12 Days North Coast,Culture & Adventure Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Itinerary Code: IT1201

Destinations Overview

Detailed Itineraray

Day 01 : Colombo Airport – Negombo – Kalpitiya

Negombo Fish Market

Watch local fishermen reel in their catch of the day and display fresh seafood across endless platforms. Visit the fish market, also locally known as the ‘Lellama’; in the early hours of the morning if you’re looking to buy your favourite seafood like crabs or prawns and interact with the friendly fisherfolk of Negombo.

The Hamilton Canal

The Hamilton Canal (also known as the Dutch Canal) is a canal connecting Puttalam to Colombo, two of the main cities in Sri Lanka. It was used as a supply route in the times of the Dutch administration. During Dutch rule, the canal was named after Gavin Hamilton, the Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce. The canal is still being used. It runs across towns offering a view of houses, old churches and fishing villages.
Visitors can take a tour of the canal through a boat or have a bicycle ride along with it.

Dutch Fort Of Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya Fort was built by the Dutch between 1667 and 1676. Kalpitiya was important as it commands the entrance to the adjacent bay, Puttalam Lagoon. The surrounding Puttalam area was one of the major cinnamon cultivation areas in Sri Lanka. The Dutch even constructed a canal from Puttalam via Negombo to Colombo to transport cinnamon from the area.
The fort is nearly square in shape, with walls about 4 m (13 ft) high, constructed out of coral and limestone from the surrounding area. It has a single entrance, which fronts the lagoon, which has a pediment, with a belfry above and looks like the entrance to a church.
The yellow bricks that comprise the entrance arch were reportedly brought specially from Holland. The story is that the King of Kandy had granted permission only to build a church here and that the Dutch had built the arch to mislead the King into believing that this was simply a fortified church.

Kite surfing

Kalpitiya is perfect to learn Kite surfing with a range of flat water, waves, and a lagoon with wind averages of 18-20 knots during the Summer Season: May to October. In Winter Season (Still 26 Degrees): From December to March you can experience afternoon winds.

Day 02 : Kalpitiya – Mannar

Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

The best dolphin and whale watching season in Kalpitiya − Sri Lanka is from Mid October until the end of March! During these months large schools of the playful spinner dolphins are dwelling just three nautical miles out, in front of Kappalady beach. Another 2 miles further out the continental shelf is breaking steeply into the deep ocean. Because of the converging deep currents and the rich sea life, this is the preferred habitat for the blue whale, sperm whale and grey whale – the largest mammals which have ever inhabited our planet.

Baobab Tree

The Baobab trees in Sri Lanka are a thing of mystery for their appearance on the island and Mannar is well known for its oldest and largest yet behemoth baobab tree which captivates every viewer with its unusual shape and huge branches. It is believed to be about 800 years old with a circumference of 19.5 metres and a height of 7.5 metres. When the leaves are shed, the tree gives the impression that it had been planted upside down hence the name ‘upside down tree’, also referred to as the ‘bottle tree’ and the locals call it ‘elephant tree’, given its unusual and strange appearance and its huge barrel-shaped trunk which narrows into branches. A native of Africa and Madagascar, baobab trees are also found in Australia, therefore it is believed that the trees were brought to Sri Lanka by Arab traders since the age of the trees predates the arrival of the Portuguese. Since camels eat baobab trees for their high water content, Arab traders travelling on camels would have carried these leaves as fodder thereby bringing it to Sri Lanka by coming from Arabia through Pakistan and the southwest coast of India and eventually crossing the Adam’s Bridge into Mannar.

