North East Explorer Tour in Sri Lanka (12 Days)
Book this Package now, just for FREE, and be pampered with the fascination of the island with Next Travel Sri Lanka. We assure you of the perfect exploration, with the comforts you desire. Need more additions? Yes, you can even plan your holiday to suit your true favours with our Tailor-Made Tour Packages! We are always here to assist you in planning the best holiday. Simply contact us, if you have any doubts about this package, tailor-made tour packages, or the bookings.
Book With Flexibility Number of Days: 12
From Colombo to Colombo
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Max Group Size 20 |
Private Tour Available |
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Physical Rating Active |
Age Range 18 to 65 |
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Operated In English |
Tour ID NTD2019 |
From $890, Price varies by group size
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Places and Experiences
The Sigiriya Rock Fortress View from the Pidurangala Rock Top
The Sigiriya Rock Fortress View from the Pidurangala Rock Top
Whale Watching at Trincomalee
A Whale-Watching Tour at Trincomalee
Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple
Visiting Fort Frederick
The British Guns at the Fort Fredrick in Trincomalee
Visiting a Tea Factory
A Tea Factory amidst the Greenery of the Tea Plantation
Snorkeling at Pigeon Island
The Pigeon Island, a Perfect Spot for Snorkeling
Sightseeing at Ella
A Foreign Lady Enjoying the Beauty of Ella
Hiking Pidurangala
The View of Sigiriya from the Top of Pidurangala
Exploring the City of Trincomalee
The City of Trincomalee
Experiencing a Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Enjoying the Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
City Tour in Colombo
The City of Colombo
Exploring the Charm of Nuwara Eliya
A Swan Boat Ride at Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya
Map
Highlights
Relaxing on the Shores of Negombo
Exploring the Ancient City of Anuradhapura
Visiting the Jaffna library
Visiting Jaffna Fort
Visiting the Nallur Hindu Kovil
Visiting Old Buildings and Ruins
Visiting the Jaffna Fish Market
Exploring the City of Trincomalee
Visiting Fort Fedrick
Snorkeling at Pigeon Island
Whale Watching at Trincomalee
Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple
Climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Hiking Pidurangala
Exploring the Charm of Nuwara Eliya
Visiting a Tea Factory
Experiencing a Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Sightseeing at Ella
City Tour in Colombo
Itinerary
The first day of this tour is dedicated to exploring Negombo, the charming coastal town of Sri Lanka. The time of your arrival, thus, will not be a problem. Our agent will be at the Colombo airport to pick you up with a warm welcome and to drop you at the hotel nearby Negombo beach. The hotel is at a convenient distance from the Colombo International Airport and during this trip, you would get the chance to observe many city monuments which glamour the city limits. However, if you arrive in Sri Lanka earlier, an evening walk around the city to explore the never-ending beauty is a must. Since the hotel is on the beachside with the sea view, you can even enjoy a wonderful pool time, and chill having a cocktail towards the night. Sitting on a sandy tropical beach and enjoying the horizon and the sunset in front of you is worth having. So, this day by the shores would provide you with the perfect start for this wonderful tour.
The second day of the journey calls for a long-distance journey to smell the anciency and to discover the historical importance of the island. On the way from the coast towards the country, you will feel the environment change from the temperature to odor. This tour to the most ancient city of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, which includes two UNESCO world heritage sites will open you up to a different world filled with historical looks and archaeological importance. The sightseeing and historical exploration start towards the afternoon after a little rest. Travelling through the monuments, ruins, and old palace premises is the best part of this city tour. On the other hand, the glorious Buddhist religious presence in this city with the number of stupas, and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi will add more value to the day.
