Colombo - Kalpitiya

Colombo - Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport or from a Colombo hotel, proceed to Kalpitiya (a 4-hour drive).

Kalpitiya, situated in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is a breathtaking coastal area comprising 14 small islands, celebrated for its untouched waterfront beauty. Often hailed as the “future of Sri Lanka tourism,” this region boasts a unique blend of lagoons, islands, and pristine coastline.

Kalpitiya is renowned for its extensive sandy beaches and abundant marine life, making it a premier destination in the country for dolphin and whale watching, as well as various water sports. The main beach extends along a picturesque sand spit, accessible via a brief boat ride across the lagoon, enhancing its allure and sense of adventure.

Whale Watching Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya Lagoon - Whale Watching in Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is one of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding coastal destinations for marine wildlife encounters, particularly dolphin and whale watching. Located along the country’s northwestern coast, Kalpitiya is near deep offshore waters where large pods of dolphins are frequently observed year-round, often in impressive numbers.

Kalpitiya - Anuradhapura

Sri Maha Boodhi Temple - Visit the oldest historically documented tree on earth, the Sacred Bo tree, over 2000 years old, grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Ruwanwelisaya - The perfection and scale of the relic chambers like Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayagiriya, and Jetavanaramaya, which are the largest in the world, are astounding, with the latter rivaling the largest pyramids at a height of 122 meters.

Samadhi Statue - Visit the remains of the Brazen Palace, The Twin Ponds, and the Samadhi Buddha, acknowledged as a masterpiece. Other highlights include the Isurumuniya temple with the finest rock carvings in the country, The Moonstone, The Guard stones, and Thuparama and Lankaramaya Dagobas.

Jethawanaramaya Stupa - The Jetavanarama Dagoba’s massive dome rises above the entire eastern part of Anuradhapura. Built in the 3rd century by Mahasena, it may have originally reached 120m, but today stands at about 70m – similar to the Abhayagiri. When constructed, it was almost certainly the third-tallest monument in the world, following the Egyptian pyramids. Its vast, bulbous form is unplastered and said to consist of more than 90 million bricks.

Abayagiriya Stupa - Abhayagiri Monastery, covering an area of 200 hectares, was founded by King Valagamba, also known as Vattagamini Abhaya (109 BC-89-77 BC), following his ascent to the throne for the second time, having defeated the Dravidian invaders. The monastery was built after the destruction of the Jain hermitage, whose ascetic Giri had taunted King Valagamaba while he was fleeing from invaders from Southern India 14 years earlier. The monastery was donated to Buddhist monk Thera Mahatissa as a token of gratitude for the support extended to the king during his time of adversity, in exile building an army to regain his kingdom.

Dagoba of Thuparama - Thuparama dagoba, 20m in height and 60ft in diameter, one of the smallest of ancient stupas, was built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the third century BC. Thuparama dagoba is believed to enshrine the collar bone relic of Buddha. By the seventh century, the stupa was renovated by King Aggabodhi the second in the 7th century. The graceful monolithic pillars surrounding it once upheld a circular roof, making the shrine a Vata Dage (Circular – Relic – house), a characteristically Sinhalese architectural feature.

Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Jaffna

Mihintale - Mihintale Mountain, with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for venerable monks led by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. With royal patronage, the sanctuary housed numerous monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas, bodhigharas- to serve the monks. Sixty-eight cave dwellings provided the monks shade and shelter. Mihintale, a sanctuary for many thousands of laymen as well as holy men, had all the facilities and amenities for basic living.

Jaffna - Arriving at Jaffna Hotel, enjoy free and easy time.

Jaffna

Jaffna Fort - Jaffna Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1618 under Phillippe de Oliveira following the Portuguese invasion of Jaffna, is located near the coastal village of Gurunagar. Due to numerous miracles attributed to the statue of Virgin Mary in the nearby church, the fort was named Fortress of Our Lady of Miracles of Jafanapatão (Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Milagres de Jafanapatão). It was captured by the Dutch under Rijcklof van Goens in 1658, who expanded it. In 1795, it was taken over by the British and remained under British control until 1948. As the only large military fort in the country, it was garrisoned by a detachment of the Ceylon Army.