Mannar Fort

Mannar Fort is located on Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. It was built by the Portuguese in 1560. The fort fell to the Dutch in 1658, and they rebuilt the fort in 1696. In 1795 the British occupied the fort following the surrender by the Dutch. It is a square-shaped fort with four bastions and is located next to the new bridge that connects the mainland with the Mannar Island

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary is situated in Mannar in the northern province of Sri Lanka. This wetland area of 4,800 hectares was declared a sanctuary in the year 2008. It is a popular sanctuary in the Northern Province, especially for migrating waterfowl. A majority of the birds found at the Mannar Bird Sanctuary are aquatic or semi-aquatic birds as they are located surrounding the Vankalai Lagoon.
This bird sanctuary is a boon in disguise for nature & wildlife lovers to watch an amazing variety of migratory and local birds. It is a popular Bird Sanctuary cum Nature Reservoir in Mannar which offers ample choice to spend the best time watching the variety of bird species, mammals, and countless other animals. Popular animals like Deccan avifaunal species, Crab Plover, long-tailed Shrike; Black Drongo; and Indian Courser amongst others are commonly found here.

Keeri Beach

Located 5 km to the west from Mannar along the coastal road. Offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, the blue shallow waters of the Keeri Beach is the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing. The beach stretches a wide distance of seclusion and tranquillity and is fringed by a small palmyra palm forest that’s home to a troop of monkeys

Thiruketheeswaram Temple

Ketheeswaram temple or Thiruketheeswaram Hindu Temple in Manner is one of the most venerated Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka located in Mannar District, Nothern Province of Sri Lanka.
This is also one of the five Pancha Ishwarams (five abodes of God Shiva) temples in Sri Lanka dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. And also this temple was venerated by Shaivas throughout the continent. According to the Hindu natives of the Manthota, Thiruketheeswaram is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams of Shiva glorified in the poems of the Tevaram. It is believed that there is a direct link between Ketheeswaram Temple and the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka.

Day 03 : Mannar – Jaffna

Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

The best dolphin and whale watching season in Kalpitiya − Sri Lanka is from Mid October until the end of March! During these months large schools of the playful spinner dolphins are dwelling just three nautical miles out, in front of Kappalady beach. Another 2 miles further out the continental shelf is breaking steeply into the deep ocean. Because of the converging deep currents and the rich sea life, this is the preferred habitat for the blue whale, sperm whale and grey whale – the largest mammals which have ever inhabited our planet.

Baobab Tree

The Baobab trees in Sri Lanka are a thing of mystery for their appearance on the island and Mannar is well known for its oldest and largest yet behemoth baobab tree which captivates every viewer with its unusual shape and huge branches. It is believed to be about 800 years old with a circumference of 19.5 metres and a height of 7.5 metres. When the leaves are shed, the tree gives the impression that it had been planted upside down hence the name ‘upside down tree’, also referred to as the ‘bottle tree’ and the locals call it ‘elephant tree’, given its unusual and strange appearance and its huge barrel-shaped trunk which narrows into branches. A native of Africa and Madagascar, baobab trees are also found in Australia, therefore it is believed that the trees were brought to Sri Lanka by Arab traders since the age of the trees predates the arrival of the Portuguese. Since camels eat baobab trees for their high water content, Arab traders travelling on camels would have carried these leaves as fodder thereby bringing it to Sri Lanka by coming from Arabia through Pakistan and the southwest coast of India and eventually crossing the Adam’s Bridge into Mannar.

Mannar Fort

Mannar Fort is located on Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. It was built by the Portuguese in 1560. The fort fell to the Dutch in 1658, and they rebuilt the fort in 1696. In 1795 the British occupied the fort following the surrender by the Dutch. It is a square-shaped fort with four bastions and is located next to the new bridge that connects the mainland with the Mannar Island

Mannar Bird Sanctuary

Mannar Bird Sanctuary is situated in Mannar in the northern province of Sri Lanka. This wetland area of 4,800 hectares was declared a sanctuary in the year 2008. It is a popular sanctuary in the Northern Province, especially for migrating waterfowl. A majority of the birds found at the Mannar Bird Sanctuary are aquatic or semi-aquatic birds as they are located surrounding the Vankalai Lagoon.
This bird sanctuary is a boon in disguise for nature & wildlife lovers to watch an amazing variety of migratory and local birds. It is a popular Bird Sanctuary cum Nature Reservoir in Mannar which offers ample choice to spend the best time watching the variety of bird species, mammals, and countless other animals. Popular animals like Deccan avifaunal species, Crab Plover, long-tailed Shrike; Black Drongo; and Indian Courser amongst others are commonly found here.