After discovering the treasures from the past, the third day contains a scheduled journey towards Jaffna. And yes, you begin this tour from the bottom of the country and on the third day, you are at the topmost of the country. Thus, you are provided with an unexpected level of diversity. However, Jaffna is for sightseeing and to discover the colonisation values in the country. The main landmark which attracts the interest of the visitors is the Jaffna Fort, which is the second-largest fort built by the Dutch in their period. In contrast to Anuradhapura, this city gives importance to the Hindu religion with a number of related monuments. Nallur Hindu temple is in front of them. Visiting this place will make you understand the diversified religious presence in the country. Then in line is the visit to the Nagadeepa Buddhist temple which adds more value to this trip.
With the sunrise of the fifth day, we would be heading back towards the south to reach one of the important port cities back in history, Trincomalee. This North-Eastern coast of the island gives you another experience of one of the other beachside of the country. Besides, this is another city that demonstrates the importance of the Hindu religion in the country. The sightseeing places here are Thrinkomali Koneswar Kovil and the mediaeval Hindu temple, Kailasam. After touring around the city on the fourth day, the next day is for relaxation. So, you can spend the following day as your heart desires. Yet, we recommend you to visit the coast and feel the sea breeze while reminiscing about your stay so far. This will surely boost your mind to the next 5-6 days of the journey
Keeping aside all the coastal journeys of 5 days, this day diverts its focus toward the inland discovery of the country. Leaving Trincomalee to reach out to Dambulla, you will be visiting Dambulla cave Temple as the first destination. This cave temple is one of the caves-related monuments on the island due to its content of a spectacular five caves complex with historical paintings and statues. Here you will expose more to the Buddhist religion and the character of Lord Buddha with all the information you gather from this religious site. Next in line for a visit is the Polonnaruwa city which has the reputation of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This city is quite similar to Anuradhapura, giving more importance to the ancient world of Sri Lanka with the ruins, monuments, religious sites, and Royal palaces of the time. After having an intriguing tour around this interesting and famous city, you will be heading back to Dambulla for some leisure time and an overnight stay.
The seventh day of this tour offers you much excitement, as you would be climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, during the morning hours. This is one of the significant sites in the country that adds value to the historical advanced architectural systems. Holding vast historical importance, this rock stands proudly in the middle of a forest with a footpath. The whole vicinity is visible to the top and it is one of the best views you can have in Sri Lanka. The steep staircase, different valuable statues, and the beside paintings make the Rock Fortress a heavenly place. Adding to that beauty, the ruins of the fortress on the summit of the rock along with natural scenery, Sigiriya attracts the interest of every single visitor. After having that spectacular walk up to the rock top, you will be enjoying a bullock cart ride and a mini canoe trip around a village nearby called Kalyanwala. This visit includes a wonderful local meal from a village house as well. There you will get the Sri Lankan taste in a variety of local food items. The day ends with traveling towards Kandy visiting the spice garden at Matale en route
Kandy is one of the most sacred and the most beautiful cities in the country. The day starts with visiting the important landmark of the city, the Temple of Tooth Relic. This belongs to the frontline sacred Buddhist religious monuments in the country since it houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Then according to the line-up, you would travel around the city starting from a drive around the lake centred in the city. Next, it is the visit to the gem museum to explore the varieties of gems and this city exploration ends with a tour around the local bazaar. Afterward, with a tuk-tuk ride up to the surrounding hills of the city, you would have a visit to a local tea factory to witness the process of tea manufacturing, especially, ‘Low Grown’ and ‘Long Leaf’ tea. The day ends with a mandatory cultural show of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance, which reveals to you the delight of Sri Lankan dances.
The ninth day of this tour is for a completely different experience since this day is focusing more on the hill country of the island. Besides, the best part of the day comes with the travelling mode which is a train tour. Yes, we will be visiting Nuwara-Eliya, the coolest city in the country by train! This journey lays amidst the huge tree platoons, green-filled hills, abandoned bridges, and widely spread tea plantations. Hence, this is one of the best train tours in the world due to the mesmerising scenic beauty it gives. Also, Nuwara-Eliya has a different environment than any other place in the country with its foreign look in the formation of the city. The day ends with a walk around the city along with the constant coldness that touches the skin.
