DAY 01
ANURADHAPURA
Anuradhapura in the northern centre of Sri Lanka is a sacred place worshipped by many Buddhists, as a sapling of the Bhodi tree of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was planted at this holy place. The Sri Maha Bodhiya is the oldest documented tree that is still living. This ancient city consists of palaces, monasteries and monuments which are all in ruins today, which are really fascinating to visit.
Ruwanwelisaya, an ancient stupa, is revered by the Buddhist community. Thuparamaya enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha and is considered to be the first dagaba, or pagoda, built in Sri Lanka. Lovamahapaya also known as the Brazen Palace is between the Ruwanvaliseya and Sri Maha Bodhiya. Jetavanarama is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. As well as these beautiful places there are other stupas and relics, soaring over the vast acres of paddy fields in the area.
DAY 02
JAFFNA
This is one of the most colourful cities in the island which is located in the Northern Province, on a peninsula that is like an island with only a narrow connection with the rest of Sri Lanka at Elephant Pass. It is thrilling to visit the Jaffna market with its vibrant atmosphere and you can enjoy a vast variety of locally produced goods, fruits and vegetables. As a contrast to the bustling commerce of the town there is the spirituality of the Hindu temple known as the Nallur Kovil. Boats can be used to have a visit to the Buddhist shrine on the island of Nagadeepa.
A contrast is Delft Island with its ruins of forts and wild ponies that roam carefree. There is even a beach, some 35km from Jaffna, fringed with Casurina trees, after which it is named. Jaffna is a fine evidence for the multi-cultural aspect in this pearl island.
ELEPHANT PASS
Elephant Pass is located in the gateway of Jaffna Peninsula in the northern part of Sri Lanka. This is about 340km far from the capital. It has an important military base and used to be the island's largest salt field. This is a remarkable city in Sri Lanka which was actively used as a site of battles during the civil war.
JAFFNA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Jaffna Public Library is a symbol of northern heritage which was first built in 1933. Emphasized by its new restored classical architecture, the library also endured a horrific burning in 1981 – a time at which it held nearly 100,000 books and manuscripts, making it one of the largest libraries in Asia. Ancient literature and documents from renowned scholars and other professionals were preserved at the Jaffna Library, and served as a cherished depository for information on the history and culture of the northern peninsula. Even today, the dignity of the library is upholding the esteem of people in Jaffna and beyond.
NALLUR KANDASWAMY TEMPLE
According to the legend, Kandaswamy Temple was founded in 948 ad. As per the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, the ancestors believe that the temple was developed at the site in the 13th century by Buwaneka Bahu, a minister to the King of Kotte.
The credit for building the third Nallur Kandaswamy temple goes to Sapumal Kumaraya who is known as Chempaha Perumal in Tamil, the ruler of the Jaffna kingdom on behalf of the Kotte kingdom. As the royal palace is situated very close to the temple, Nallur was served as the capital of the Jaffna kings. Nallur has four entrance gates each with two main roadways and four temples.
DAY 03
NAGADEEPA VIHARAYA
According to the legend, this site is known as the place where Lord Buddha came during his second visit to Sri Lanka, after five years of attaining Enlightenment, to intervene and mediate in settling a dispute between two Naga Kings, Chulodara and Mahodara over the possession of a gem-studded throne.
The summary of the legendary story is that, when Buddha arrived and saw the Naga Kings prepared for fighting, Budhha used psychic powers to appear in the sky performing miracles. This made the Nagas astonished and happy. After having listened to the Dhamma sermons displaying Buddha's masterly knowledge of unity and harmony, meththa and compassion, the Naga kings paid homage to Budhha with overwhelming faith. The throne was offered to him in unison and they became pious devotees.
NAGAPOOSHANI AMMAN TEMPLE
In Nagapooshani Amman Temple, there are four gateway towers which are known as gopurams in literature. They are ranging from 20-25 feet in height. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, such as Manimekalai and Kundalakesi. The ancient structure was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1620 and the present structure was built during 1720 to 1790.
JAFFNA FORT
Following the Portuguese invasion of Jaffna, this fort was built by Portuguese in 1618 under Phillippe de Oliveira. 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 the control of a British garrison till 1948. As the only large military fort in the country, due to the presence of only government and military buildings within its ramparts, it was garrisoned by a detachment of the Ceylon Army.
DAY 04
TRINCOMALEE
The nation’s port harbor, Trincomalee is to the more northeast of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is a popular attraction to both travellers and locals due to its commercial reputation and the maritime location. The city is rich with a bundle of offers to the guests, whether it’s traveling with children, loved ones, and friends or merely by yourself. The guests can make their journey the best through the elements of spiritual experiences, natural wonders and elements of relaxation come together.