Keeri Beach

Located 5 km to the west from Mannar along the coastal road. Offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, the blue shallow waters of the Keeri Beach is the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing. The beach stretches a wide distance of seclusion and tranquillity and is fringed by a small palmyra palm forest that’s home to a troop of monkeys

Thiruketheeswaram Temple

Ketheeswaram temple or Thiruketheeswaram Hindu Temple in Manner is one of the most venerated Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka located in Mannar District, Nothern Province of Sri Lanka.
This is also one of the five Pancha Ishwarams (five abodes of God Shiva) temples in Sri Lanka dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. And also this temple was venerated by Shaivas throughout the continent. According to the Hindu natives of the Manthota, Thiruketheeswaram is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams of Shiva glorified in the poems of the Tevaram. It is believed that there is a direct link between Ketheeswaram Temple and the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka.

Day 04 :  Mannar – Jaffna 

Nilavarai Bottomless Well

The Nilavarai Well is a popular attraction in Jaffna lying in Nilavarai in the Navakkiri GS area of the Valikaamam East division. Sometimes referred to as a bottomless well or Deep Well, this well is caused by the collapse of the top layer, exposing a limestone cavern connected to an underground water source. It is said that this well never dries up even during severe drought and the water is used by the farmers in the surrounding area. It is said that the 1st 40 feet of water in the well is fresh and turns saline further down. It is believed that this water source is connected to the Keerimalai Freshwater Pool and said that a lime fruit thrown into the well will appear in the Keerimalai sea which lies 10km away from this well. It is often speculated that the place name Nilavarai might have come from Nilavarai linking the place name with the subterranean water source. The well is always referred to as Nilavarai.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

In the hot arid lands of Nallur, in Jaffna, rises the majestic Hindu temple for Skanda/ Murugan – the god of love, war and beauty. It has reigned over the land for centuries, attracting devotees from various walks of life. The temple itself embodies a kind of peace that can only be felt in the most divine of places. The foundation for the kovil was laid in 948 AD, but due to constant invasion by foreign forces, the location of the temple moved around multiple times within Nallur. The temple was finally established in the 13th century by Puvenaya Vaku, a minister to the then King of Jaffna, Kalinga Magha.

Jaffna Library

First built in 1933, the Jaffna Library has long been a symbol of northern heritage. Emphasised by its now restored classical architecture, the library also endured a horrific burning in 1981 – a time at which it held nearly 100,000 books and manuscripts, making it one of the largest libraries in Asia. Ancient literature and documents from renowned scholars and other professionals were preserved at the Jaffna Library and served as a cherished depository for information on the history and culture of the northern peninsula. Today, although filled with a collection nowhere near its original, the Library still commands the timeless dignity it upholds for the people of Jaffna and beyond.

Jaffna Archeological Museum

The Jaffna Archaeological Museum is located in Nallur, Jaffna. This building was surprisingly not affected by the war. The construction started in 1976 after the land was given by Arumuga Navalar Foundation and was completed about 10 years later. The front section is named Navalar Cultural Hall and the museum houses many ancient artefacts and collections from the Buddhist and Hindu religions which are in various forms of metal, wood and stone. The collections range from the ancient era to the colonial era. You can also see some of the archaeological excavation findings of Kandarodai led by P.E. Pieris in 1917-1919, of which are 15th-century statues of Buddha and 14th century ‘seven-mouthed’ pot and a pair of cannons of the Dutch Fort. There are many ancient coins from different historical periods.
The Museum is open for visitors from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm, except on public holidays and Tuesdays.

Jaffna Fort

The perfect place to watch the sunset over the sea, Jaffna’s fort is a large ruin of the prestigious structure that it used to be. A piece of colonial history spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all woven its elaborate past.
The Jaffna Fort was originally built by the Portuguese and then superiorly renovated and completed by the Dutch in 1680. It was said to be the best and strongest in Asia. The Jaffna Fort is the only fortification on the island with exterior bastion fortification features such as ravelins, covered ways and a glacis and thus gives a unique experience to study and observe these features. It has only government and military buildings within its premises such as the Governor’s Residence (King’s House), Queen’s House, Kruys Church and many buildings from the Portuguese Era.