The tenth day of this tour contains an experience full of wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Yes, you would be heading from the cold weather to quite a hot atmosphere to explore one of the natural habitats of the wildlife of the country, Udawalawe National Park. This is a place famous for observing all sorts of animals like Sri Lankan elephants, deer, bears, and even reptiles like crocodiles. At the same time, this is a home for varieties of elegant endemic birds and insects as well. The afternoon contains a safari to the woods to explore the lifestyles of all these animals and to capture them in your camera eyes. Along with that, the day ends with a game drive through the park before returning to the hotel.
Day 11 means that you are already on the verge of the journey since day 12 is about the departure. Making the way back to Colombo we will be visiting a Gem mine and a museum in Ratnapura en route. The day is for a tour around the city including souvenir shopping as well. Touring around the city will include a visit to Gangarama temple, the Fort towards the Northern part, and a walk around the Colombo City Centre to discover the urban beauty of the country. This is high time for you to line up and remember all the memories you had with the diversity you witness in all the aspects of the island. The afternoon is allocated for a stroll around the Galle Face Green, the scenic park by the beach, and greenery!
This wonderful tour in Sri Lanka would reach the end of this day. However, you have ample opportunities to independently explore the delight of Colombo, before the departure transfer to the airport.
After all, we believe that this tour package features the best of the island, satisfying the true flavours. Besides, if you prefer to make your dream trip in Sri Lanka a reality, in exactly the way your heart desires, we are here to offer you tailor-made tour packages as well. Contact us for more information.
Happy and Safe Travelling!
What is included
Let it be a stay by the golden stretches, a chill amidst the cool breeze or a holiday surrounded by the lush greenery! Whatever your heart desires, the wide array of star-class hotels in Sri Lanka are ready to cater to you. And this tour includes accommodation for 11 nights in star-class hotels and heritage properties
Of course, there is so much on this island to explore, and getting around this country is not an issue at all! Throughout this tour, transportation would be provided in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
Dishes in Sri Lanka are a true delight! Hence, you should never miss a chance to experience the authenticity and the exclusivity of the mouth-watering Sri Lankan tastes. However, this package offers you 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners. Yet, you have nothing to worry about the rest of the meals because our representatives would help you arrange the meals upon request. Further, any of the Sri Lankan hotels/restaurants would allow you to choose among the below selections, for each of your main meals.
Also, please note that these are the general food items that any of the hotels would offer you, and there may be a wide variety of additional dishes depending on the hotel you dine at.
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It is true that one can visit the attractions on this island on their own. Still, let us assure you that having a travel guide makes your journey more wonderful, and stress-free. In fact, they know about this island like the back of their hands. They are capable of enlightening you about each and every place you visit. Going beyond, they would turn out to be a companion of yours, inspired with a passion to fulfil your expectations on this beautiful island. Hence, we make sure to provide you with Guided Sightseeing, and also the service of an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more
We recommend you have travel insurance to enjoy yourself more and travel stress-free on this paradise island of Sri Lanka. Yet, insurance is NOT INCLUDED in our tour packages. Tourists are responsible for choosing the insurance packages that suit them the most and getting themselves insured. You can arrange the travel insurance through an agent of your choice.
Of course, you will be provided with accommodation. Still, it is up to the travellers to bear personal expenses for pre and post-tour accommodation. Further, the travellers should bear their cost for anything that is not mentioned in the Itinerary, such as the rest of the meals, alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, visa fees, tips, and portage, etc.
You may need to pay an entrance fee to visit some of the attractions in Sri Lanka. However, it is a must note that this package does not include any entrance fee unless specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grabbing out the best essence out of a wonderful holiday destination indeed requires a good plan. Yet, proper planning surely requires a good knowledge about the destination as well. In that case, you will certainly need a helping hand to know more about what to expect, how to get ready, and mostly, to clear out your doubts. However, as an experienced team working close to the hearts of our travelers, we clearly understand what troubles your mind, and your desire to travel with peace of mind. Thus, we have answered the most frequently asked questions, so that you can easily clear out your doubts just in a second. So, why not? Have a look at the section below, and we are sure that we have answered your question!
