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Look Lanka

Explore North–East Tour in Sri Lanka – 12 Days of Culture, Beaches & Wildlife

12 Days

from

$1375

/ Person

Plan My Trip

This 12-day North–East Sri Lanka journey takes you beyond the usual tourist trail to experience the untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region. From the vibrant streets of Jaffna to the golden sands of Trincomalee, the serene beaches of Kalkudah, and the surfer’s paradise of Arugam Bay, this tour blends cultural exploration with relaxation and wildlife encounters. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly locals, taste authentic cuisine, and uncover fascinating historical sites.

Ideal for :

Couples

culture
coastal

Highlights

Explore the cultural heart of Jaffna with its temples, forts, and colonial heritage

Snorkel among colourful coral reefs at Pigeon Island National Park

Relax on the unspoiled beaches of Trincomalee, Kalkudah, and Arugam Bay

Enjoy island-hopping to Delft Island with its wild ponies and ancient baobab tree

Visit sacred sites like Koneswaram Temple and Girihandu Seya

Join a local family for a Batticaloa cooking class and market visit

Experience a jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park

Itinerary Details

DAY 1

Arrival & Transfer to Colombo

Start your stay in the capital.

Activities:

Airport meet & greet

Private transfer to Colombo hotel

Leisure time at hotel or optional city walk

Don’t Miss: Sunset views over Galle Face Green if time permits
Optional Add-on: Guided Colombo city tour

Accommodation:

Affordable: City Hotel Colombo (or similar)

Comfort: Fairway Colombo (or similar)

Deluxe: Cinnamon Grand Colombo (or similar)

Meal Plan

No meals included

Travel Time

1 hr from airport

DAY 2

Scenic Train to Jaffna

Start your day early for a scenic train ride from Colombo to Jaffna, passing lush landscapes, lagoons, and rural villages. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in this culturally rich northern city.

Activities:

Transfer to Colombo Fort Railway Station

Scenic train journey to Jaffna

Leisure evening at hotel

Don’t Miss: Watch the changing scenery from the train’s open windows or observation car
Optional Add-on: Upgrade to luxury train seats (subject to availability)

Accommodation:

Affordable: Green Grass Hotel Jaffna (or similar)

Comfort: Jetwing Jaffna (or similar)

Deluxe: North Gate by Jetwing (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

7–8 hrs train journey

DAY 3

Jaffna City Exploration

Discover Jaffna’s rich cultural heritage today. Visit the iconic Nallur Kovil, explore colonial architecture at Jaffna Fort, and wander through the historic Public Library. End the day with a sweet treat from the famous Rio Ice Cream Bar.

Activities:

Visit Nallur Kovil Hindu Temple

Explore Jaffna Fort

Stop at Jaffna Public Library

Taste local ice cream at Rio

Don’t Miss: The vibrant colours and rituals at Nallur Kovil

Optional Add-on: Evening street food tour in Jaffna

Accommodation:

Affordable: Green Grass Hotel Jaffna (or similar)

Comfort: Jetwing Jaffna (or similar)

Deluxe: North Gate by Jetwing (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

Local sightseeing only

DAY 4

Delft Island Adventure

Embark on a boat trip to Delft Island, known for its wild ponies, colonial ruins, and the massive ancient baobab tree. The island offers a unique blend of history and untouched beauty.

Activities:

Boat transfer to Delft Island

Visit baobab tree and old Dutch fort

Island sightseeing and relaxation

Don’t Miss: Spotting the wild ponies grazing freely

Optional Add-on: Picnic lunch on Delft Island

Accommodation:

Affordable: Green Grass Hotel Jaffna (or similar)

Comfort: Jetwing Jaffna (or similar)

Deluxe: North Gate by Jetwing (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

1–2 hrs boat + road transfers

DAY 5

Jaffna to Trincomalee

After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a short market tour in Jaffna before heading south to Trincomalee, a coastal paradise. Check into your beachside hotel and enjoy the evening by the sea.

Activities:

Jaffna market visit

Drive to Trincomalee

Leisure evening on the beach

Don’t Miss: Fresh tropical fruits and seafood at the local market
Optional Add-on: Evening visit to Fort Frederick

Accommodation:

Affordable: Sun Beach Hotel (or similar)

Comfort: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon (or similar)

Deluxe: Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

6 hrs

DAY 6

Pigeon Island & Snorkeling

Set off on a morning boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park, home to crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Nilaveli Beach.

Activities:

Boat ride to Pigeon Island

Snorkeling with coral reef and tropical fish

Beach relaxation

Don’t Miss: Spotting blacktip reef sharks and colourful parrotfish

Optional Add-on: Sunset seafood dinner on the beach

Accommodation:

Affordable: Sun Beach Hotel (or similar)

Comfort: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon (or similar)

Deluxe: Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

Short boat transfers

DAY 7

Cultural Trincomalee & Girihandu Seya

Relax in the morning before visiting Girihandu Seya, one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the coastal views and return to your hotel for a peaceful evening.

