Sri Lanka14 days
Sri Lanka's North-East: Jaffna to Udawalawe — 14 Days
A coastal and cultural route across Tamil and Buddhist heritage sites, beaches, and wildlife reserves
This 14-day route traces Sri Lanka's North-East coast and interior, moving from Jaffna southward through Trincomalee, Passikudah, and Arugambe, then west to Udawalawe National Park before returning to Colombo. The itinerary connects Tamil and Buddhist historical sites—temples, forts, and libraries—with coastal stops and a wildlife safari. Travel includes a long-distance train journey from Colombo to Jaffna, boat trips to island temples and coral reefs, and road transfers through rural and coastal terrain. Accommodation is in double rooms; an English-speaking driver-guide provides transport and commentary throughout. Most meals are arranged; lunches and dinners outside the itinerary are the traveller's responsibility.
Highlights
- Train journey from Colombo to Jaffna: landscape transitions from central highlands to northern lowlands
- Jaffna cultural sites: Nallur Temple evening ceremony, Jaffna Fort, public library, and Delft Island colonial ruins
- Nagadeepa Temple, a sacred site on an island accessible by boat from Trincomalee
- Snorkeling at Pigeon Island: coral reefs and tropical fish populations near Trincomalee
- Passikudah and Kalkudah beaches: shallow bays with sandy floors suitable for swimming
- Batticaloa cooking class: hands-on instruction in local Tamil cuisine
- Arugambe countryside: village walks and coastal terrain
- Udawalawe National Park morning safari: elephant herds, water buffalo, and native bird species
- Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe: facility for injured and orphaned elephants
Day by day
1Arrival in ColomboColombo
Arrive in Colombo and receive a warm welcome with airport pickup. Transfer to your hotel and take time to unwind before the journey ahead. Spend the night in the lively city.
2Train Journey from Colombo to JaffnaColombo to Jaffna · Jaffna · Fort Railway Station
Transfer to Fort Railway Station for a long-distance train service northward. The route passes through changing landscape—rural terrain, agricultural zones, and coastal approaches—before arriving in Jaffna. Check-in at accommodation in Jaffna for the night.
3Jaffna Historical Sites and Temple CeremonyChunakkam · Kantharodai · Keeramalei · Point Pedro · Kasurina Beach · Nallur Temple · Jaffna Fort · central bazaar
A full day exploring northern sites. Morning visits to Chunakkam, Kantharodai, Keeramalei, and Point Pedro, each a site of historical or religious significance. Kasurina Beach offers a swimming and rest stop. Evening activity includes attendance at the Pooja ceremony at Nallur Temple. The day concludes with walks through Jaffna Fort and the central bazaar.
4Delft Island Boat Excursion and Museum VisitDelft Island · Jaffna Museum · Rio Ice Cream Bar · Jaffna Public Library
Morning boat trip to Delft Island, where a large Baobab tree and colonial-era fort ruins stand. The Jaffna Museum visit follows, with a collection of local artifacts and regional history. The day includes time for local dining and a stop at Rio Ice Cream Bar. The historic Jaffna Public Library, reconstructed after damage during the civil conflict, is also visited.
5Nagadeepa Temple and Travel to TrincomaleeNagadeepa Temple · Trincomalee · accommodation near the water
Morning visit to Nagadeepa Temple, an island sanctuary accessible by boat. The afternoon involves travel by road southward to Trincomalee, a coastal town on the eastern shore. Check-in at accommodation near the water.
6Pigeon Island SnorkelingPigeon Island · hotel
Boat excursion to Pigeon Island, a small marine reserve. Snorkeling among coral formations and tropical fish species occupies the main part of the day. Return to hotel in the afternoon.
7Trincomalee Beaches and Girihandu SeyaTrincomalee · Girihandu Seya
Beach time in Trincomalee. Evening visit to Girihandu Seya, a seaside dagoba (Buddhist shrine) perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the coast.
8Koneswaram Temple and Travel to PassikudahKoneswaram Temple · Passikudah · Fort Fredrick · Trincomalee to Passikudah
Morning visit to Koneswaram Temple, a Hindu shrine on a hilltop above Trincomalee, and Fort Fredrick, a colonial military structure. By mid-morning, travel southward by road to Passikudah, a beach resort town. Check-in at accommodation.
9Passikudah Beach and Coastal RestPassikudah · Passikudah beach
A day for swimming and relaxation on Passikudah's shallow bay. The afternoon remains unscheduled. Evening option: seafood barbecue dinner on the beach (available for groups of four or more).
10Batticaloa Cooking Class and ArugambeBatticaloa · Arugambe · Batticaloa to Arugambe
Travel inland to Batticaloa for a local cooking class focusing on Tamil cuisine preparation. Participants work through a meal under local instruction. Afterward, the road journey continues southeastward to Arugambe, a smaller beach village. Check-in for the night.
11Arugambe Beach and CountrysideArugambe beach · surrounding countryside
Morning and afternoon on Arugambe beach. Evening excursion into the surrounding countryside on foot or by vehicle to see village settlements and lagoon edges.
12Travel to Udawalawe National ParkUdawalawe National Park · Elephant Transit Home
Road journey westward and inland to Udawalawe, a wildlife sanctuary in the south-central interior. Afternoon visit to the Elephant Transit Home, a facility caring for injured and orphaned elephants. Check-in at accommodation.
13Udawalawe Safari and Return to ColomboColombo · Udawalawe National Park
Early morning jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park observing elephants and wildlife. Midday drive to Colombo, arriving late afternoon for hotel check-in.
14Departure: Reflecting on Sri Lanka's North-Eastairport
Transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying memories of Sri Lanka's North-East with you.
Where you go
- 1Colombo
- 2Trincomalee
- 3Udawalawe National Park
- 4Elephant Transit Home
- 5Colombo
- 6Udawalawe National Park
Included
- Services Included in the given price
- Welcome and assistance at the airport
- Welcome bags on arrival and Gift at the departure
- Accommodation in a double room sharing basis
- Daily breakfast
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide (Included their accommodation and meals)
- Check-in is from noon and checkout is before noon
- Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle including all transfers and excursions suggested in your travel plan
- Vehicle insurance covering passengers
- Entrance fees/tickets to monuments, sites & visits suggested in your given travel plan
- All the services proposed in your travel plan
- All the government taxes applicable to date
- Best possible option/decision in the event of unexpected breakdowns or an emergency
- 24/07 emergency contact
Not included
- Services Excluded in the given price
- Domestic and international flights
- Single room supplement (price per single person travelling individually)
- Airport taxes
- Visa fees
- Travel/medical insurances
- Lunches and dinners that are not in your travel plan
- Beverages
- Tips & porter charges
- Personal expenses
- Services not proposed in your travel plan
- Other mode of transport not mentioned in the travel plan