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Clamber up the giant rock fortress of Sigirya.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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 Colombo and is a world away from the rest of Sri Lanka.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Delft Island
A landscape of picturesque lagoons where flamingos flock after the rain.
3Passekudah Bay
Join a fisherman on his catamaran at Passekudah Bay.
4Wilpattu National Park
Track leopard and search for sloth bear in Wilpattu National Park.
Why we like it
This is the most comprehensive itinerary of the island as it includes the undiscovered Northern provinces. It explores everything that Sri Lanka has to offer. Within 14 days you visit the Jaffna Peninsula, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura and Sigiriya Rock Fortress as well as experiencing a breathtaking train journey to Jaffna and a beach escape on the pristine east coast. Many of these visited destinations avoid the crowds of many tourist hotspots.
Explore our suggested itinerary
- Day 1Colombo - Horathapola
- Day 2Horathapola - Wilpattu National Park
- Day 3Wilpattu National Park
- Day 4Wilpattu National Park - Anuradhapura - Jaffna
- Day 5 - 6Jaffna
- Day 7Jaffna - Trincomalee
- Day 8Trincomalee
- Day 9Trincomalee - Sigiriya
- Day 10Sigiriya
- Day 11Sigiriya - Kandy
- Day 12Kandy
- Day 13Kandy - Colombo
- Day 14Colombo
Now for the details
Wilpattu Safari
Venture out on a game drive into the verdant jungle, home to sloth bear, colourful birds and the elusive leopard. By using smaller, open jeeps, not only is there the chance to explore the less accessible parts of the park, but also plenty of space for taking photographs. Start early, when wildlife is at its most active. What sets Wilpattu apart from other parks is the peace, space and tranquillity away from other safari vehicles. Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka, and is fairly unknown still to tourists due to being off limits during the civil war. It has the largest sloth bear population in the country, and leopard sightings are possible, although the exact numbers are unknown. Wilpattu means ‘Land of Lakes’ and is named due to the large number (nearly sixty) of natural lakes spread across the national park.
Tamil Culture
Situated at the northern tip of the island, the Jaffna peninsula is steeped in history. Having lived through an insurgent uprising, military occupation and extensive damage, Jaffna, the capital of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, is returning to normalcy since the end of a thirty-year-long civil war. It is scattered with ancient Hindu kovils with colourful statues; colonial period churches that date back to the 17C and ruins of ancient Buddhist temples. Visit some of the key sites of Jaffna by bicycle. Ride the iconic older style Lumala rides. A wonderful way to get a sense of the city and the everyday lives of the people in it. Stop off for ice cream at Rio’s ice cream parlour. The city is flat and we would classify the riding as easy and gentle – suitable for most ages and fitness levels. A fun way to visit the fort, the library, and Jaffna church. Spend an evening in the home of a local family, who will cook authentic cuisine, known as Pittu.
Queen of Jaffna Railway
The Queen of Jaffna train rides again after being off the rails for just short of a quarter of a century. The train marks a cultural bridge between the ethnic Tamil of the north and the Sinhala south. Suspended due to civil war in the ’90s the train runs again along the 250-mile route between Jaffna and the capital, Colombo also stopping in Anuradhapura. A new track will shorten the journey time to around six hours.
Beaches of Northern Province
From Jaffna, head to Point Pedro for what could possibly be one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches. Find beautiful soft white sand and cool blue sea and nothing more. Coming east, Passekudah is a pristine beach and the ocean is home to uninhabited coral islands which is great for snorkelling. We recommend Pigeon Island. Whale watching expeditions depart from Trincomalee. The waters around Trinco are inhabited by gigantic blue whales, Bryde’s whale and the sperm whale, as well as the spinner and bottle-nosed dolphins. Prime season for Blue Whales is the second week in March and the magic lasts for 30 days where there is a massive congregation of these gentle giants due to krill feeding season.
Alternative Cultural Triangle
The best way to see the sites of The Cultural Triangle is by bicycle and foot. First explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress as it is one of the UNESCO sites of Sri Lanka. Climb up this rock column, which is surrounded by verdant royal gardens. Arrive at the rock entrance close to dawn to avoid the crowds and be amongst the first few visitors at the site. Sigiriya consists of 1,200 steps at last count. Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery and the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. This site is often overlooked.
A great climb for those interested in ascending mountains is the Pidurangala Rock, offering a great addition to the Sigiriya climb, and offering a totally new perspective on Sigiriya from a few kilometres away.
Kandy
Stop off at the second largest city in Sri Lanka, home to the largest botanical gardens in the world after Kew. Kandy is famed for the Temple of the Tooth, believed to house a tooth of Lord Buddha himself. Aside from the mass of yellow-robed priests, Kandy is bustling with colourful markets and local life. A little outside the city and you are welcomed by the verdant green of paddy fields and small villages begging to be explored on foot.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,000 Per person
When to travel
Sri Lanka in January
Sri Lanka benefits from generally good weather all year round and experiences a tropical climate with the best and most popular to visit being during our winter months, from January to April.
Sri Lanka in February
Visit the Southern and Western coast of Sri Lanka to experience the hot and humid climate in coastal areas or visit the mountainous regions for cooler temperatures with less humidity.
Sri Lanka in March
In Northern and Central Sri Lanka, temperatures will start to rise, and these regions will become more humid with March being generally a dry month for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka in April
Overall, April is a very good time to visit Sri Lanka, with most of the island experiencing high temperatures and lots of sunshine, all before the first monsoon rains of the year begin in the South.
Sri Lanka in May
From May to August, the country experiences the first of its two annual monsoon seasons in Southwest Sri Lanka. Therefore, during these months it is best to visit Northeast Sri Lanka including Batticaloa and Passekudah.
Sri Lanka in June
Rainfall with continue in the South during the monsoon season whereas in Northern Sri Lanka, June is one of the best times to visit this area with a warm climate and high temperatures throughout.
Sri Lanka in July
In Northern Sri Lanka, the months of June and July are particularly good times to travel to the area, with minimal rainfall, particularly high temperatures and long days of sunshine.
Sri Lanka in August
Throughout the country, you can expect excellent climate conditions. August is ideal month for those wanting to experience both the Northeast and Southwest regions of the island, typically quite unusual due to Sri Lanka’s monsoon seasons.
Sri Lanka in September
September will start to see the end of the monsoon season in the Southwest and whilst rainfall and thunderstorms are less frequent, are still likely across the region.
Sri Lanka in October
Prior to the monsoon season, rainfall is likely throughout the country and can sometimes be unpredictable, meaning disruptions in travel are likely.
Sri Lanka in November
From November to February, Northeast Sri Lanka will experience one of two annual monsoon seasons. Whilst most days will experience rainfall, it is a great time to travel to experience the lush, green countryside.
Sri Lanka in December
Due to the monsoon in the Northeast, it is best to visit the southwest coast of Sri Lanka prior to the second monsoon reaching this area in May. Experience high levels of sunshine, perfect for Sri Lanka’s beaches.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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