Complete Sri Lanka
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Colombo - Anuradhapura
Day 1 Arrive Colombo - Anuradhapura
Fly into Colombo and transfer to Anuradhapura, the country's first capital and one of the greatest monastic centres of the ancient world. En route visit the fascinating Yapahuwa Rock Fortress where you will find remains of monasteries dating from the 3rd Century BC as well as ruins of palaces from medieval times when Yapahuwa was the capital and housed the relic of the tooth. On arrival in Anuradhapura the evening is free to relax.
Day 2 Anuradhapura: Stupas & Saplings
Day 2 Anuradhapura: Stupas & Saplings
Spend the morning exploring this ancient city, dating from the 5th century BC, it is a sprawling array of monasteries, palaces, courtyards, temples and of course the large stupas which dominate the skyline. Discover the history behind the city’s 1000 year rule and see the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, said to be a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. In the late afternoon head to Mihintale, a sacred spot on which Buddhism is said to have been introduced to the island. Explore the monastic ruins and stupas before you climb the 300m high rock for the views out over the valley in the setting sun.
Day 3 Anuradhapura - Mannar: Forts & Temples
Day 3 Anuradhapura - Mannar: Forts & Temples
After breakfast this morning you will leave for the town of Mannar, a busy sea port that was once renowned as a centre for pearl fishing. Reach the island on a 3km long causeway leading you to a land of white sand beaches, wild donkeys and baobab trees. Visit Mannar Town to see the famous pilgrimage Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, the holiest Catholic shrine in Sri Lanka. You'll also take in the Dutch Fort and the historic Thiruketheeswaram Temple, one of the main Eswara temples in the country and overlooking the ancient Tamil port towns of Manthai and Kudiramalai before ending at 'Doric Bungalow' to watch the pearl fishermen.
Day 4 Mannar - Jaffna: To the Far North
Day 4 Mannar - Jaffna: To the Far North
Head for the historic city of Jaffna today, capital of Sri Lanka's northern provinces. Hemmed in to the south and the west by Jaffna Lagoon, the city served as the power-base of the Jaffna Kingdom of the 13th-17th centuries and in later years came under the influence of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The journey there today takes us via the newly built Sanguppidy Bridge, which connects the Jaffna Peninsula with the mainland. You’ll visit the Dutch Fort at Pooneryn, before taking a tour of Jaffna’s Public Library and Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, as well as the fabulous Chunnkam market where you can browse beautiful handicrafts and fresh produce. Finally reward yourself with a visit to Ammachi Unavagam where you can sample some of the country’s most fabulous food. Roughly translating to ‘grandmother’s eatery’ in Tamil, these low-cost eateries offer local women the opportunity for financial and social independence.
Day 5 Jaffna: Explore the Northern Islands
Day 5 Jaffna: Explore the Northern Islands
Nearby Nainathivu Island was home to the Naga people who according to folklore inhabited all of Sri Lanka. The island is mentioned in many ancient texts and a boat trip there provides an opportunity to visit the Naga Poosari Amman Hindu Temple and the ancient Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple, said to occupy a spot blessed by the Lord Buddha during his second visit to Sri Lanka. Other sightseeing today includes the Buddhist ruins at Kadurugoda, the therapeutic hot springs at Keeramalai and the temple at Dambakolapatuna, where the sacred Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura first reached Sri Lanka's shores. En route visit Karainagar village where you can see the women weaving Palmyrah leafs into baskets and handicrafts – a traditional craft that’s sadly disappearing.
Day 6 Jaffna - Trincomalee: Around the Coast
Day 6 Jaffna - Trincomalee: Around the Coast
Travel today to the east coast and the port city of Trincomalee. A traditional stronghold of Tamil culture, the city is one of the oldest in Asia and was a major maritime trading centre during the island's long history of trade with South East Asia. Check in to your beach side hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, perhaps head out on to the water, visit the spa or sit back and watch the fishermen bring in their catch.
Day 7 Trincomalee: Coastal City
Day 7 Trincomalee: Coastal City
Visit Trincomalee and explore the city’s colonial past at the 17th century Portuguese Fort Frederick before heading to the ancient Koneswaram Temple (The Temple of the Thousand Pillars), dedicated to Shiva and from where you can take in the views of the temple with Trincomalee Bay. You'll also visit the Vilgam Vehera, an archaeological complex and one of the oldest shrines in the Eastern Province, where one of the first saplings of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi was planted.