Kantharodai Viharaya

Kantharodai Viharaya is a place where you can spot the famous dagobas (stupas) in a town which is famous for its Hindu architecture. Located near the Jaffna town, you can find numerous dome-shaped stone structures here, varying in size, the largest being 12ft in diameter. In some places, it is mentioned that you can find almost 60 stupas at this spot.
Nestled between the Palmyrah trees, this place was first discovered by Dr Paul E. Pieris in 1916. The history of the pagodas and the items found during the excavation adds to the mysteriousness of this place. Some people claim that this site was used as an ancient burial site for around 60 senior Tamil monks, hence the 60 stupas found here.
This was the first site to be excavated by the Archaeology Department of Sri Lanka, and many treasures were found buried beneath this place. It also serves as a symbol of harmony between the Buddhist and the Hindu culture in Sri Lanka since the local people believe this spot was used by Tamil monks as a religious site.
The Kantharodai Viharaya is one of the few places which show that Buddhism was older than almost all other religions in this area. It deserves a visit for its deep-rooted history and the mystery of this place.

Day 05 :   Jaffna – Trincomalee

Kanniya Hot Water Spring

Kanniya Hot Springs is a site with hot water wells located in Eastern Province, Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. The average temperature of these wells is 42 Celsius and the temperature is slightly different to one another. Kanniya Hot spring is a popular tourist destination in the Trincomalee district and both local & foreign travellers. Currently, this is managed by the Pradeshiya Sabha (Local Council) of Trincomalee. People in this area believe that this hot water is good for some skin deceases and it has healing power for Arthritis and Rheumatic.

According to King Ravana’s era, It says that King Ravana stuck the earth with his sword in several spots and several fountains sprang from these points. The water was hot and this was the beginning of these hot water springs

Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram Temple or Tirukoneswaram Kovil 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 is an ancient stone inscription with the symbol of King Kulakottan – the dual fish. The prophecy states that after 1500 years, Westerners with different eye colours will rule the country for 500 years. you can 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 worth visiting for its gorgeous views of the natural harbour as well as the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka Navy Museum

The Maritime and Naval History Museum was established in the year 2013 and is located close to Fort Frederick, this is where the Dutch first landed on the island in the late 16th century and began their rule of the country. The beautiful colonial building housing the museum was the former residence of the Dutch Naval Commissioner from 1602 to 1795 and from 1795 to 1948 had been used as the Urban Commissioner’s residence. The building was severely damaged during the civil war but has now been renovated and restored to its former majestic state, making it a must-see place in Sri Lanka.
A tour of the museum will allow you to gain insights into Sri Lankan maritime history, marine biodiversity, and information on the history of the local naval affairs. The museum building is on two floors, each floor containing its specialities. The ground floor contains displays covering Sri Lankan naval history dating back to the times of Marco Polo and includes a video documentary as well. The first floor contains artefacts which shed light on the marine ecosystem with particular emphasis on the flora and fauna of the east coast. The museum also houses exhibits of various corals, mangroves, sea grasses and marine mammals.

Marble Beach

Marble Beach is a beautiful and clean beach situated in Kinniya Road, Trincomalee. This pristine sandy beach is excellent for relaxing and the sea is ideal for swimming. The famous Marble Beach Air Force Resort managed by the Sri Lanka Air Force is also located here. Marble Beach is also known by the name Marble Bay Beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.
The name “Marble Beach” is derived from the fact that when the sea is calm on a clear and bright day, the surface can be seen to be shining like marble. This calm and beautiful beach is relatively untouched and remains to be clean with pristine clear blue water. The sea here is also popular for snorkelling due to the existence of large schools of coloured fish.

Trincomalee War Cemetery

Trincomalee War Cemetery is a British military cemetery. It is situated in Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. This place is dedicated to the soldiers of the British Empire who were killed or died during World war II. It is one of the Commonwealth war cemeteries in Sri Lanka.
Fort Frederick
In the past Trincomalee was the Naval and airforce base of the British and allied powers during World War II. In 1942 on April 9th the Trinco port was under attack by the Japanese. There was a British warship anchored in the port that was destroyed, thus their bodies were buried and kept in memory in this small cemetery. It is recorded that the attack killed 368 soldiers and injured many more.

Day 06 :  Trincomalee – Pasikuda

Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli to the north of Trincomalee is one of Sri Lanka’s longest sandy beaches. Nilaveli is a Tamil word translating to “moon-shine open land”. In Sinhala, the same word means “blue sand”. After the civil war, it has become a major tourist destination, particularly for beach holidaymakers who come to Sri Lanka during the northern summer months. Watersports are a huge feature on this beach, surfing and windsurfing are the major excursions undertaken here.

Pigeon Island National Park

The national park got its name after rock pigeons/doves that inhabit the national park itself. The pigeon island national park comprises two islands – the large pigeon island and the small pigeon island. The best thing about any island has to be the beach, and it is no different from the Pigeon Island National Park. The twist to the plot is the coral reef that extends 200m long and 100m in width. So, you can see plenty of sea life within the reach of the beach. The small pigeon island has a rocky islet surrounding its coral-rich habitat. The rocky outcrops and the islets are a breeding and feeding ground for over 300 species of coral reef fish keeping the colourful underwater symphony alive.

Pasikuda Beach

Pasikuda meaning ‘Green-Algae Bay’ is located approximately 35 kilometers away from the town of Batticaloa. The natural beauty of this beach with its horseshoe-shaped bay, endless stretch of sandy shores and sparkling blue waters attract visitors from all over the world.
There are activities available such as surfing, snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, waterskiing and kite surfing The beach of Pasikuda is home to magnificent marine species. There are a string of hotels, restaurants and guesthouses located along the shores of this beach

Kalkudah Beach

Kalkudah beach is a very clean and nice beach with little or no waves, located 282km east of Colombo on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Beautiful beaches with white sand and a unique bluish sea. Best to visit in the early morning or late evening and Ideal place to witness the sunrise.

Surfing in Pasikuda

Pasikuda is regarded as an attractive venue for water sports and draws numerous water sports enthusiasts who visit the area at all times of the year. It is particularly well-known as a delightful location for surfing, and you will see a mass of surfers at the beach taking advantage of the encouraging conditions for the sport. Visitors will be able to observe a mass of surfers indulging in their sport, displaying spectacular moves and actions. Regardless of whether you are a master surfer or a novice, you will find splendid surfing opportunities at Pasikuda.

Day 07 :  Pasikuda – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday. The archaeological park will be a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas – in a compact core. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip. Due to its archaeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority, UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa a World Heritage in 1982 under the name of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.

Minneriya National Park /Kaudulla National Park / Hurulu Eco-Park Safari

Minneriya national park, Kaudulla national park and hurulu eco-park are interconnected national parks. Mostly you will be able to see Elephants. they move around these parks depending on the weather and their needs. The safari jeep driver will take you to the best national park with suggestions from the previous safari jeep drivers who have seen more elephants.

Day 08 :  Sigiriya

Pidurangala Rock

Standing 199 meters tall, Pidurangala Rock has a long history which is widely believed to date back to the second century BC and is where a monastery was built by King Kashyapa. Ancient chronicles state that monks who previously resided at Sigiriya were donated temple by the king before he took to building the marvellous structure atop Sigiriya Rock. The temple consisted of five buildings called ‘Panchavasa’, some of which can still be seen during your visit. Pidurangala Rock is adjacent to Sigiriya Rock and is the best viewing spot of Sigiriya Rock as it is only slightly lower. Pidurangala is a popular spot for sunrise as you can enjoy 360-degree views of not only the valleys but also Sigiriya Rock.