Abided by the new normal, Sri Lanka is now open for tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, quarantine measures are different for vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists
Completing two weeks upon receiving the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccinations will make you begin traveling on the island sooner. Apart from that, Sri Lanka requires no mandatory vaccinations before arrival.
The natural marvels of the island nation Sri Lanka, which includes the golden shores, charming cascades, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife are indeed capable of attracting any tourist. Besides, its rich cultural heritage, delightful festivals, pleasant climate, exclusive cuisines, and extensive range of facilities for affordable prices, simply make tourists go to Sri Lanka, at any time of the year.
Tourists are only permitted to get to Sri Lanka, by air.
Yes, of course! If you are arriving in Sri Lanka for a holiday, for medical treatments, or to take part in an event, you will require a Tourist Visa.
Any foreigner who plans to arrive in Sri Lanka should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) through http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. The website also contains a full guide on obtaining the ETA, along with the payment details.
The Visa is valid for 30 days.
Yes, you can. Still, you have to apply for a visa extension, before your current visa expires. All you have to do is collect the visa extension form from the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (You can also download the form from here), and submit the duly filled application, along with the following.
- Return Air Ticket
- Details of the place of accommodation
- The application along with a photograph of the applicant
It is always better to have your National Identity Card, and Passport with you when travelling around the island.
In brief, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. Thus, it always has something to do and somewhere to visit on this island. Still, it is always better to choose a time where the monsoon rains do not impact the area you plan to visit in Sri Lanka. This complete overview of the weather and climate of Sri Lanka, and the official website of the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka will help you with regard.
You can either use public transportation which includes the bus and train services. If not, you can even hire a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or hire a vehicle to drive yourself.
Sri Lanka Rupees (SLR) is the currency used in Sri Lanka.
Not really! If you are using public transportation, enjoying meals from budget restaurants, and taking accommodation at budget hotels, you can experience the holiday at your heart’s core, at a low budget. Thus, the cost depends upon your choices. Still, a holiday in Sri Lanka is simply cheaper than many other tourist destinations across the world.
The best is to wear comfortable materials, preferable cotton, linen, or rayon since Sri Lanka is warm most of the time. Besides, if you are visiting a religious place, the best is to wear something light colour that covers from your shoulders to your knees, to blend with the culture there. Besides, having a shawl will help you to cover yourself in instances where your attire is inappropriate to visit such a place.
As long as you are travelling in a populated area it is safe to travel alone in Sri Lanka. Still, if you are a female travelling alone, the best is to wear an attire that covers your body, and also, wearing a fake wedding ring, acting familiar, etc. will help you avoid unnecessary hassles. However, the best is to avoid night rides, and use google location if you are travelling alone!
Most can! Still, some locals would only be familiar with Sinhala and Tamil languages. However, hand signals will help you in instances as such.
- Simply, cultural and religious values run through the veins of Sri Lankans. So, never disrespect any religion. Avoid posing with funny actions at religious sites. Besides, dresses or tattoos with religious slogans or images might pave the way for unnecessary disturbances.
- Avoid public nudity and kissing.
- Never take photographs without permission.
Good to Know
The delight of a Sri Lankan holiday needs no further exaggerations. Its natural splendors, pleasant weather and climate, welcoming smiles of Sri Lankans, and every other bit of this wonderful paradise are surely going to enchant anyone who visits it. Still, in order to witness the true delight of this wonderful destination, knowing a few more things would certainly benefit you. Keep calm, and have a look below. They will help you make the most out of your time on this splendid island nation!
Electricity is not an issue in the present, especially around tourist hotspots. It is true that some extremely rural areas still lack this facility. Still, we can assure you that those areas are out of the tourist zones.
However, Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50 Hz. Hence, be mindful of bringing compatible devices or voltage converters. Besides, it is always better to have with you a power bank, rechargeable lamp, etc. because emergency power cuts could occur once in a while.
As you might already know, Sri Lankan Rupees is the currency used in Sri Lanka. The best would be to bring USDs with you and then to exchange them for the local currency once you arrive. Doing so will offer you opportunities to get better exchange rates as well. Besides, Mastercards and Visa Cards are widely accepted, while American Express Cards are also often accepted. Still, it is always better to have cash in hand, since most of the local boutiques around tourist attractions do not have the facilities to accept credit cards.
Also, ATMs are available islandwide. Still, not all of them accept international cards. The daily transaction limit usually ranges between SLR 100,000 to SLR 200,000 and a transaction fee is imposed upon every transaction. Moreover, banks are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM and closed on weekends. Still, some main cities have a few banks that are open 24/7, or either till night hours.
Of course, telecommunication facilities are available almost island-wide, except for the extremely rural areas. If you are planning to stay connected during your trip to Sri Lanka, the best would be to buy a local sim since the mobile service providers here offer perfect tourist plans that would simply save you money. Also, buying a sim in Sri Lanka is not that hard. You can buy one easily from the airport premises, or the outlets islandwide.
As you already know, Sri Lanka holds accommodation facilities that cover an extensive range. Starting with the Home Stays, Guest Houses, Bungalows, to Medium-Scale Hotels, and Super-Luxury Hotels, this paradise island has it all. Of course, the price might vary upon your selections and the facilities they offer. Still, accommodation facilities are indeed cheaper in Sri Lanka, when compared with tourist destinations worldwide.
However, some of the Home-stays, Guesthouses, and Bungalows might not have AC and hot water facilities. Hence, if you are concerned with regard, it is always better to ask about these little things before placing your bookings. Besides, finding accommodation during the off-season might not be that hard. Still, it is always best to hunt for accommodation a few days earlier, just to travel with pace in mind.
Discovering the unique flavours of Sri Lankan Food, seafood, and cultural dishes would simply be a delightful experience that you can ever imagine! Let it be the luxurious hotels that offer you both local and international cuisine, and the small boutiques or the street stalls that amaze you with their mouth-watering tastes, all of them are impressive beyond words. However, local dishes might be a bit spicy. Thus, it is always better to inform the cook earlier, if you prefer less spicy food. Besides, the cost of food in Sri Lanka highly varies depending on the place you choose to dine, and the dishes you select.
Photography and videography are not forbidden in Sri Lanka. Still, make sure you request permission, especially if you are capturing locals, their boutiques, or their houses. Besides, never turn your back to religious statues, or pose with them with funny poses, since Sri Lanka is a country backed with strong cultural values. Also, whenever you visit a religious or a cultural attraction, or a museum, make sure to check for notices. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in certain places, and using the flasher is strictly prohibited in some sites with historical paintings, and murals. Going beyond, photography and videography in some places require prior permission or payments. Hence, making memories is always fine, yet, it is always better to be mindful of the restrictions. And yes, your travel guide will simply help you with these concerns!
As you might already know, Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Thus, we encourage you to follow the below ethics when visiting religious places in Sri Lanka.
- Most religious places encourage visitors to wear a light colour attire that covers their body, shoulder to knees. Thus, if you are visiting a religious place, make sure that you do not wear shorts, crop tops, skinnies, etc. Also, having a shawl with you will help you cover your body at such times, in order to blend with the culture there.
- Visitors enter the religious place barefoot and caps, hats, scarfs, etc. are removed before entering the site.
- The tranquillity of the religious places in Sri Lanka is simply impressive. Hence, make sure you mind your behaviour.
Indeed, safety is first! So, it is always better to keep an eye on animals, especially on the stray dogs on the roads. Be mindful when feeding them, or touching them. And by chance, if a stray dog or any other animal bit you, make sure you arrive at the nearest government hospital, and they will make sure to treat you accordingly.
