Srilanka Best Of North & East

Airport / Kandy
Meet on arrival and transfer from Airport to Kandy. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Thereafter witness a cultural show. Overnight stay at Chaaya Citadel Kandy.

Kandy/ Jaffna
Breakfast at Chaaya Citadel Kandy. Transfer from Kandy to Jaffna via Anuradhapura, the first capital of the Sri Lankan kings in 4th century BC which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Overnight stay at Thilko Jaffna City Hotel.

Jaffna
Breakfast at Thilko Jaffna City Hotel. In the morning leave the hotel by 07.00 a.m. to visit Naga Deepa ( Nainativu). It is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Gulf of Mannar and is only about 35 miles from India. As the historical records reveal the Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka had taken place during the month of Bak more than two thousand five hundred and ninety years ago. As mentioned in the Mahavamsa, in the fifth year (523 B.C) of Supreme Enlightenment, the Buddha had visited Nagadeepa in Lankadeepa (Sri Lanka) to settle a dispute between Mahodara and Chulodara -uncle and nephew who were at war with each other over a gem studded throne. During the Buddha's stay in Jethawana he saw in his Divine Eye the disaster about to take place in Nagadeepa and arrived there on Bak Amawaka Poya day (fifteen days prior to Bak Full Moon Poya Day).

Jaffna/Trincomalee
Breakfast at Thilko Jaffna City Hotel. Transfer from Jaffna to Trincomalee. Visit Nallur Temple. Nallur temple is one of the favorite destinations among tourists and is one of the beautiful temples in Jaffna. In 948 AD Bhuvanekabhu the chief minister to Chola Kulangai built this beautiful temple to worship Lord Kumaran. In the year 1450 the temple was demolished and was rebuilt in the year 1457. The temple represents the historical age with beautiful carvings and paintings. Overnight stay at Chaaya Blue.

Chaaya Blue
Breakfast at Chaaya Blu.This part of the east coast is well known is for its beautiful deserted beaches. Trincomalee is also well known for its natural harbour. At any one point it is only possible to see sections of the magnificent Bay which gives Trincomalee its reputation as one of the finest natural harbours in the world.The British explorer Samuel Baker described Trincomalee thus “few things surpass the tropical Beauty of this harbour, lying completely land - locked, it forms glassy lake surrounded by hills Covered with the waving foliage of coconut trees and palms of great variety”. The small fishing village of Nilaveli north of Trincomalee is considered to be one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka . The hot springs at Kanniyai are known for their therapeutic qualities and whale watching which is seasonal are the other interesting activities which is possible in Trincomalee.The Koneswaram temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Swamy Rock also known locally as lover’s leap are the other interesting attractions to visit. Overnight stay at Chaaya Blue.

Trincomalee/Colombo
Breakfast at Chaaya Blue.Transfer from Trincomalee to Colombo via Pinnawela.Overnight stay at Ramada Colombo.

Colombo - Departure
Breakfast at Ramada Colombo. Do a city tour of Colombo. Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)..Transfer from Colombo to Airport.