Sigiriya Village Tour with Lunch

This village tour gives you a memorable experience in a countryside rural village in Sigiriya. You will enjoy the sightseeing of paddy fields, bullock cart rides, traditional catamaran rides in a lake, visit Chena cultivation, traditional cooking demonstrations in a rural village house and authentic Sri Lankan lunch during this tour.

Elephant Back Riding

Riding on the back of the amazing giant in the wild would be an incredible experience in life. An elephant ride in Sri Lanka will be a great opportunity to be so close to the majestic beast while enjoying the views of nature, wildlife and traditional lifestyles of the people in rural villages in Sri Lanka. Moreover, an elephant ride in Sri Lanka would allow you to observe the surroundings in closer proximity. More than all the facts mentioned above, the most precious experience of this activity is getting to share a day in the life of an elephant. Usually, well-tamed elephants are used for these safaris and certainly, the elephant will be accompanied by the mahout. During an elephant ride in Sri Lanka, the passengers would be safely carried in a wooden saddle, which is a basket-like enclosure fixed upon a wooden platform and placed on the back of the elephant. The saddle would carry four passengers at a time, safely and comfortably.

Herbal Ayurvedic Spa at Sigiriya

Sink into the care of experienced Ayurvedic doctors with a range of carefully curated treatments, designed to give you a holistic wellness experience. Drawing from over multiple millennia of wisdom, the Ayurvedic therapies available in Srilankan hospitality include traditional curative and preventive treatments which focus on rejuvenating various elements of your mind, body, and soul. Treatments like Herbal Oil Massage, mind relaxing treatments, reflexology, Facial with Herbal Steam and body scrub are available and all are done with 100 % natural herbs.

Day 09 :  Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy 

Hot Air Ballooning

Just imagine a quiet ride through the sky enjoying breathtaking views. You can feel the wind in the sky and see beautiful landscapes and villages below. Treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime by embarking on an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. It will be a stunning experience to float over the Kandalama Lake and the ancient cities of Sigiriya and Dambulla experiencing the beauty of the sunrise over the mountains. This experience is seasonal and mostly available from October to March.

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Lion Rock is built in the 5th century and named after the giant Lion that is carved from stone and greets visitors at the entrance, the Sigiriya rock Fortress contains a lot of history. Also known as the ancient city of Sigiriya, the remains of the palace of King Kasyapa can be found on top of this 200 meters high rock. Besides that, a Buddhist Monastery, landscaped gardens, frescoes and water gardens can be seen when visiting the Lion rock. The ancient rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982 and has been declared by UNESCO as the eighth wonder of the world!

Dambulla Cave Temple

It was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and it is a World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of paintings found in the world.

Spice Garden Matale

where smells of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace overwhelm the senses and the visitors are provided with an insight into an age-old industry of spice production, which attracted many European and Asian merchants to the ports of ancient Sri Lanka.

Art & Craft Center Kandy

This is the largest and most exclusive handicrafts showroom in Sri Lanka. We sell antiques, wood carvings, masks, stoneware, Batiks, curios, silverware, brassware, paintings and other traditional Sri Lankan collectables”

Gem Museum

It is an excellent gemmology museum, educating one on the geological history of Sri Lanka. It also houses a shop from where you can buy the gems..they have a selection of Ceylon Sapphires, Diamonds, Pearls and other gemstones and jewellery in Sri Lanka.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known as the Glorious Tooth Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy. Also, visit Kandy Lake which is nearby.

Cultural Dancing Show

In the Evening watch the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. That is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance and Cultural Heritage
Starting Time of the Show – 5.30 PM

Day 10 : Kandy – Ramboda –  Nuwara Eliya

Ramboda Waterfalls

Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. … It is situated in Pussellawa area

Tea Plantation & Tea Factory

Nuwara Eliya is the best-known tea-growing district of Sri Lanka with her impressive lush green tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya has quite a large number of tea factories, tea houses and tea fields. Visit a tea factory en route to see how the world`s favourite drink is prepared and walk through a tea garden. During the tour, you will see how tea is dried, pressed and produced. You will get to see the various equipment and a guide will explain how they function. You will also visit a tea tasting chamber with different types of teas. There you will get to know the proper way of brewing tea and the various ways to identify the different types of tea.
Seetha Amman Temple
This temple is the only Hindu Temple which is dedicated to Princess Sita in Sri Lanka. Regarding the Ramayana proof of Sri Lanka, it is believed that the Sita Devi was kept captive at this site by King Ravana.

