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Sri Lanka Uncovered
2-weeks Sri Lanka off the Beaten Path Itinerary - Jaffna, Knuckles Range and Gal Oya National Park
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Prices from £2,348 pp
All prices exclude international flights at the start/end of your trip. Let us book flights for you.
15 days / 14 nights (flexible)
Daily
Colombo - Negombo - Kalpitiya - Jaffna - Ancient Capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa - Gal Oya National Park - Knuckles Range - Colombo
Overview
Experience Sri Lanka without the crowds and tourist hot-spots: we have combined the country’s best-kept secrets to wow you on the journey across the tear-drop island. Immerse into the rich ancient culture, enjoy a warm welcome from the local family, unwind in the emerald tea hills and spot amazing wildlife along the way! You will leave the tourist trails behind and feel like a real explorer during this exciting adventure.
What's included
- Accommodation – price based on 2 people sharing
- Breakfast
- Transport with private driver
- Excursions as described
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Location map
Your day-by-day itinerary
Amble along Negombo's Canals
Today you’ll arrive in Negombo, a modest beach town on the palm-fringed west coast, not far from Colombo. During your time in Negombo, you’ll stay in an elegant villa with a swimming pool and gardens. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please; why not relax by the pool with a good book or take a stroll along the beach. The following day, you can soak up the sights and sounds of the town with your driver. Explore the fascinating colonial history, wander through the vibrant bazaar and watch the fishermen bring in their morning catch at the market.
Onward transfers
Today, you will leave charming Negombo and journey up the West Coast towards Kalpitiya peninsula. You’ll travel by private car with an experienced driver past endless coconut plantations. The journey will take about 3 hours.
Dolphins and a Mangrove Lagoon
Known for its peaceful beaches and wildlife-rich lagoon, Kalpitiya is a nature lover’s paradise. During your time here you’ll head out onto the lagoon by boat, taking in the the lush greenery, surrounding mangroves and colourful birdlife. You’ll be sleeping next to an idyllic beach on Sri Lanka’s western coast, and on day 2 you’ll wake early to head out dolphin-spotting around Dutch Bay.
Onward transfers
Next, you’ll travel from Kalpitiya towards Anuradapura, a journey of about 3 hours. Here you’ll spend the night in a cosy hotel and have a little time to wander around the temples. The next day you’ll journey north with your driver to the city of Jaffna. This onward journey should take another 3.5 hours.
Colours of Jaffna
Only opened up to tourists in recent years, the northern city of Jaffna is a melting pot of cultures, religions and cuisines. Take a walk along the battered ramparts of Jaffna Fort and sneak a peek into a Hindu temple. Let the hubbub of Jaffna market envelop you then visit a local home to see palmyrah being made. With a distinctive culture all of its own, Jaffna is sure to leave you enchanted.
Onward transfers
Next, you’ll travel from Jaffna with your driver by private car to Polonnaruwa. The journey will take around 7 hours including stops.
Temples in Buddha's Garden
From crumbling ruins to majestic elephants, this trip will take you on a discovery of Sri Lanka’s fascinating Cultural Triangle. Your journey will begin by climbing Sigiriya’s mighty rock fortress, before you arrive at Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa, where you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time as you wander, and cycle around the ancient stone city. This ancient capital is also famous for its delightful restaurants, farmers’ markets and numerous food stalls, and you’ll have plenty of time to taste all the local delicacies. You’ll spend 2 nights at a lakeside hotel, where you can relax and take in the beauty of the area.
Onward transfers
Today you will leave the ancient sites behind and travel off the beaten track to one of the lesser known National Parks of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya. The drive will take about 3 hours
Wild Elephants & Emerald Lakes
Gal Oya is a real treat for the wildlife lovers who want to venture off the beaten path. Set on the shores of the largest lake in Sri Lanka, this undiscovered paradise teeming with wildlife will give you a proper feel of the untouched jungle. Your home for the next couple of days is charming eco-lodge with a pool to cool down at – check out the views from your very own terrace! During your stay, you will embark on a boat safari across the lake to spot wild elephants swimming between the islands or bathing by the shores – a truly magical experience.
Onward transfers
Next, your driver will take you right into the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, the Knuckles Range. You will reach your secluded accommodation in 4,5 hours.
Unwind in Misty Mountains
It’s time to discover the soul of Sri Lanka’s hill country – the gorgeous Knuckles Range. Your home for the next few days is a beautiful lodge perched on the edge of the hill, with emerald-green tea plantations stretching as far as you can see. During your stay here, you will visit the local community and enjoy a warm traditional welcome from the host family who will invite you into their home and tell you about their life over a cup of freshly brewed tea.
Onward transfers
Next, its time to travel back to Colombo and the journey time today is around 5 hours.
Just One More Thing...in Colombo!
The time has come to explore the colonial capital of Sri Lanka. During this trip, you’ll enjoy a traditional British high tea and spend the night in a stylish hotel in Colombo. The city itself probably won’t be the highlight of your holiday, but it’s an interesting and convenient way to end your Sri Lankan adventure if you’re flying early the following day.
Onward transfers
It’s time to wave goodbye to the tear-drop island and your driver will take you to the airport in time for your international flight home.
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- Bedroom at the lodge in Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka