
Day 15
Udawalawe → Mirissa
- Journey to Mirissa via inland roads.
- Beach leisure and seafood dinner.
Overnight Stay: Mirissa
Day 16
Mirissa → Unawatuna
- Whale Watching Tour (Nov–April).
- Transfer to Unawatuna. Visit Jungle Beach.
Overnight Stay: Unawatuna
Day 17
Unawatuna → Bentota → Colombo & Departure
- Galle Fort walk, Madu River Safari, turtle hatchery.
- Colombo short city tour if time permits. Transfer to airport.
More about Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. The city lies 205 kilometers north of the current capital of Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya.
More about Colombo Discover Colombo
Colombo is the executive and judicial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. The Colombo metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 within the municipal limits. It is the financial centre of the island and a tourist destination.
More about Ella Discover Ella
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 200 kilometres east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres above sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna.
More about Jaffna
Jaffna is a city on the northern tip of Sri Lanka. Nallur Kandaswamy is a huge Hindu temple with golden arches and an ornate gopuram tower. By the coast, star-shaped Jaffna Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later occupied by the Dutch and British. Jaffna Public Library is a symbol of the city’s post-war regeneration. Jaffna Archaeological Museum has Dutch cannons and pre-colonial artifacts.
More about Kandy
Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera annual procession.
More about Mirissa Discover Mirissa
Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, located in the Matara District of the Southern Province. It is approximately 150 kilometres south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 4 metres above sea level. Mirissa's beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination.
More about Negombo Discover Negombo
Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, north of the capital, Colombo. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort now house a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Neoclassical St. Mary’s Church, completed in the 1920s, features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.
More about Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. The naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens displays roses and tree ferns, and shelters monkeys and blue magpies. Nearby Seetha Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu shrine, is decorated with religious figures. Densely forested Galway's Land National Park is a sanctuary for endemic and migratory bird species, including bulbuls and flycatchers.
More about Polonnaruwa Discover Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, also referred as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
More about Sigiriya
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite approximately 180 m high.
More about Trincomalee Discover Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Set on a peninsula, Fort Frederick was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Within its grounds, the grand Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock cliff, a popular vantage point for blue-whale watching. The holy complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva. Nearby Gokanna Temple has panoramic views over the city and the coastline.
More about Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a town in southern Sri Lanka. It’s known for its coral reef and its palm-lined beaches, like Unawatuna Beach. Nestled in nearby jungle, the Japanese Peace Pagoda has a stupa with ocean views. The Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery south of town protects endangered species. North across the bay is the city of Galle’s fortified old town, founded by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.
More about Wilpattu
Wilpattu National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of "Willus" – natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater.
More about Yala Discover Yala
Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. It’s home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha Viharaya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.
