Escapade to the East (10 Days)

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
BIA > Negombo
1 stop
1
Negombo Beach
Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50 year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Negombo > Jaffna
2 stops
2
Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
3
Jaffna
Jaffna, which consists of the northern peninsula of the island with a capital city under the same name. Marvel at the architecture and creativity of ancient Hindu Temples, such as Nallur, Nainativu or Mavittapuram, with over four millenia worth of history to their name. Get to see many other attractions such as the Jaffna's Dutch Fort; war memorials from the recent war; the Saraswathy Mahal Library, Nagadeepa Vihara and the palace of the last king of Jaffna, Cankili I.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Jaffna
2 stops
4
Tour Nayinathivu a historic island to the north of Jaffna, which is known as Nagadeepa by the Sinhalese; and had the name Manipallavam in ancient times. Get to see the land where the Naga people who worshipped the snake (or Naga) are believed to have lived. See the evidence of their passing in the snake worship at the ancient Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple and the legends and history of Nagadeepa Purana Vihara.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Visit the historic Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya which is one of just sixteen of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. See the unique architecture of this vihara which is believed to be the place that Buddha stopped at during his second visit to Sri Lanka. Listen to the legends and history surrounding the visit and the construction of the temple.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
Jaffna > Trincomalee
2 stops
6
Thirukoneswaram Kovil
Visit this ancient temple praised by famous Indian poet-saints and mentioned by several famous personas around the world. See the beautiful murals describing the history of the temple. Worship at the little cave shrine that is has its start in 1580 BC, as compared to the actual temple which was developed in 400 BC. Marvel at the giant statue of King Ravana who, according to legend, worshipped this shrine.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
7
Trincomalee
Visit the Fort of Trincomalee originally built by the Portuguese in 1624 CE. See the stones that once formed the Koneswaram temple before the Portuguese destroyed it. Listen to the history of Fort Frederick, which was dismantled and rebuilt by the Dutch.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Trincomalee
1 stop
8
Pigeon Island National Park
Visit the Pigeon Island National Park consisting of the smaller pigeon island and larger pigeon island and the coral reef that encircles the larger island. See the rock pigeon that makes the island its breeding grounds. Explore the islands to see the many coral types and fauna that can be found here
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 6
Trincomalee
1 stop
9
Nilaveli Beach
Relax on Nilaveli Beach which is considered one of the most perfect beaches in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the golden sand swaying palms and clear blue sea. See the ancient 10th century Tamil inscription that mention that the beach was part of a land grant to the Koneswaram Temple.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Trincomalee > Polonnaruwa > Minneriya > Dambulla
2 stops
10
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka's ancient history.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
11
Minneriya National Park
This three-hour safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 8
Dambulla > Sigiriya > Dambulla
3 stops
12
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
13
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your tastebuds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
14
Dambulla Cave Temple
Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 9
Dambulla > Colombo
1 stop
15
Colombo National Museum
Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 10
Colombo > BIA
1 stop
16
Katunayake
After a relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel check out and, drive to the Airport for your flight back home.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tags