Day 8 Trincomalee - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya: Discover the Medievel Capital
Day 8 Trincomalee - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya: Discover the Medievel Capital
Turning away from the coast, head next for the ancient city of Sigiriya, located in the central Matale District. En route visit the old medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, a city that reached the height of its glory during the 12th century. Another of Sri Lanka's wonderful World Heritage Sites, the city is filled with a rich collection of ancient buildings and monuments. You'll visit the magnificent ruins of its Royal Palace, with its Audience Hall, Bathing Pool and Quadrangle. You'll also take in the curious Circular Relic House and the colossal carved figures of the Galvihara, hewn out of solid granite. Continue on to Sigiriya where you can relax for the rest of the day.
Day 9 Sigiriya & Minneriya: From Lion Rock to Elephant Safari
Day 9 Sigiriya & Minneriya: From Lion Rock to Elephant Safari
The unique Rock Fortress, or 'castle in the sky' as it is sometimes known at Sigiriya, is a massive monolith of red stone that rises 600ft above ground. Its common name - Lion Rock - is derived from the way the entrance to the path that ascends the mountain is reached between the paws of a lion. The ruins of this 5th century fortress completely dominate the landscape and are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions. Spend some time with your guide exploring this splendid site, as you climb to the top where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the remains of what is left of the palace of King Kasyapa. Halfway up, accessible by a spiral staircase and tucked beneath a sheltering overhang of rock, are the famous frescoes - the Sigiriya Damsels. After your fill of culture in the morning, you will head to Minneriya National Park in the late afternoon for a jeep safari. The scrub, forest and wetlands of the park are one of the best places in the country for seeing elephants as well as a number of birds, deer, buffalo and crocodiles.
Day 10 Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy: Frescoes & Statues
Day 10 Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy: Frescoes & Statues
The journey to Kandy takes you by way of the UNESCO caves at Dambulla, where you'll find a remarkable collection of temples and statues that date back to the 1st century BC. Filled with images of the Buddha and sculptures of the Hindu gods, the caves have become an important pilgrimage site for countless thousands of worshippers, with the largest of the caves containing some 48 statues of the Buddha. Continuing on to the Matale Spice Gardens and Batik Factory, you'll then get a chance to join a tour to learn more about the use of spices in day to day life, before completing the journey to Kandy.
Day 11 Kandy: Bustling City & Exotic Gardens
Day 11 Kandy: Bustling City & Exotic Gardens
The last capital of the ancient Sri Lankan kings, Kandy is one of the country's cultural jewels with a blend of ancient Sinhala and modern architecture. Home to the revered Temple of the Tooth, the city still retains a sense of its old-world charm and a guided tour of some of its highlights includes the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, one of the finest of its kind in Asia with a vast collection of over 4000 orchids. Continue on a culinary walk, exploring local markets and visiting Hela Bojun Hala, a spacious open-air food court set up with the aim of not only providing delicious Sri Lankan food at subsidised prices, but also providing employment opportunities for local women. Later make your way to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.
Day 12 Kandy - Galle: From the Highlands to the Coast
Day 12 Kandy - Galle: From the Highlands to the Coast
Depart the highlands this morning and head to the south coast and the city of Galle. Check-in to your hotel in the heart of Galle Fort and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You may like to take a cookery class with one of the local ladies or perhaps head to one of the beaches. Alternatively visit the spa in your hotel for an afternoon of complete relaxation.
Day 13 Galle: Cinnamon Plantation & Fort
Day 13 Galle: Cinnamon Plantation & Fort
This morning travel south along the coast to the village of Ahangama where you will visit a cinnamon plantation before exploring Galle Fort. The Fort is an important archaeological, architectural and historical monument and is one of the largest European fortress left in Asia. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is still infused today with a graceful charm that perfectly encapsulates its European history and a wander through its meandering streets reveals the ageing colonial era buildings. Explore on foot with your guide.
