22-Day Northern & Eastern Sri Lanka Grand Tour

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your local representative for your transfer to Colombo. After hotel check-in, relax or explore the capital's colonial landmarks, shopping districts and seaside promenade, depending on your arrival time. Key experiences: Airport welcome, Colombo city atmosphere, Galle Face Green.

Explore Colombo's cultural highlights, including Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, Pettah Market and Galle Face Green. Experience the contrast between historic architecture, bustling commercial streets and the modern waterfront of Sri Lanka's capital.

Leave Colombo behind and journey north through coastal communities towards Wilpattu National Park. After arriving at your safari lodge and checking in, enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding natural landscape before your wildlife explorations begin

Spend the day on safari in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's largest national park. Explore its distinctive forest habitats and natural lakes while looking for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, crocodiles and diverse birdlife. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions..

Travel to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most important historic cities. Begin exploring its remarkable archaeological heritage, where ancient stupas, monastery ruins and sacred monuments reveal the achievements of a kingdom that flourished more than two millennia ago.

Discover Anuradhapura's spiritual and architectural treasures, including Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya and Isurumuniya Temple. Ancient reservoirs and monumental structures reveal the ingenuity, religious devotion and sophisticated water management of Sri Lanka's historic civilisation.

Journey north through the island's changing landscapes to Jaffna, a destination known for its strong Tamil identity, distinctive cuisine and rich history. After arriving and checking in, begin discovering the atmosphere of this fascinating northern city

Discover Jaffna Fort, the celebrated Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and traditional local markets. Depending on the confirmed excursion arrangements, explore nearby islands and coastal communities to gain a deeper appreciation of the peninsula's heritage, architecture and everyday life

Venture beyond Jaffna city to discover the peninsula's distinctive coastal scenery and traditional fishing villages. Delft Island or nearby northern attractions feature in the published itinerary, offering insight into the region's history, resilient communities and less-visited landscapes.

Travel from Jaffna towards Mannar, crossing the causeway into a region shaped by fishing traditions, colonial history and distinctive dry-zone landscapes. Discover Mannar's unusual baobab tree and enjoy the slower pace of this lesser-visited destination.

Explore Mannar Fort and the coastal landscapes associated with Adam's Bridge. Discover bird habitats and traditional villages in this quieter corner of Sri Lanka, where island scenery and maritime heritage offer a different perspective on the country's well-known cultural destinations.

Journey east across Sri Lanka's northern plains to Trincomalee, a coastal destination renowned for its natural harbour, cultural landmarks and beautiful beaches. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the change of scenery as the journey moves towards the Indian Ocean's eastern shores.

Visit Koneswaram Temple and historic Fort Frederick before discovering the coastline around Nilaveli Beach. Pigeon Island Marine National Park is another highlight in the published itinerary, with snorkelling available as an optional activity where conditions and arrangements permit.

Travel south along the east coast to Pasikuda, known for its expansive sandy beach and shallow turquoise waters. After arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy a change of pace from sightseeing, with time to appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of Sri Lanka's eastern shoreline.

Spend a leisurely day in Pasikuda, where the sandy shoreline and calm coastal setting provide time to unwind. Swim where conditions are suitable, enjoy optional water sports or cycling, or simply relax by the Indian Ocean before continuing inland

Travel inland from Pasikuda towards Sigiriya, at the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. As tropical coastal scenery gives way to greener countryside, settle into your hotel and enjoy the surrounding landscapes, with views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock area where available.

Explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most recognisable historic landmarks, celebrated for its ancient royal heritage and dramatic setting. The published itinerary also lists nearby village experiences, Minneriya National Park and Dambulla Cave Temple as possible additional highlights; confirm which excursions are included in the final arrangements.

Journey from Sigiriya to Kandy, with a visit to a spice garden along the way. Explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist sites, and enjoy a traditional cultural dance performance in this historic hill capital.

Explore Kandy's surrounding attractions, including Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, local handicraft centres and tea museums. Enjoy viewpoints overlooking Kandy Lake and appreciate the city's distinctive blend of Buddhist heritage, green landscapes and hill-country culture.

Journey from Kandy towards Ella through rolling tea plantations, misty mountains and picturesque highland scenery. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy Ella's relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by hills and lush countryside.

Discover Ella's signature attractions, including the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, Ravana Falls and surrounding tea estates. Enjoy the area's distinctive combination of highland scenery, forested slopes and panoramic viewpoints, with the opportunity to appreciate one of Sri Lanka's most popular mountain destinations.

After breakfast, depart Ella for Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport, depending on your onward travel arrangements. Enjoy the changing landscapes on your final road journey as your 22-day exploration of Sri Lanka's ancient cities, northern heritage, eastern beaches and central highlands comes to a close.