Snapshot
Discover the far north of Sri Lanka with our Sri Lanka’s Northern Heritage tour, journey through varied landscapes and discover Jaffna’s renewed ambition. The ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura offers a taste of Sri Lanka’s ancient culture. Nature lovers might wish to travel during the migrant birding season from October to March when the Jaffna and Mannar lagoons are lined with pink flamingos and numerous other birds. Share in the reawakening of this resilient region which is coming alive once more.
Our Opinion
Sri Lanka`s north is beginning to reawaken and this carefully-crafted tour with a cultural emphasis is a show of faith in a better future
Don`t Miss
- Explore the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura
- Visit Hindu kovils and colonial-period churches in Jaffna
- Visit glorious East Coast beaches
- Watch graceful wild horses on Delft island
Why This Tour?
The Northern region of Sri Lanka offers a mix of unique culture, ancient history, and stunning natural beauty. Including Chundikulam National Park adds an element of wildlife exploration, particularly for birdwatching enthusiasts. The tour covers the diverse attractions of Jaffna, Mannar, and beyond, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the region’s heritage and nature. The carefully selected accommodations, ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly, cater to different preferences. Optional add-ons allow for more in-depth exploration, customization, and an enriched experience.
Package Includes
- Accommodation in a shared double / twin room
- Chauffeur-guide and vehicle for the duration of the tour (including leisure days)
- Both airport transfers
- Expert advice and support prior to and during the tour
Terms & Conditions
- Price shown is a starting price and is subject to change, depending on travel dates / the number of people travelling etc.
- Price shown is based on two people sharing a double / twin room
- See our Booking Conditions for more details
Want to change this itinerary? That’s cool with us.
Tailor-made is what we do. Just let us know your ideas by email or phone and we’ll get right back.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of your 8 days Sri Lankan Jaffna and Northern Tour itinerary
- Time Duration :
4-5 hours from Colombo to Anuradhapura (private car or optional train journey)
- Attractions :
Scenic drive through lush landscapes
- Activities :
Relax after the journey, explore the local area, enjoy a sunset visit to Mihintale
- Accommodations :
- Luxury: Ulagalla Resort
- Mid-Range: Palm Garden Village
- Budget: Hotel Heladiv
- Attractions :
Ancient City of Anuradhapura, Ruwanwelisaya, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
- Activities :
Guided tour of the ancient city, visit the sacred Bodhi Tree, explore archaeological ruins and ancient stupas
- Accommodations :
Same as Day 1
- Time Duration :
4-5 hours (scenic drive through the northern plains)
- Attractions :
Keerimalai Springs, Jaffna Fort
- Activities :
Visit the natural Keerimalai hot springs, explore the historic Jaffna Fort, evening walk along the waterfront
- Accommodations :
- Luxury: Jetwing Jaffna
- Mid-Range: Valampuri Hotel
- Budget: Green Grass Hotel
- Attractions :
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Jaffna Library, Jaffna Market
- Activities :
Visit the iconic Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, explore the historic Jaffna Public Library, enjoy a local shopping experience at Jaffna Market, traditional Tamil cooking class
- Accommodations :
same as Day 3
- Time Duration :
1.5-2 hours from Jaffna to Chundikulam (private car)
- Attractions :
Chundikulam National Park, Kilali Lagoon
- Activities :
Explore Chundikulam National Park with a guided safari focusing on birdwatching, mangroves, and coastal wildlife; picnic lunch near the lagoon, nature walks through the wetlands
- Accommodations :
Same as Day 3
- Time Duration :
1-2 hours (boat ride from Jaffna Peninsula)
- Attractions :
Delft Island, Nagadeepa Purana Vihara, Nagapooshani Amman Temple
- Activities :
Full-day island-hopping tour, explore the unique landscapes and wild horses of Delft Island, visit ancient temples on Nagadeepa Island, picnic lunch on the beach
- Accommodations :
: Same as Day 3
- Time Duration :
3-4 hours
- Attractions :
Thalai Mannar, Adams Bridge (Rama\'s Bridge)
- Activities :
Visit the iconic Thalai Mannar Pier, explore the beginning of Adam\'s Bridge, known in Hindu mythology as Rama\'s Bridge, birdwatching at the Mannar Wetlands
- Accommodations :
- Luxury: Palmyrah House
- Mid-Range: The Four Tees Hotel
- Budget: Pearl Rest
- Time Duration :
6-7 hours (optional domestic flight from Jaffna or Mannar)
- Attractions :
Mannar Fort, Baobab Tree, Doric Bungalow
- Activities :
Guided tour of Mannar Fort, see the ancient Baobab Tree (believed to be centuries old), visit the ruins of the Doric Bungalow, evening transfer back to Colombo
- Accommodations :
- Luxury: Shangri-La Colombo (if staying overnight)
- Mid-Range: Cinnamon Red Colombo
- Budget: City Hotel Colombo 02
1. Accommodation Costs (Per-Person Options)
Luxury Accommodation
Anuradhapura (2 nights): Ulagalla Resort
Jaffna (4 nights): Jetwing Jaffna
Mannar (1 night): Palmyrah House
Colombo (1 night): Shangri-La Colombo
Mid-Range Accommodation
Anuradhapura (2 nights): Palm Garden Village
Jaffna (4 nights): Valampuri Hotel
Mannar (1 night): The Four Tees Hotel
Colombo (1 night): Cinnamon Red Colombo
Budget Accommodation
Anuradhapura (2 nights): Hotel Heladiv
Jaffna (4 nights): Green Grass Hotel
Mannar (1 night): Pearl Rest
Colombo (1 night): City Hotel Colombo 02
2. Transportation Costs
Private Car with Driver
Airport Transfers
3. Activities and Tours
Entry Fees & Guided Tours (per person):
Mihintale Sunset Visit
Guided Tour of Anuradhapura
Keerimalai Springs Entry: Free
Jaffna Fort Tour: Free
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple Visit: Free
Chundikulam National Park Guided Safari
Delft & Nagadeepa Island Hopping Tour
Thalai Mannar and Adam’s Bridge Tour
Mannar Fort and Baobab Tree Tour
4. Meals
Breakfasts: Typically included with hotel stays.
Lunches and Dinners
5. Miscellaneous Costs
Tips for Driver and Guides
Souvenirs and Snacks
Optional Add-Ons (Additional Cost per Person)
Extended Safari in Chundikulam: Spend an extra day at Chundikulam for more in-depth exploration and birdwatching tours.
Boat Ride to Adam\'s Bridge: Take a guided boat tour to the sandbanks of Adam\'s Bridge, exploring the unique geography and mythology.
Cycling Tours in Anuradhapura: Cycle through the ancient ruins for a more immersive experience of the heritage site.
Birdwatching in Mannar: Extend your stay for a dedicated birdwatching tour, exploring the wetlands and lagoons that attract migratory birds.
Scenic Helicopter Transfers: Reduce travel time with helicopter transfers between key locations for a more comfortable journey.
Cultural Performances in Jaffna: Attend traditional Tamil music and dance performances for an authentic cultural experience.
Total Cost Calculation (per person)
Final Cost per Person:
Luxury: $,3800
Mid-Range: $2,800
Budget: $1,850
These costs cover accommodation, transportation, activities, meals, and additional expenses, with optional add-ons for customization. Let us know if you\'d like more details on any part!
