Day 1 – Fly to Colombo

Today you will start your Sri Lankan adventure by flying to Colombo International Airport.

Day 2 – Arrival & Transfer→ Wilpattu

 “Ayubowan” & ‘’Vanakkam’’ Welcome to tropical paradise. You will be welcomed & greeted by your guide or The Earth Trip representative on arrival at the Waiting Area at Colombo International Airport. You will travel to Wilpattu. Travel time approximately 3 hours depends on the road traffic. 

Location: – Wilpattu     Hotel: The Ibis     Room: Deluxe   Board: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 3 – Wilpattu

In the Morning you will do safari at Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu National Park (‘Land of Lakes’) is situated in the Northwest coast near the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It is the largest and oldest National park in Sri Lanka consisting 140,000 hectares of mostly dry zone evergreen forest cover and coastal belt to the West. This is one of best places to see leopards in Sri Lanka along with Yala National Park. The open grassy plains set within the thick dense scrub jungle. The wetland includes around 48 shallow natural lakes known as Villus, natural basins that are filled up with rainwater and two salt water lakes. These natural lakes are the most important parts of the complex eco-system in the park. 

The park is home to elusive Leopards, elephants, Sloth bears, Water Buffalos, Mugger Crocodiles, Spotted and Barking Deer, Wild Boar and Pythons. You will see the wild elephants particularly near lakes early in the morning and late afternoons Alongside these wild animals you will be able to see many endemic birds including the Ceylon Jungle fowl, Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Wood shrike and Black-capped Bulbul in riverine habitats. Butterflies recorded include the Great Egg fly, Great Orange Tip, Glad-eye Bush brown, Blue Mormon, Common Mormon, Common Rose and Crimson Rose. As well as diverse varieties of colourful butterflies can be seen in the park.. The wild life is abundant around lakes and coastal belt such as White Ibis, Open Bills, Painted Storks Spoonbills, Egrets, Whistling Teals, Kingfishers and also the water buffalos, monitors and crocodiles.

                                                                                                                                                                Afternoon you can enjoy planting a tree on your name to leave as a memory in Sri Lanka that can last long for years.

Optional afternoon safari.

Location: – Wilpattu     Hotel: The Ibis      Room: Deluxe     Board: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Negombo & the Northwest

Ibis Wilpattu

The Ibis is a four bed roomed exclusive and private ‘Villa’ styled property which lets you experience the absolute peace and serenity of rural Sri Lanka only to be broken by the twittering of over a hundred species of birds by day and at night it gives you the impression that you could touch the moon and the stars making you feel that you are one with nature.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 4 –  Wilpattu → Mannar

Today you will travel from Wilpattu to Mannar. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.

En-route to Mannar you will visit Thanthirimale. This area is one of the oldest human settlements in Sri Lanka which dates to pre 6th century BC. Also, it is mentioned in many historical chronicles as a pivotal place all throughout the history. The Bo tree here is said to be at least 2300 years old. It is a direct sapling of the famous Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura. 

The history of Thanthirimale dates to the 6th century BC, when Prince Vijaya and his men set foot on the island at a spot that came to be called Thambapanni, meaning bronze sand. After meeting Kuveni, the princess of an indigenous tribe, and settling there, Vijaya and his group moved further inland to build a kingdom. The route they are believed to have taken was along a river named Malwathu Oya. 

Along the way just before you enter Mannar you will visit the Giant’s Tank. It one of the largest man-made tanks in Sri Lanka. It is a great place to spot birds too. 

Location: – Mannar  Hotel: Palmyrah House     Room: Superior  Board: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Jaffna & the North

Palmyrah House

Palmyrah House is a luxury boutique hotel, consisting of fourteen rooms, all elegantly furnished for maximum comfort.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 5 – Mannar → Jaffna

In the morning you will do bird watching. Mannar is almost one huge bird sanctuary, protected by the wild life department. Mannar is an important resting point for migrating birds (October to March), making it a must for Bird Watchers. The bird species that drop into Mannar are many and varied. It is also one of the last places in Sri Lanka where you can see flamingos.

After that you will explore Mannar. Mannar is known as an Island, infect it is a peninsula formed in a shape of a tongue. At Talaimanar, the westernmost tip of the island, it is almost connected to the Dhanuskodi, the easternmost tip of peninsula of Southern India by a reef of corals submerged in the Palk Straits. Apart from the thin strip of land that joins the peninsula to the mainland, Mannar Island is also connected by the causeway over the shallow waters forming a 3 km stretch of A14 Madawachchiya –Talaimannar main road. The small fishing port of Mannar is located on the south-eastern shore. 