Lovers Leap Waterfall

This beautiful 30m high Lovers Leap fall in Nuwara Eliya is an incipient of the streams and brooks of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, the Piduruthalagala (2524m). It flows over hard granite ledges and the water is collected in a tank and used for drinking.
In dry spells, the flow is languid The fall is said to derive its name from the tragic tale of a prince, who while hunting in the jungle, lost his way. He was rescued by a beautiful damsel, and the two became inseparable lovers. But the match was not to the liking of the prince’s subjects, so the two decided to immortalise their love by leaping from the top of the fall to their death.

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church is an Anglican church in Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka.
The church was built to resemble the Canterbury Church of England and is situated in the valley between Sri Lanka’s (Ceylon) highest mountain, Pidurutalagala and the 3rd highest peak, Kikilimana, amongst Pines, Cypress, Rhododendrons and flowering shrubs. The architectural features of Holy Trinity Church are breathtaking. A work of art and a much valued stained glass window, depicting a “Madonna” was placed on the East Wall of the Chapel, to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the church in 1952.

Old Post office

Built in the year 1894, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office building displays a Tudor-era design, in keeping with the architectural style of many of the other colonial buildings within the town.
Complete with a red brick exterior and a clock tower spiralling out of the corner of the building, the building showcases a glimpse of old-world Ceylon and serves as a major tourist attraction in ‘Little England’.

Strawberry Farm

These fields are a great backdrop for the photographers who are trying to capture the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya. During the strawberry season, visitors can go around the plantation and pick up strawberries on their own. It is also possible to arrange a tractor tour around the premises. Some of these fields also have an attached shop where freshly picked strawberries along with jams, juices, and other strawberry-based products are readily available.

Gregory Lake

Named after Sir William Gregory in 1873, this is a prominent attraction used for water sports and recreational activities. Lake Park and Boat Rides are available. You can enjoy a leisurely walk on the paved walkways, with swan-shaped paddle boats for the more adventurous. There are pony rides around the lake for the kids and even adults, with plenty of fast food stalls located in a separate area where one can enjoy a meal or a snack.

Day 11 :  Nuwara Eliya – Hatton –  Kithulgala – Colombo

Pidurutalagala Mountain

Pidurutalagala Mountain in Sri Lanka (literally translating to Straw Plateau Rock), which is also called Mount Pedro in English is the tallest mountain on the island. It is situated in the Central Province, Nuwara Eliya. It is also the only ultra prominent peak on the island, and one of only 1515 ultra prominent peaks around the world. An ultra prominent peak is a mountain that has topographic prominence (height of the peak’s summit above the lowest contour line encircling it up to the highest summit) above 1500 meters. Mount Pedro has prominence and elevation of 2524m (8281 feet) (8292 feet according to the Survey Department).

St. Clair’s Falls

St. Clair’s Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and is commonly known as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”. It is one of six waterfalls affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project. The falls are located along the Kotmale Oya, a tributary of the Mahaweli River, as it cascades over three rock outcrops into a large pool, running through a tea estate. St Clair’s falls are the 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Devon Falls

Devon Falls, also known as the ‘Veil of the Valley’.The falls is named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, whose plantation was situated nearby the falls. The waterfall is 97 m (318 ft) high and is the 19th highest in the country. The falls are formed by a tributary of Kothmale Oya, which is a tributary of the Mahaweli River. The elevation of Devon Falls is 1,140 m (3,740 ft) above sea level.