THIRUKONESWARAM TEMPLE
Thirukoneswaram, or the Holy Koneswaram Temple, is a Hindu temple in Trincomalee on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The temple lies on a high rocky promontory surrounded on three sides by the sea. It has a history of over three millennia where its roots in 1580 BC according to the legend.This, still beautiful, historical monument is what remains of what once was a sprawling temple city equal to the ancient city of Madurai, India. This was zealously destroyed by the Portuguese in the 17th century. The remains of the old temple still lie on the sea bed to have a look.
DAY 05
DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING
Trincomalee has won a great attraction as an important Whales and Dolphin watching destination. The best season for Whale and Dolphin watching in Trincomalee is May to October. During your excursion you will be able to spot various species of Dolphins and Whales, for instance; Bottlenose dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Fraser’s Dolphin, Blue Whale, Killer Whale, Bryde’s whale and many more. During this season the ocean remains in tranquil, providing the most perfect surrounding to watch Whales and Dolphins in a closer proximity.
PIGEON ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
The island got its name from the rock pigeon which has colonized it. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. The island was used as a shooting range during the colonial era.
Floating in the great blue 1km offshore, Pigeon Island, with its powdery white sands and glittering coral gardens, tantalize with possibilities. A nesting area for rock pigeons, the island is beautiful enough, with rock pools and paths running through thickets, but it’s the underwater landscape that’s the real star. The reef here is shallow, making snorkeling almost as satisfying as diving, and it’s home to dozens of corals, hundreds of reef fish and turtles.
DAY 06 & DAY 07
PASSIKUDAH
Around thirty-five kilometers northwest of Batticaloa town on the east coast of Sri Lanka lies Pasikuda, a coastal town with a spectacular, blue bay and soft, sandy beaches.
Pasikuda is renowned because of its extended shallow coastline, making it a great spot for sunbathing and shallow swimming. The mesmerizing, azure waters are hard to resist and, along with the pristine, white-golden sand of the beach, create an incredible sight. Much of the town was destroyed during the 2004 Asian tsunami, but since then, tourism has gradually picked up. Today, Pasikuda offers the guests breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere with many stylish and luxurious resorts and boutique hotels.
DAY 08
POLONNARUWA ANCIANT CITY
Great Citadel mixed in three major sectors as Religious Royalty and Civilization bears witness to several developments in economic, agricultural, cultural and religious value and provides a great learning point of technology with enormous Structural Brick Works, Wonderful Irrigation Systems, Classic Arts where King Parakramabahu created a golden era in which the premise of no water drop was to be wasted, and each one was to be used for the growth of the soil, totally self-sufficient with sophisticated agricultural and irrigation systems with a multitude of religious buildings Buddhist & Hindu Temples, Pagodas and Lakes proved to be the best in the preparation of archeological relics to bear witness to the Kingdom's regard and prominence.
SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS
Called for its initial name of "Sinhagiri" by many names including "The Lion Rock," Sigiriya is close to the town of Dambulla and is a colossal rock column nearly 200 m elevated. It was a royal citadel for 18 years (477-495) when it was fortified by King Kasyapa. Sigiriya's architectural and irrigation technologies, like the Water Gardens, are still baffling engineers. Steep metal steps with railings climb up pass a wall adorned with bare-breasted women's frescoes. They are considered unique by art specialists. The rock's summit is a hectare in region and the palace's exterior wall was built on the rock's edge with gardens and a lake softening the eerie’s harshness. Because it was built more than 1,500 years ago, it is asserted as the Eighth Wonder of the World by enthusiasts and is still a World Heritage Site.
DAY 09
HIRIWADUNA VILLAGE TOUR
This trip enables you to get to know the life of the village and experience a bullock cart ride, village walk, tuk tuk ride and even a catamaran boat ride. Join this 3-hour trip for the chance to emerge in the true Sri Lankan village's nature and culture. Hiriwadunna Village in Habarana City is a beautiful rural area. Start your tour with a Bullock cart ride near the lake of the village and you will experience a boat ride to the next side of the rural village. You can reach the village house after a brief walk in the paddy areas and vegetable cultivation. You can relax and taste a delicious Sri Lankan lunch in the village house. Tuk Tuk will bring you back after the trip.
MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK
Minneriya National Park, Sitting in the center of the cultural triangle, Minneriya is a nice solution to the busier parks in the south and in a day between visiting the ancient towns, it is simple to weave here. The dry season is the best time to visit the 8,890-hectare park, preferably from June to September, when the old tank, the lake that dominates the region, dries out and the grasses and shoots move through. During this period you can see herds of feeding and washing up to 150 elephants, as well as toque macaques and sambar deer. Cormorants and painted storks are among the hungry bird flocks. Minneriya, nearest to the ancient town of Polonnaruwa by vehicle, has been upgraded from a nature reserve to a national park due to the increasing amount of visitors coming to see the elephants.