Nallur Kandaswamy Temple - Originally founded in 948 AD, the temple gained fame when rebuilt in the 13th century by Puvaneka Vaahu, a minister of the Jaffna King Kalinga Maha. The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was built for a third time by Senpaha Perumal (a.k.a Sapumal Kumaraya), the adopted son of the Kotte king. Nallur served as the capital of the kings of Jaffna and was a highly defensive fort and city. The third temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1624 AD, and many churches were built over the ruins. The original temple’s location is now covered by St James Church, Nallur. Part of the original Sivalingam from the temple remained in the vicarage but was destroyed during the recent civil war. Now only the platform where it was mounted remains.

Jaffna Archaeological Museum - Located in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, the museum land was donated by the Arumuga Navalar Foundation, with the front portion housing the Navalar Cultural Hall. The museum boasts a rare collection of antiquities, with a significant collection of Buddhist and Hindu religious artifacts in various forms of metal, wood, and stone. The collections span from ancient Sri Lanka to the colonial era. Some archaeological excavation findings from Kandarodai can also be seen at this museum.

Jaffna - Dutch Kachcheri Building
Protected ruins of a building constructed during Dutch rule of Sri Lanka, serving as a historical landmark.

Jaffna Market - Visit Jaffna market to purchase local products while enjoying the simple lifestyle of local people.

Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple - After Mihindu Maha Thero introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 250BC, his sister, Theri Sanghamitta, arrived with a Sacred Bo Sapling one year later at this port. The temple Samudda-panasala (Jambukola Viharaya) was built to commemorate the arrival of the Bo sapling by King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC). Later, the same king planted one of the first eight shoots of the Sri Maha Bodhi at the same place where he kept the original tree before bringing it to Anuradhapura. King Vijayabahu I (1070–1110) restored this site. The remains of the vihara, such as the Buddha footprint stone and vatadage, seen up to recent times, no longer exist there. This port gradually faded in importance while port Mahathiththa/ Mahathota/ Mantota (now Mantai) developed as a key intersection of sea routes, and the Dambakola Patuna Viharaya was lost in time.

Keerimalai Hot springs - The Keerimalai springs are renowned mineral water springs believed to have healing properties. Unlike other natural springs on the island, this spring forms two swimming pools with separate entrances for women and men. Dating back several centuries, Keerimalai springs are surrounded by local folklore of a Pandyan princess who built the nearby Hindu kovil after being cured of her horse-shaped head by bathing at the spring.

Casuarina Beach - Spend some time relaxing and enjoying the sunset on the pristine beaches of Jaffna.

Jaffna - Trincomalee

Koneswaram Temple - Koneswaram temple of Trincomalee, or Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple – The Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Dakshina-Then Kailasam, is a modern classical-medieval style Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee, a Hindu religious pilgrimage center in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. It sits on the site of the historic Gokanna Buddhist temple. The most sacred of the Pancha Ishwarams of Sri Lanka, it overlooks Trincomalee District, Gokarna bay, and the Indian Ocean. Developed from 205 BC, the original kovil combined key features to form its basic Dravidian temple plan, such as its thousand-pillared hall – “Aayiram Kaal Mandapam” – and the Jagati expanded by King Elara Manu Needhi Cholan. Regarded as the greatest building of its age for its architecture.

Trincomalee War Cemetery - A British military cemetery in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, for soldiers of the British Empire who were killed or died during World War II. Some headstones include: Warrant Officer D.J. Bennett, a Royal Air Force pilot, age 23; Lance Corporal D.V. Jones, a Royal Marine engineer; Sergeant A.C. Cherry, a Royal Marine engineer, age 25; Steward G.A. Juff, H.M.S. ‘Erebus’, age 40; Able Seaman K.P. Andrews, H.M.S. ‘Erebus’, the 9th of April 1942, age 19; Bugler E. Broad, R.M. H.M.S. ‘Erebus’, age 18; Ordinary Seaman W.A. Dove, H.M.S. ‘Erebus’, age 20; Ldg. Aircraftman J.H. Price-Stephens, Royal Air Force, age 19; Air Mechanic R.A. Budden, H.M.S. ‘Bambara’, age 20; Ordinary Seaman L.D. Williams, Royal N.Z. Navy, age 22; Ldg. Aircraftman R.H.G. Chapple, Royal Air Force, age 28; Ordinary Seaman L.D. Williams, Royal N.Z. Navy, the 10th of July 1945.

