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Jaffna and North East

Sri Lanka’s north and east coast region are alive with a newfound buoyancy and electric vibrancy which is drawing in increasing numbers of travellers seeking to explore this dynamic area.

This side of the island is relatively undisturbed by the tourist footprint. Peaceful and slow-paced – the east coast is one of the most restful areas of the island.

Visitors to Sri Lanka head to the north-east coast for their beach holiday during the summer months when the climate is at its best. This region is well-known for excellent dolphin and whale watching experiences.

Experiences

It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.

Coastal Adventures

Swim from the clear, calm east coast beaches near Trincomalee or Passekudah.

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Whale Watching

Go whale and dolphin spotting off the coast at Trincomalee.

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Gal Oya National Park

Watch elephants swimming across the lake at Gal Oya National Park.

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Passekudah

The palm-fringed beaches on the north-east coast are blissfully quiet with calm waters and golden sands as far as the eye can see.

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Jaffna Town

Experience the fascinating mix of Tamil cultural and colonial charm of Jaffna while exploring its Dutch fort and colourful markets.

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Buddhist Temples

Attend a morning Buddhist blessing at a local temple with chanting and drumming.

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Discover more experiences

Idea

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – Jaffna and the Northern Province

For those wanting to explore the slowly emerging North Sri Lanka and travel off the beaten track. A visit to Jaffna makes this an eclectic and varied trip. The region is closer to India than to…

14 days from £4,000pp

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Idea

Sri Lanka

A Family Holiday to Sri Lanka

Families will be enchanted by Sri Lanka’s warm welcome and the country is diverse and easy to travel around. This family itinerary to Sri Lanka includes many of the highlights of the country, along with some…

14 days from £5,150pp

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Idea

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – The Classic Journey

This 14-day introduction to Sri Lanka shines a spotlight on the wild side with wonderful walking trails and safaris. You are joined by outstanding guides throughout who have knowledge on all the local haunts.

14 days from £4,500pp

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Idea

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – In the Company of Naturalists

Spotting leopard in lush jungles, seeing the forest through the eyes of the Veddhas, private whale watching experience off the south coast, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts, young and old. In the…

14 days from £4,700pp

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Sri Lanka holiday ideas.

Our Sri Lanka experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – Jaffna and the Northern Province

For those wanting to explore the slowly emerging North Sri Lanka and travel off the beaten…

14 days from £4,000pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Sri Lanka

A Family Holiday to Sri Lanka

Families will be enchanted by Sri Lanka’s warm welcome and the country is diverse and easy…

14 days from £5,150pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – The Classic Journey

This 14-day introduction to Sri Lanka shines a spotlight on the wild side with wonderful walking…

14 days from £4,500pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – In the Company of Naturalists

Spotting leopard in lush jungles, seeing the forest through the eyes of the Veddhas, private whale…

14 days from £4,700pp

View Holiday Idea

View all holiday ideas

Accommodation

Below is some of the wonderful accommodation to include on your journey.

Jungle Beach Resort £££££

Sri Lanka
Beach and Island Escapes

Jungle Beach has the feeling of a luxury tree house. With 48 villas facing the beach, lagoon or jungle, thatched with Illuk grass and set around pathways through gardens, there is an air of seclusion. Most villas have private decks and tropical style outdoor rain showers and the beach cabins have their own walkway to the seashore.

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Maalu Maalu £££££

Sri Lanka
Beach and Island Escapes

Maalu Maalu is located on a beautiful stretch of coast in the north east of Sri Lanka. The resort is dominated by a huge infinity pool which looks straight out to sea and the sea shanty beach huts that surround it are perfectly designed with rustic and colourful interiors. It is easy to get drawn into the laid-back vibe but if you feel like being more active, there are opportunities to cycle, try out watersports and wander through the on site coral museum.

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Uga Bay £££££

Sri Lanka
Beach and Island Escapes

Uga Bay is a luxurious hotel with beautiful views of the unspoiled beaches. A combination of lavish surroundings and a peaceful setting, the hotel provides a breathtakingly serene ambience to its guests.

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More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Joe Parkes

As a child I read voraciously so the seed of travel was planted by none other than Enid Blyton. Family holidays ran the gamut from icy dips in the early summer seas of Cornwall, to camel rides in north Africa, from Times Square to Tenerife. A GAP year upon leaving school cemented the travel bug. After graduating University and before stumbling, happily, into a career in the travel industry I spent a couple of glorious years exploring southern and east Africa, large swathes of South-east Asia, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Talk with our experts

01285 601 784

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Kate Hitchen

My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.

In fact, I am never happier than when I’m cycling, trekking or simply eating my way through a country! My heart and head regularly pull me east, notably to India but I may also be found wandering through the galleries and piazzas of Italy or daydreaming about fresh ceviche in the far west.

Talk with our experts

01285 601 784

Let’s chat

Speak to our experts

Our team is waiting to help you tailor a trip that will leave you with stories for a lifetime. Call us on

01285 601 784

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We had the most amazing holiday. Thank you to all at Steppes and a huge thank you for our surprise meal at Ministry of Crab. We are so grateful.

Sri Lanka

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Jaffna and North East