Activities:

Morning leisure time

Visit Girihandu Seya temple

Scenic coastal drive

Don’t Miss: The panoramic view from Girihandu Seya

Optional Add-on: Yoga session on the beach

Accommodation:

Affordable: Sun Beach Hotel (or similar)

Comfort: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon (or similar)

Deluxe: Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

Local sightseeing only

DAY 8

Koneswaram Temple & Transfer to Kalkudah

In the morning, visit the sacred Koneswaram Temple, perched dramatically over the sea. Stroll through Fort Frederick before heading to Kalkudah for beachside relaxation.

Activities:

Visit Koneswaram Temple

Walk through Fort Frederick

Transfer to Kalkudah

Don’t Miss: The cliffside views at Koneswaram Temple
Optional Add-on: Visit Marble Beach en route

Accommodation:

Affordable: Nirmaan Beach Hotel (or similar)

Comfort: Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa (or similar)

Deluxe: Uga Bay by Uga Escapes (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

3 hrs

DAY 9

Beach Day in Kalkudah

Spend the day at leisure on Kalkudah’s serene golden beaches. Enjoy the warm waters, fresh seafood, and relaxed pace of life.

Activities:

Beach relaxation

Optional water sports

Don’t Miss: Sunrise over the calm bay
Optional Add-on: Beach BBQ dinner

Accommodation:

Affordable: Nirmaan Beach Hotel (or similar)

Comfort: Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa (or similar)

Deluxe: Uga Bay by Uga Escapes (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

None

DAY 10

Batticaloa to Arugam Bay

Explore Batticaloa’s local markets and join a cooking class with a local family before continuing to Arugam Bay, famous for its surf and laid-back atmosphere.

Activities:

Batticaloa market visit

Cooking class and lunch with locals

Transfer to Arugam Bay

Don’t Miss: Learning traditional Sri Lankan recipes
Optional Add-on: Evening beach bonfire

Accommodation:

Affordable: Arugam Bay Roccos (or similar)

Comfort: The Spice Trail (or similar)

Deluxe: Jetwing Surf (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast & Lunch

Travel Time

4 hrs

DAY 11

Arugam Bay Countryside

Relax in the morning before taking a countryside excursion to explore rural life, lagoons, and wildlife.

Activities:

Beach time

Countryside exploration

Don’t Miss: Spotting elephants in the wild near Lahugala
Optional Add-on: Surf lesson

Accommodation:

Affordable: Arugam Bay Roccos (or similar)

Comfort: The Spice Trail (or similar)

Deluxe: Jetwing Surf (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

Local sightseeing

DAY 12

Arugam Bay to Colombo via Udawalawe

Head inland to Udawalawe for a jeep safari in the national park, famous for its large elephant population. Continue to Colombo for your final night or transfer to the airport.

Activities:

Jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park

Transfer to Colombo or airport

Don’t Miss: Photographing wild elephants at close range
Optional Add-on: Visit Elephant Transit Home

Accommodation:

Affordable: City Hotel Colombo (or similar)

Comfort: Fairway Colombo (or similar)

Deluxe: Cinnamon Grand Colombo (or similar)

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Travel Time

7–8 hrs with safari stop

Price & Inclusions

Affordable

from

$1375

/ PP twin share

Comfort

from

$1685

/ PP twin share

Deluxe

from

$2145

/ PP twin share

Child rates available: Ages 6–11 yrs, 0–5 yrs sharing with parents. Prices vary based on travel dates, hotel selection, and group size. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Inclusions

11 nights’ accommodation in selected hotel category (Affordable / Comfort / Deluxe)

Daily breakfast at all hotels (plus 1 lunch in Batticaloa)

Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide

All fuel, tolls, and parking fees

Scenic train tickets from Colombo to Jaffna (standard class – upgrade available)

Airport pick-up and drop-of

Exclusions

International air tickets

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Sightseeing entrance charges (unless specified)

Travel insurance

Camera/video permits

Personal expenses and tips

Late check-out and early check-in charges

Optional activities

Visa fees – Apply here

Good to Know

Jeep safari fees are not included unless specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

All entrance tickets can be arranged upon request for your convenience.

Sri Lankan train rides are subject to availability and schedule changes; seats are not always guaranteed, and delays may occur due to local conditions.

This itinerary can be customized with additional stops or experiences based on your interests.

FAQ

01. What’s the best time to take this North–East Sri Lanka tour?
May to September offers the best beach weather in the east coast areas like Trincomalee, Kalkudah, and Arugam Bay.
Yes, standard class tickets are included. Upgrades to first-class observation seats are available upon request.
Yes, we can customize the tour to match your schedule and preferences.
Boat transfers are included, but snorkeling gear rental is extra and payable locally.
Yes, it’s family-friendly with plenty of relaxed beach days and cultural experiences.

Contact Us

Want a Tailor-Made Sri Lanka Tour?

This tour looks great but maybe you’d like something a little more personal? No problem. We’ll help you create a tailor-made Sri Lanka itinerary that suits your travel style, interests, and budget.
Whether it’s a romantic escape, family holiday, group adventure, or cultural journey, we’ll design the perfect experience just for you.

Call us

0759003003

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