Afterwards you will travel to Jaffna along the rural route of Northern Sri Lanka. Travel time approximately 2 hours.

Location: – Jaffna    Hotel: Fox Resorts      Room: Deluxe   Board: Breakfast & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 6 – Jaffna

Today you will be sightseeing Jaffna Peninsula to experience life, culture, and food.

After that you will get culinary experience of learning how to cook certain food in Jaffna Style. Jaffna food is very delicious, unique in style and cooking than other places in Sri Lanka.

Afternoon visit Point Pedro: Point Pedro, also known as Sakkotai Cape, is the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. A trading post during pre-colonial and colonial times, it is an unpretentious spot which nevertheless is replete with significance and well worth a look for those with a sense of history and looking for simple pleasures. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Indian coastline, about 40 miles away. Along the way you can see fishing communities and fish drying methods. 

Location: – Jaffna    Hotel: Fox Resorts      Room: Deluxe   Board: Breakfast & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 7 –  Jaffna 

After breakfast you will visit Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, this fascinating Hindu temple also known Kovil in Tamil and shrine. It is dedicated to God Murugan – (God of Tamils). Nallur was part of once thriving Jaffna Kingdom. The Portuguese who captured Jaffna in 1560 demolished the Temple in 1621 leaving no traces of it. The temple then stood at Sankili Thoppu on the eastern side of the Point Pedro Road (The site was later used for erecting a Christian Church). Jaffna again fell to Dutch in 1658. They were more tolerant on religious freedom and the temple was allowed to be rebuilt in the current location in 1734 by Don Juan Mappana Mudliyar as a humble temple dedicated to lord Murugan. This impressive temple is now fully restored. The temple hosts an enormous and spectacular Hindu festival for over 25 days in July/August, which climaxes on the twenty fourth with parades of floats and displays of self-mutilation by entranced devotees. 

After that visit Jaffna market which is of many varieties of fruits, vegetables, Fresh and dried fishes, crabs and prawns. It is also very special for selling many Jaffna sweets and snacks. Get an experience at sighting different people from different regions and countries buying stuffs at the market.

Location: – Jaffna   Hotel: Fox Resorts  Room: Deluxe   Board: Breakfast & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 8 – Jaffna → Trincomalee

After breakfast you will travel from Jaffna to Vavuniya by train. Travel time approximately 2 ½ hours. Yal Devi train resumed service between Colombo to Jaffna in restored tracks in 2014 after almost 25 years in absence due to the war. During the war the tracks was completely damaged.  The Guardian & Telegraph ranked this train journey and northern Jaffna as in their top places to go in 2015. 

Upon arrival in Vavuniya, you will be picked up by your guide and you will travel to your hotel in Trincomalee. Travel time approximately 1 ½ hours.

Location: – Trincomalee   Hotel: C Beyond Nilaveli  Room: Deluxe     Board: Breakfast & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 9 – Trincomalee

Today you will visit the Koneswaram Temple. Also known as Tiru koneswaram Kovil (Hindu temple) which is situated on top of Swami Rock. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, and it is one out of five such temples situated around Sri Lanka. It is believed that this Kovil has been in existence since 2500 years ago, and was renovated by the south Indian Chola king Kulakottan and maintained by other Sinhala Buddhist kings. In 1622 the Portuguese destroyed this temple which they referred to as the temple of a thousand columns by shoving the temple over the edge of the cliff into the deep blue seas below. The revered Shiva lingam (mark of Shiva) was subsequently rescued by divers. The Portuguese used the building materials of the temple in the construction of Fort Fredrick.

At the bottom of the hill which leads to Swami rock in an ancient stone inscription with the symbol of King Kulakottan – the dual fish. With a prophecy stating that after 1500 years Westerners with different eye colours will rule the country for 500 years. Visitors to the temple could take part in the evening or morning pooja (prayer service) or obtain a blessing from the swami (priest) at the Kovil. The temple is also worthwhile visiting for its gorgeous views of the natural harbour as well as the Indian Ocean.

Afternoon you will discover Trincomalee. Trincomalee is a port city and has the fifth largest natural harbour in the world. The city is surrounded by lagoons, bays and hills and situated in a peninsula. The white powder golden sandy beaches spread across the area offer its visitors calm azure waters to immerse themselves in the water. This is a perfect place for snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing. This port city has a history worth exploring, the strategic location of the natural harbour made it a city worthwhile conquering, and hence it was conquered by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Trincomalee is fondly referred to as Trinco by the locals; the Anglicized Tamil word ‘Trincomalee’ denotes the meaning lord of the sacred hill. 

