Culture & Beach · 11 days · 10 nights
From North to the Centre in 11 Days
Negombo, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya and Colombo.
Description
Starting in Negombo, this eleven-day trip travels through the ancient city of Anuradhapura and a Tamil village in Jaffna, down to the beaches of Trincomalee, up Sigiriya Rock and into the tea country, then returns to Colombo. A famous train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is a highlight.
Your route
- Negombo
- Anuradhapura
- Jaffna
- Trincomalee
- Sigiriya
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Colombo
Itinerary
Transfer to a beachside hotel in Negombo. Relax or explore the town.
Negombo Lagoon
Overnight: NegomboDrive to the ancient city, stopping along the way.
Anuradhapura Ancient City
Overnight: AnuradhapuraOn the way to Jaffna, stop at the library, Nallur Kovil, the fort and the old buildings. A walk on Jaffna beach road is a good evening option.
Jaffna Public LibraryNallur KovilJaffna Fort
Overnight: JaffnaTransfer to the east coast and visit Nilaveli beach in the evening.
Nilaveli Beach
Overnight: TrincomaleeVisit Fort Frederick, where deer wander the grounds, then take a boat to Pigeon Island. Between March and August, you can book a whale-watching trip.
Fort FrederickPigeon Island National ParkSnorkelling at Pigeon IslandWhale Watching in Trincomalee
Overnight: TrincomaleeStop at Dambulla to see the carvings, paintings and statues of the cave temple, then continue to Sigiriya.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Overnight: SigiriyaClimb the ancient rock fortress, then hike up Pidurangala. If you are tired, a tuk-tuk can take you from the Sigiriya entrance.
Sigiriya Rock FortressPidurangala Rock
Overnight: SigiriyaDrive up into the hills, then take an evening walk among the tea plantations and taste freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
Pedro Tea Factory
Overnight: Nuwara EliyaBoard the scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Allow three to four hours to take in tea estates, misty mountains and waterfalls.
Nuwara Eliya to Ella Train Ride
Overnight: EllaTransfer to Colombo and spend the evening exploring, shopping and eating out.
Colombo City Tour
Overnight: ColomboYour guide drops you at the airport.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in hotels as listed, with daily breakfast
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Welcome drink, local SIM card and welcome pack
- Free drinking water in the vehicle
- Entry ticket: Anuradhapura Ancient City
- Entry ticket: Dambulla Cave Temple
- Entry ticket: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Entry ticket: Pidurangala Rock
- Entry ticket: Pedro Tea Factory
- Entry ticket: Nuwara Eliya to Ella Train Ride
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Personal expenses, tips and travel insurance
- Snorkelling at Pigeon Island
- Whale Watching in Trincomalee
Optional activities
Sigiriya Village Tour