Splendours of the North (9 days)

DAY 1 NEGOMBO
Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel in the seaside village of Negombo.
Stay at:
Camelot Beach Hotel (3 star), Gateway Hotel (4 star), Jetwing Blue (5 star). Wallawwa (Luxury)

DAY 2 NEGOMBO – ANURADHAPURA
Drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the world heritage city famous for its well preserved ruins of an ancient civilization. Visit the Sacred Bo tree, said to be the oldest historical tree in the world. Also explore Ruwanweliseya Stupa and Thuparama Dagoba. (B, D)
Stay at:
Hotel Nuwarawewa (3 star), Hotel Palm Garden (4 star), Forest Rock Garden (5 star), Ulagalla Resort (Luxury)

DAY 3 ANURADHAPURA – JAFFNA
Travel north to the city of Jaffna to discover Sri Lankan Tamil culture, tradition and art. En route to Jaffna you will visit the Madhu Church and the colourful Thiruketheeswaram Kovil a Hindu Temple at Mannar. (B, D)
Stay at:
Pillayar Inn (3 star), Hotel Valampuri (4 star), Hotel Jetwing Jaffna (5 star), The Thannai (Luxury)

DAY 4 JAFFNA
Travel slightly off the beaten track with a ferry ride to the small island ofNainativu. Visit the ancient Hindu shrine of Nagapooshani Amman Temple and the Buddhist shrine Nagadeepa Vihara. Later travel back to Jaffna to visit Jaffna Fort and Nallur Kovil. (B, D)

DAY 5 JAFFNA – DAMBULLA
Travel to Dambulla to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
This evening join a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. (B, D)
Stay at:
Camelia Resorts and Spa (3 star) ,Aliya Resorts and Spa (4 star), Liyya Water Villas (5 star), Kalundewa Retreat (Luxury)

DAY 6 DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA
Early today visit nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights. Take the opportunity to climb to the top of this striking rock with its sheer vertical walls supporting the remnants of an ancient 5th century city. Later in the afternoon explore the ancient royal capital of Polonnaruwa, one of the most beautiful centres in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Discover on foot, or by bicycle, the wonderful treasures that remain in the archaeological park including the four beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara Temple. (B, D)

DAY 7 DAMBULLA – KANDY
Proceed to Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a complex said to hold the tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. Later in the evening you may witness a cultural Kandyan Dance performance, a colourful spectacle including fire-walkers. (B, D)
Stay at:
Thilanka Hotel (3 star), Cinnamon Citadel (4 star), Earls Regency (5 star), Kandy House (Luxury)

DAY 8 KANDY
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens before an afternoon free to wander around the city, the 14th century kingdom is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's fascinating city where you can wander along the lake and explore the local markets. (B, D)

DAY 9 KANDY – COLOMBO
Your tour concludes with a departure transfer to Colombo Airport. (B)