Location: – Trincomalee   Hotel: C Beyond Nilaveli     Room: Deluxe     Board: Breakfast & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 10 –  Trincomalee →Kalkudah

After breakfast you will travel to Kalkudah. Travel time is approximately 2 hours. You will travel via the coastal route. Along the way you can see many fishing villages known for dry fish. 

Location: – Kalkudah   Hotel: Karpaha Sands    Room: Palam   Board: Breakfast & Dinner

Superior

Sri Lanka • Trincomalee & the East

Karpaha Sands

The East Coast is Sri Lanka's greatest undiscovered gem and Karpaha Sands its best kept secret. Unreachable for more than 30 years. Now yours to explore

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Superior

Sri Lanka • Trincomalee & the East

Karpaha Sands

The East Coast is Sri Lanka's greatest undiscovered gem and Karpaha Sands its best kept secret. Unreachable for more than 30 years. Now yours to explore

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 11 – Kalkudah → Gal Oya 

After breakfast you will travel to Gal Oya. Travel time approximately 3 hours. 

Afternoon you will walk with Veddhas (indigenous people of Sri Lanka) (1:30-2 hours), the last remaining communities of the Veddhas – the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka. We can invite the village Chief to take you on a walk through the jungles of his ancestors. Discover and learn about local nature as he brings the forest alive, explaining his tribe’s use of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings. It’s a fascinating insight into how the hunter-gatherers lived in the jungles of Gal Oya. 

Location: – Gal Oya      Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge (Bungalow)     Board: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

 ** Please note that there is no Wi-Fi or mobile coverage in the area due remote location.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Trincomalee & the East

Gal Oya Lodge

Take your time enjoying this natural paradise with boat safaris, jungle drives, bicycle tours, riverside picnics, naturalist treks and even a walk with the Vedda neighbours, one of the last remaining communities of the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 12 –  Gal Oya  → Knuckels Mountains 

In the morning you will take a boat safari to watch the birds and wildlife of Gal Oya. This is only park in Sri Lanka where you can take boat trip to watch the wildlife and swimming elephants. Gal Oya National Park lies south-east of the Kandy in the eastern district. The Park was closed during the war for three decades. This Park was established to protect the catchments area of the Senanayake Samudraya (lake). This wildlife richness of this wetland, the park is a natural habitat for a wide range of fauna and flora consisting of dry mixed vegetation including savannah grass and an extensive green cover. About 45% of the vegetation is evergreen forest, 33% savanna, 9% grassland, 2% cheina cultivations and the balance is water bodies dominated by Senanayake Samudraya. The Park is host of medicinal shrubs and trees, while a few locally known trees such as Vevarana, Halmilla, Veera, Palu, Ebony and Mahogany are found in great numbers. The Park with its thick green canopy is a haven for species of birds and nearer to the Samudraya even migratory birds such as Painted Storks, Pelicans, Cormorants and Teals could be seen. A host of local birds such as the Grey Dove, Malabar Horn Bill and Grey Horn Bill, Koel and a number of water birds are found in this jungle habitat. January to May is the green season, with chance of afternoon and night-time showers. The lake is at its fullest, amazing bird life as all the migratory species are in residence and stunning early morning views of cloud engulfed mountains. June-December is the dry season, as the year goes on the lake subsides and exposes the lake floor where fresh grass grows and attracts large herds of elephant. Hot days cool nights. The days are hot, and the nights are cool

After that you will travel to Knuckles Mountain Range near Kandy. Travel time approximately 3 hours. 

Location: – Knuckles     Hotel: Rangala House     Room: Deluxe    Board: Breakfast & Dinner

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Rangala House

Rangala House is a converted tea-planter's bungalow offering top class accommodation in the Hill Country of central Sri Lanka, on the edge of the Knuckles Conservancy Region.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 13 – Knuckles 

After an early breakfast, Hike to the Hatale Mini World’s End.

Location: – Knuckles     Hotel: Rangala House     Room: Deluxe    Board: Breakfast & Dinner

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Rangala House

Rangala House is a converted tea-planter's bungalow offering top class accommodation in the Hill Country of central Sri Lanka, on the edge of the Knuckles Conservancy Region.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 14 – Knuckles  →  Airport→ Departure

Today you will travel to Colombo Airport. Travel time approximately 2 ½ hours depend on the road traffics. You will fly back.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast