Sri Lanka's Northern Heritage

You’ll be met at the airport by your private driver and head off for Kalpitiya, a laid-back coastal gem, famed for its rich biodiversity, vibrant marine life and pristine beaches. It’s a fabulous spot for dolphin or whale watching and a kite surfers’ paradise.

Today you’ll drive to the vast wilderness of Wilpattu National Park. Prized for its quiet and immersive safari offering, the park boasts unique sand-rimmed water basins, known as ‘willus’, and healthy populations of leopards and elephants which you’ll track on an afternoon safari drive.

You have morning and evening safari drives today. Using your expert guide’s deep knowledge of animal behaviour and park terrain, you’ll venture deep into Wilpattu’s landscape seeking leopards, sloth bears, elephants, deer, crocodiles, Langurs and a rich variety of birds and reptiles.

Today, you’ll journey to Anuradhapura, home to jungle-clad temples, sacred bathing ponds, towering stupas and the revered Bodhi tree, where you’ll explore by tuk-tuk. En route, you’ll stop at Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism, to wander its rock inscriptions and monastic ruins.

This morning, visit the 12-meter Aukana Buddha, a towering statue carved from a single granite rock in the 5th century. Set near Kala Wewa in a quiet rural landscape, it’s a remarkable example of ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist sculpture.

Today, travel to Mannar, a windswept island town linked by a long causeway. Shaped by Arab, Portuguese and Dutch influences, explore its historic fort and encounter baobab trees, wild donkeys, flamingos and rich migratory birdlife in this unique coastal landscape.

Giant’s Tank, a vast ancient reservoir in Mannar, is a biodiverse hotspot for birdlife. Wander the banks, sit and stare across the water or drift across on a boat, as you spot pelicans, jacanas, coots and cormorants.

Travel from Mannar to Jaffna through windswept plains, salt flats, and bird-filled lagoons. Pass quiet Tamil villages and fields dotted with Palmyra palms. Cross the scenic Sangupiddy Bridge into Jaffna, witnessing a landscape shaped by nature, resilience and the region’s distinct northern culture.

With a personal chauffeur-guide, discover Jaffna’s cultural riches, from its colonial fort and renowned library to the shallow waters of Casuarina Beach. Visit the ancient port, the healing springs of Keerimalai, and one of the region’s most sacred Hindu temples.

Wild ponies, Colonial-era Dutch fort ruins, ancient Hindu temple remnants and historic pigeon houses lie within the coral walls of Delft Island, which you’ll visit today before joining the Buddhist pilgrims crossing the water to Nagadeepa Island’s ancient temples.

Drive from Jaffna to Trincomalee this morning, passing coastal plains, salt pans and quiet Tamil villages. With clifftop temples, vivid sculptures, colonial forts, crescent-shaped bays and a deep natural harbour, Trincomalee offers rich sights, before you head to the water to snorkel, dive or spot whales.

Visit 17th-century Fort Frederick’s sweeping views and colonial ruins. Explore nearby Thirukoneshvaram Temple, a sacred Hindu site, rich in Dravidian architecture and millennia-old devotion. This afternoon, unwind on Nilaveli Beach’s powder-soft sands or snorkel around Pigeon Island National Park, home to abundant marine life.

After driving through Sri Lanka’s heartland, you’ll climb Pidurangala Rock with a local guide, who’ll lead you along remote tracks, winding upwards from an ancient Buddhist monastery. The summit offers a dramatic view across the forest canopy to neighbouring Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Welcome to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Entering Sigiriya through the massive rock-carved lion’s paws, you’ll discover a stunning network of pools, fountains and terraces. Natural boulders have been shaped into gateways, staircases and chambers, enticingly connected by winding stone paths.

Journeying through the lush Sri Lankan countryside, you’ll pass traditional villages and historic landmarks as you head for Negombo. You’ll stop en route to visit Dambulla Cave Temple with its opulent, ancient murals, sweeping views and golden Buddha statues.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport in time for your flight home. Soak in the last glimpses of the island’s serene beaches, traditional fishing villages and vibrant local life.