Makandawa Forest Reserve & Belilena Cave

The Makandawa Forest Reserve is one of Sri Lanka’s richest and most unspoiled rainforests. It covers an area of 1155 hectares and lies close to the village of Kithulgala, one of Sri Lanka’s centers for adventure sports. The reserve hosts a plethora of rare and endemic flora and fauna. It also hides one of Sri Lanka’s well known ancient treasures; the Belilena Cave. Makandawa is also the selfsame rainforest where the famous World War II movie, ‘The Bridge over the River Kwai’.

Belilena is a well known large cave in Sri Lanka, located 8 km (5.0 mi) from the town of Kitulgala. Evidence of prehistoric human presence as early as 32,000 years ago was recorded at the site. The skeletal remains of ten individuals were discovered by Paul E. P. Deraniyagala, who attributed them to Balangoda Man (Homo sapiens balangodensis). Balangoda Man is assumed to have lived as early as 32,000 years ago and occupied high altitude territories of up to 2,000 ft (609.6 m) above sea level. From 1978 to 1983 the site was scientifically excavated and researched by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Rich assemblages of cultural, faunal and human remains were discovered. The results of radiometric dating confirmed deposits of cultural material from 30,000 to 9,000 years before present. These materials include bone tools, evidence of the use of fire and geometric microlithic stone tools which, at 30,000 years old are of remarkable age. The site also yielded numerous remains of game animals, such as Sambar deer, Wild boar, Indian muntjac, several monkey species, porcupines, Indian giant squirrels and a large number of local reptiles and fish. Small mammals, aquatic and tree snails were prominent in the diet of Balangoda man, as were edible parts of plants such as wild breadfruit and the Kekuna nut.

White Water Rafting

The Kitulgala’s main attraction is White water rafting where you can ride the tides of the Kelani River. All instructions and equipment, including helmets and life vests, are laid on. You’ll paddle a shared raft through calm waters and rapids on the jungle-fringed Kelani River—all with the guidance of the instructor, so you can enjoy the thrills and scenery worry-free.

Waterfall Abseiling in Kitulgala

Enjoying the view of a stunning Waterfall is already amazing but abseiling takes this adventure far beyond the limits of a normal sightseeing of a tourist. The intense and powerful feeling of the water combined with the fact that you are hanging on a rope and that there is nothing but water beneath and above, will give adrenalin push like you have never experienced before.Water fall height is 105 ft and duration will be 3 hours for 4 people. Waterfall Abseiling is an ideal adventure activity to test your confidence.
Confidence Jumps and Stream Sliding
Travelers are given the option to trek to one of the seven magnificent natural water pools that lie within the Kitulgala rainforest region. Stream sliding involves sliding down a 5 meter high waterfall and into the rock pool. At the same spot, the confidence jump involves jumping straight into the rock pool from the top of the mini water fall. Both activities definitely don’t go without safety gear being provided

Day 12 :  Colombo – Colombo Airport

Gangaramaya Temple, Seema Malakaya & Beira Lake

Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the famous scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th Century. The Seema Malakaya, on the other hand, is a serene meditation site nestled on the Beira Lake

Independence Square

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948.

Colombo National Museum

The National Museum of Natural History is a museum that covers the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. This Museum exhibits rare and threatened extinction such as the natural heritage of plant and animal species endemic to Sri Lanka, over 5,000 specimens of mammals, Jurassic period indigenous fossils and various kinds of geological rocks.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)

Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is an architectural wonder for the world that would stun you with its unusual colour patterns and unconventional yet amazing design.

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is the most popular beachfront park in Colombo city, to have a relaxing evening and see the sunset. Not only that, there are many activities to do such as fly kites, taste Sri Lankan street food, do walking or jog and enjoy the fresh breeze coming from the Indian ocean

Old Parliament Building

The Old Parliament Building is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. It is built in the neo-baroque style of architecture. This beautiful architecture and the history associated with the building are fascinating, to say the least. The building was opened on January 29, 1930, by Governor Sir Herbert Stanley. When the State Council of Ceylon was established a year later, the old building was used as the office space for the council.

Shopping at Colombo

Odel, House of Fashion, and One Galle Face are the best places for shopping in Colombo. You will be able to buy branded clothes and accessories.