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)

DAY 2 NEGOMBO – ANURADHAPURA
Today you will explore the seaside village of Negombo which has traces of old colonial charm with an interesting Dutch-era fortlet, Catholic Church and in the heart of the city is a wall which is adorned with paintings by local artists. You can also take the opportunity to walk along the beach to where the lagoon water meets with the sea. Watch as the Fisherman dry their nets on the sand and the colourful fishing outriggers with their sails can be spotted as they sail home from the sea. Drive to Anuradhapura to enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. (B, D)
Stay at:
Hotel Nuwarawewa (3 star), Hotel Palm Garden (4 star), Forest Rock Garden (5 star)

DAY 3 ANURADHAPURA
This morning you will visit 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)

DAY 4 ANURADHAPURA – JAFFNA
Today you will be transferred to Anuradhapura railway station to board a train to Jaffna. As you travel north enjoy the scenery as it changes from exotic jungle to shallow lagoons and salt pans as you approach the historic city. Explore
the city of Jaffna to discover Sri Lankan Tamil culture, tradition and art. (B, D)
Stay at:
Pillayar Inn (3 star), Hotel Valampuri (4 star), Hotel Jetwing Jaffna (5 star)

DAY 5 JAFFNA
Travel slightly off the beaten track with a ferry ride to the small island of Nainativu. 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 6 JAFFNA – DAMBULLA
Travel to Dambulla where you will check in at your hotel. 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)

DAY 7 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 8 DAMBULLA – KANDY
Proceed to Kandy, stopping en-route to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Dambulla Cave Temple, the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This Buddhist place of worship is thought to date back to the
1st century, and houses the country’s most sacred Buddha images. Also stop at Matale Spice Garden where staff will introduce you to the difference spices including nutmeg, peppervines, cloves trees and the precious cardamom (which grows in the shade of high jungle trees and can only be harvested by hand). Later in the evening 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)

DAY 9 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 10 KANDY – COLOMBO
Your tour concludes with a departure transfer to Colombo Airport. (B)