Day 14 Galle - Depart Colombo
Day 14 Galle - Depart Colombo
Drive back along the coast today towards Colombo. For those interested in Geoffrey Bawa you can stop along the way to explore his iconic country home and gardens - Lunuganga Estate. Continue on to Colombo airport in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Kandy House, Kandy
Providing exclusivity and history amongst the hills of Kandy, Kandy House is a luxurious boutique property with only nine rooms. This was the home of the king's Chief Minister, Ratwatte Adigar, who betrayed his king to the British in the early 19th Century as Ceylon fell into colonial hands in 1815. The 200-year-old property has now been restored to include modern comforts, yet still retains Ratwatte family photos and antique furniture. The white interiors, polished hardwood floorboards, jack wood staircase and Dutch-style antique furniture all add to the historic setting. The freshwater pool in the garden provides an irresistible opportunity to unwind and relax under the shade of tropical trees while the restaurant veranda and Ayurvedic masseur provide an excuse to indulge.
Cinnamon Trinco Blu, Trincomalee
Located on the water’s edge, Trinco Blu offers beautiful views across the ocean in luxurious comfort. The rooms, suites and chalets are inspired by Sri Lanka’s idyllic beaches, styled using a whitewashed blue colour scheme and beautiful mosaics. The accommodations overlook the sea or gardens and feature a private balcony or terrace. When staying at Trinco Blu, you will have plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the seaside setting; take a stroll along the beach, a dip in the infinity pool or simply enjoy a meal from one of the two restaurants or a cocktail at the bar. The spa offers massage treatments, best enjoyed between activities such as scuba diving, whale watching and surfing.
Palmyrah House, Mannar
Palmyrah House is a simple yet comfortable guest house based on Mannar Island. The five rooms all have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms and access to either the upstairs or downstairs shared verandas – a great place to relax and take in the view of the surrounding garden or jungle. In order to keep in line with the natural feel, the guest house tries to use local resources as much as possible and the verandas have been built using wood from the local Palmyrah tree. What’s more, there are no televisions in the rooms, giving you more time to swim in the outdoor swimming pool, work out in the gym, read a book in the library or try a Sri Lankan meal in the restaurant.
Wild Grass Nature Resort, Sigiriya
The Wild Grass Nature Resort is a tranquil eco property set in 30 acres of open forests and surrounded by the beautiful Kandalama hills. With just 8 unique en suite villas, you can enjoy the panoramic views from the large ceiling to floor windows in privacy and seclusion. Wildlife such as monkeys, deer, wild boar and many species of birds regularly visit the grounds, which makes the Wild Grass resort a great spot for nature lovers or those who simply want to escape the hustle and bustle. The Wild Grass restaurant lies beside the Lenawa Lake and serves a variety of local and international dishes and, keeping with the property’s eco ethos, all the produce is organically farmed and locally sourced.
Fort Bazaar, Galle
A short distance from Galle Fort, the Fort Bazaar hotel is a boutique property renovated from a 16th century Merchants home, taking nine years to restore! Once occupied by spice, tea and gem traders, you will feel transported back in time before you even begin to explore Galle Forts 300-year-old walls. The private central courtyard boasts the acclaimed Church Street Social restaurant and bar, library and Z Spa. Each of the eighteen beautifully designed bedrooms overlook the central courtyard and some even feature a private balcony or terrace. You will be looked after here with complimentary drinks in your room and during happy hour, as well as breakfast and afternoon tea and cookies.
Forest Rock Garden, Anuradhapura
Forest Rock Garden is an eco-friendly hotel set within 50 acres of tree-filled gardens, well placed for visiting Anuradhapura and Wilpattu National Park. The rooms and buildings are connected by a series of walkways that weave through the grounds, standing six metres high in order to protect the natural surroundings, and the architecture gives guests a real taste of the tradition and history behind the Anuradhapura region. The rooms keep a traditional feel, despite the modern-day comforts such as a four-poster bed, air-conditioning and private plunge pool (suites only). Guests can unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the setting, most likely joined by native wildlife going about its daily activities, with a dip in the outdoor pool or during a meal in the Forest Rock Garden vegetarian restaurant.
Jetwing Mahesa Bhawan, Jaffna
Alongside the collection of their hotels, Jetwing are slowly developing a unique collection of villas, with Jetwing Mahesa Bhawan recently added to the list. Originally built in 1935, this beautiful villa has been creatively restored to its former glory after years of standing abandoned and deteriorating. The elegant property now offers a private four-bedroom villa, with plenty of communal dining and living areas, outdoor seating and pool, as well as access to some of Jaffna's most delicious cuisine. This is a great option for those looking for that extra bit of privacy but with the support and excellence of Jetwing hospitality.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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