Get off the beaten track and visit the Northern part of Sri Lanka where few venture to. You will visit Jaffna; the Portugese Fort and temples by bicycle,  join a local family for a crab and curry dinner, relax in the Keerimalai bathing pool and on Casuarina beach. Journey to the remote Delft Island to explore this relatively unknown and unexplored island. Lined with low walls made of coral the island features a huge baobab tree nestled amongst the Palmyras, the ruins of an old fort and stables, an old Dutch hospital, the ‘footprint of Hanuman’, feral horses left by the Arab and the Portuguese over 400 years ago and not a car in sight! Spend some time on the beaches of Nilaveli, discover the hidden gems of Anuradhapura, the Ritigala Monastery, Pidurangala Rock and the wildlife at Minneriya before spending a couple of days on a tea plantation at the foot of The Knuckles Mountains and a night in Colombo.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Sri Lanka!
On arrival your chauffeur guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel in Makandura. Once the house of a famous notary, Notary’s house has been lovingly resorted offering the perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities. The lake front location on a coconut estate in a remote area is the perfect place to unwind after your flight. Relax with a welcome drink by the pool!
Day 2 - Cycling & Village Life
Observe the birdlife and lake views over breakfast before exploring the area by bike. The surrounding village and forest offer some charming cycle routes which you can discover alone or with a guide from Notary’s. Cycle at your own pace through lush paddy fields and into the Dikkale Forest Reserve. In the afternoon you can go for a scenic walk around the local village to soak up the culture and visit the temple, speak to the monk and make an offering. Stop off at a local shop for tea and jaggery (sweets made out of palm sugar).
Day 3 - Hidden Gems of Anuradhapura
Journey to the ancient city of Anuradhapura with an optional stop to ‘Meet the Manjas’, the Ceylon Africans, descendants of laborers or soldiers brought to Ceylon by their colonial masters. Experience their culture through their songs and dances (it’s hard to resist joining in!). Continue on your journey and visit the hidden gems of Anuradhapura; Kaludiya Pokuna, Mihintale. Kaludiya Pokuna features a picturesque man-made lake surrounded by large boulders and small archaeological sites. Visit the sites and the monks up on the hill who have taken a vow of silence. Mihintale marks the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Ascend the Frangipani-lined stairway leading up to the rock to admire the beautiful views. Spend the night at the Forest Rock Garden
Day 4 - Jaffna and Dinner With A Local Family
This morning you will board the Queen of Jaffna Express for a train ride across the barren landscape of Vavuniya which was cut off from the rest of the country for many years during the civil war. Freshen up at your hotel before exploring the Portugese Fort  by local bicycle (the preferred method of travel in Jaffna). This evening you will have dinner with a local Tamil family (a translator will be on hand). Pittu will be served with crab curry, fried prawns, cuttlefish, omelettes mixed with dry fish and dhal curry with fish followed by jack fruit, mangoes and banana (of sorts). Return to your hotel (a 100yr old Manor House and former hub of the LTTE militia to relax)
Day 5 - Delft Island
Spend today exploring Delft Island (transfer by local ferry/boat). There are few places in the world that capture the imagination of travellers like Delft Island. It takes authenticity to  a whole new level. It’s so far off the beaten track that at times you will feel like you’re on another planet. Imagine a small island lined with low walls made of coral with no cars, a huge baobab tree amongst the Palmyras, the ruins of an old Fort, an old Dutch hospital, old stables, the ‘footprint of Hanuman, and feral horses left by the Arab and the Portuguese over 400 years ago. Then there are the beaches… Eventually, you will return to the mainland and head back to Jaffna to your hotel.
Day 6 - Jaffna And Beyond
A local guide will escort you to Nallur temple where you will be provided with the traditional ‘shalve/vetti’ to wear and he will explain the basic principles of Hindu worship. He will delve into Jaffna’s culture; the similarities and differences to South Indian culture, the scar of war, and the effects of migration and exile in the region. Later you will explore the city of Karainagar; the Hindu temple, Buddhist relics, a noteworthy well, the Keerimalai spring and Naguleswaram temple. You will ‘lunch’ at a local home and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the tranquil Casuarina beach.
Day 7 - Onto the East Coast
Enjoy some downtime over the next few days and relax by the pool and on Nilaveli Beach. You could also go snorkelling off pigeon island or whale-watching out of Trincomalee! Spend 3 nights at the peaceful C Beyond
Day 8 - Relax on the Beach
Spend more time simply relaxing and enjoying your surroundings or visit Koneswara Temple with its magnificent views of the bay and Lover’s Leap! Take in Fort Frederick and relax at the chilled, Fernando’s
Day 9 - Trincomalee
Spend today at your leisure, exploring more of the Trincomalee area or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, swimming in the beautiful waters or even sailing or trying some other watersports
Day 10 - Ritigala & Sigiriya
Your driver will take you south to Sigiriya in The Cultural Triangle, stopping off at Ritigala to explore The Archaeological Monastery which feels like an undiscovered corner of Sri Lanka. The archaeological site bears a certain mysterious nature owing to the long pathways that open onto thick jungle and large stone-lined reservoirs. Take time to walk to the higher parts of the complex and to sit down and connect with nature at this ancient and sacred site. Continue onto Sigiriya and spend the night at Seerock The Kings Domain.
Day 11 - Habarana & Wildlife at Minneriya
This morning you will venture along the inner village roads by bicycle, or tuk tuk, keeping a lookout for the local birdlife. You will then come to the house ‘Sachini’, the village dance teacher will demonstrate/instruct you in the local dancing methods. You will continue on your journey and sample the local delicacy of dried fish before arriving at a lodge where Rani from the local village will prepare lunch for you. In the afternoon, return to Sigiriya to relax at your hotel or go on safari at Minneriya National Park!
Day 12 - Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge
Journey down to the foot of The Knuckles Mountains. En route you can climb the ancient Pidurangala Rock and admire the incredible views of Sigiriya Rock the green carpet of the forest canopy below. This is the place to be to avoid the tour buses of Sigiriya Rock! Continue onto the foot of The Knuckles Mountains to Madulkelle Tea Estate. The estate drive is a little bumpy and windy but the picturesque tea plantations more than make up for it. Relax in your lovely eco-lodge and admire the views before walking through the hotel’s tea estate where you will learn the art of picking tea alongside tea pickers before sampling the different teas at the lodge.
Day 13 - Hiking in Campbell Forest
If possible, try to catch the sun rising over the mountains and the tea plantations. Enjoy a stroll to the main building for breakfast before a hike to the Campbell Forest. You will set out across the tea plantation where you may get an insight into the estate worker’s lifestyle before reaching the edge of the mountainous forest. Admire the views from the Campbell Forest waterfall as you settle down for a light picnic. Descend along the circular trail and gradually make your way back to Madulkelle
Day 14 - Colombo
Your driver can take you for a tour of Colombo taking in the bustling Pettah market, the Dutch Hospital Area and shopping at Paradise Road and Barefoot! Alternatively you could go for a sunset tuk tuk safari of Colombo. Stay in one of the oldest hotels in Asia, The Galle Face Hotel
Day 15 - Fly Home
Your driver will take you to the airport and bid you farewell. Fly home with some lovely memories of Sri Lanka!