Trincomalee - Fort Fredrick
Also known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, it is a fort built by the Portuguese at Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, completed in 1624 CE, built on Swami Rock-Konamamalai from the debris of the world-famous ancient Hindu Koneswaram temple. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese colonial Constantino de Sá de Noronha under Phillip III, occupier of the Jaffna kingdom and Malabar country on the island. On the Konamalai cape, a new village of Portuguese and Tamil people was also built, with 50 Portuguese soldiers and inside the fort, a church named after “Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe”. The Fort of Triquillimale was dismantled and rebuilt by the Dutch in 1665, renamed Fort Fredrick.

Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island National Park - Pigeon Island National Park is a renowned marine national park of Sri Lanka. The total area of Pigeon Island National Park is 471.4 hectares (1.820 sq miles). Established in 2003 under the supervision of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the fauna of Pigeon National Park is a fine example of diversification with multi-colored fish, sharks, jellyfish, turtles, and rock pigeons. The island also gets its name from Rock Pigeon, which uses this island as a breeding ground. Visitors will enjoy exploring an island with over 100 species of corals and 300 species of coral fish. Pigeon Island consists of two islands: small and large. The large island is famous for coral reefs fringe. The length of the Island is 200 meters, while the width is about 100 meters. The smaller island is famous for the rocky islets surroundings. The place has an overall peaceful and enjoyable environment.

Trincomalee - Sigiriya

Dambulla Oya - Village Safari With Lunch
Join this 2.5-hour tour for a lifetime opportunity to immerse in the nature and culture of a real Sri Lankan village. The driver will pick you up from the hotel and drive by a Tuk Tuk to Ehhelagala Village, a beautiful rural area in Sigiriya city. The tour starts with a Bullock cart ride near the village pond, where you will experience a Catamaran boat ride to the other side of the rural village. After a short walk through the paddy fields and vegetable cultivation, you can reach a village house. At the village house, a local woman will demonstrate traditional Sri Lankan cooking. Then you can relax and enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan lunch. Finally, take a Tuk Tuk ride back to the tour start point.

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Sigiriya rock fortress is the most visited tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. It is sometimes known as the Sigiriya Lion Rock, after its original name “Sinha-Giri”. The name comes from its palace entrance through a massive brick sculpture of a lion head. Only the paws of this sculpture remain at the foot of the rock today. Sigiriya rock fortress is a fifth-century fortified palace complex, which was used by King Kassapa (477CE-493CE). The Sigiriya rock abruptly rises 600 feet high from the surrounding plains. The ruins of King Kassapa’s royal palace are scattered on the peak rock plateau. The hike to the top is via 1200 steps, some of which were constructed at the time of King Kassapa. The foothills and immediate surroundings of the Sigiriya rock were once an elaborate royal pleasure garden. The archaeological value of the site is immeasurable, perhaps unsurpassed in South Asia.

Dambulla Caves Temple - Kandy

Golden Temple of Dambulla - Dambulla golden rock cave temple was home to thousands of meditating monks since its monastic beginnings in the first century BCE. Today, the same cave temple hosts a massive collection of Buddhist murals and sculptures belonging to a pan-Asian artistic tradition. The cave temple was abandoned at regular intervals since its humble beginnings. Yet the royals and Buddhist elite kept renovating it to appease countless faithful pilgrims.

Ranweli Spice Garden - Enjoy Sri Lanka’s world-renowned spices at their source. Visit a spice garden, where the aromas of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and mace overwhelm the senses, and visitors gain insight into the age-old industry of spice production, which attracted many European and Asian merchants to the ports of ancient Sri Lanka.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, the tooth itself is not visible. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. Besides the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines, and museums.

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show - Calling it a traditional Kandyan dance performance is somewhat of a misnomer as the shows are very much aimed at audience entertainment and feature dance routines and costumes from across the country, including the famous ‘devil’ dances of the west coast (which are very hard to see in their home region).

Kandy - Nuwaraeliya

Royal Botanical Gardens - Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the finest of its kind in Asia, is the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, ideally located. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gateway to the Central Highlands, the Gardens, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level, are tightly bounded on three sides by a loop of River Mahaweli, the largest river of Sri Lanka.

Glenloch Tea Factory - Situated in Nuwara Eliya District at Katukithula on the way to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy. Glenloch tea plantation at Katukithula is maintained using all the correct methods of planting, soil conservation, and maneuvering. Sri Lanka has become the best land for the most renowned beverage in the world. Sri Lanka’s silvering waterfalls naturally enhance the beauty of nature, also the most favorable factor of the climate and the best soil conditions required for the healthy growth of the Tea Plant. Experience, dedication, and the practice of the correct technology, along with its natural resources, have earned Sri Lanka the best reputation for its tea, Ceylon tea, worldwide. Glenloch tea is one of the giant partners in Sri Lanka’s significant endeavor to become the world No:01 and the biggest producer of quality tea.

Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea nation slopes of central Sri Lanka. The naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens showcases roses and tree plants and shelters monkeys and blue jaybirds. Nearby, Seetha Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu sanctuary, is adorned with religious figures.

Sita Temple - The Sita Amman Temple, dedicated to Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, situated in the hills of Nuwara Eliya, is treated with enduring devotion by Hindus as it is considered to be the only such temple in the world. It is located five kilometers along the road from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy. History has it that this is the place where King Ravana held Sita imprisoned. What is interesting about the temple is the presence of footprints by the river, which are construed as being akin to Hanuman’s.

Gregory Lake - Gregory Lake was created in 1873 by the British era Governor at the time, Sir William Gregory, supposedly for the purpose of providing electricity. However, the lake was mainly used for leisure and recreation after it was built. At its peak of fame, Gregory Lake was the most prominent attraction in the area and was used as a place to relax by many visitors.

Ramboda Waterfall - Ramboda Falls is 109 m high and the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in the Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. It is formed by Panna Oya, which is a tributary of Kothmale Oya. The altitude of the falls is 945 m above sea level.

Ella - Yala

Nanu Oya railway station - The train trip from Ella to Kandy in Sri Lanka, or vice versa, is considered one of the most beautiful train trips in the world. This train ride is seven hours long and takes you through stunning landscapes of green and lush tea plantations and mountain views. The train trip between Kandy and Ella is one of the highlights of Sri Lanka, and it is highly recommended.

Nine Arches Bridge - After the train journey, visit the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, located on the Demodara loop and spanning 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot, especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting.

Little Adam’s Peak View Point - Little Adam’s Peak, named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved) due to the similarity between the two mountains, is also known as “Punchi Sri Pada.” It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. With an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak, you can enjoy a panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls, and paddy fields while enjoying the scenery.

Yala National Park - Kataragama - Bentota

Yala National Park - Yala National Park is a vast area of forest, grassland, and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean in southeast Sri Lanka. It’s home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species.

Kataragama - Ruhunu Katharagama devalaya in Kataragama, Sri Lanka, is a temple complex dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Katharagama deviyo and Hindu War God Murugan. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the Vedda people. For most of the past millennia, it was a jungle shrine very difficult to access; today, it is accessible by an all-weather road. The shrines and the nearby Kiri Vehera are managed by Buddhists, the shrines dedicated to Teyvanai Shiva are managed by Hindus, and the mosque by Muslims.

Bentota Beach

Bentota Beach - Enjoy free and easy time at Bentota Beach. This offers visitors an ideal opportunity to stay in one place and savor many different water activities. Bentota has always been renowned as the water sport capital of Sri Lanka, with hoteliers in the area actively promoting water sports from adrenaline-filled speed boat and jet ski riding, windsurfing, boogie boarding, water skiing, kite surfing, to a leisurely ride on a banana boat for the family and kids.

Bentota - Colombo Airport

Colombo - This completes the Sri Lanka itinerary of 2 weeks with Elephant Shadow Holiday & Tours. Depending on the time of your flight, you will be transferred to the airport directly from Bentota (a 2-hour drive).

• All The Admission Tickets Included as per the Itinerary
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Daily Mineral Water Bottle During tours
• Jeep Safari to Yala National Park
• Boat Rides to Pegion Island
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Lunch
• Any tips

This tour is a thoughtfully crafted journey that takes travelers beyond the typical tourist path, showcasing the island in its entirety. The itinerary combines Sri Lanka’s renowned cultural heritage with its most picturesque natural landscapes, offering a harmonious blend of history, adventure, and relaxation. From discovering ancient marvels like Sigiriya and the cultural hub of Kandy, to exploring the misty tea hills of Ella, each stop provides a unique insight into the island’s rich character.

What sets this journey apart is the inclusion of Sri Lanka’s lesser-known regions. Travelers head north to immerse themselves in the authentic Tamil culture and heritage of Jaffna, a destination often overlooked in standard itineraries, before moving west to the serene coastline of Kalpitiya, famous for its pristine beaches, dolphin watching, and peaceful ambiance. This mix of cultural richness and hidden coastal charm offers a more comprehensive and engaging travel experience.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.